School-Based Counseling Program

Project PAVE’s School-Based Counseling program effectively reaches youth impacted by violence by supporting them in their school environment. Our full-time School-Based Counselors provide the same specialized counseling services as the Counseling Clinic to children and youth directly in schools. Counselors provide services during school hours, in both English and Spanish, to schools with limited resources unable to provide full-time counselors. Counselors working in partner schools serve children and youth touched by relationship violence by building relationships in classes and activities, and through individualized in school counseling. Our experienced counselors work one-on-one and in groups with these students to help them heal from their experiences, gain confidence, build skills, and improve their functioning.

More Than Just Counseling

School-Based Counselors also consult with teachers on issues of violence, classroom management, bullying behavior, and how to identify victims of violence. In-class presentations, committee representation, professional trainings, and community and family workshops are all part of the comprehensive interventions provided by this program. The program impacts the entire school as students access needed counseling services, improve their grades, increase their attendance, and interact with supportive teachers and staff. Our ultimate goal is to partner with schools to create a climate where every child feels safe and valued.

Current Partner Schools

For the 2010-11 school year, Project PAVE is working in partnership with three Denver schools: Whittier K-8 School, Morey Middle School, and East High School. If you have a student at one of our partner schools and are interested in accessing services, contact the main office at the school and ask to speak with the Project PAVE School-Based Counselor. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Adam Evans, Program Director, at 303-322-2382.

Future Partner Schools

Parents, teachers, and community members consistently ask when Project PAVE will move into other partner schools. The short answer is due to a lack of resources. Our partner schools are unable to afford the full cost of providing a School-Based Counselor, so we rely on individual donations, foundations, corporations and government to support the program. We are constantly seeking new funding opportunities and donations to maintain this critical program. Project PAVE’s long-term vision is providing a School-Based Counselor for each of the schools in our neighborhood of Denver. If you are interested in helping make that vision happen, please let us know.