Newsletter  |  May 2024


                                                    ☀  JVL Wildcat Monthly Newsletter: MAY 2024  


"Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain."   ~ Matt Haig

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The following Wildcats attended classes at least 80% of school days in April:


Adorno, Branden
Aguilar, Isaiah
Alcivir Naxi, Laila
Brown, Tahli
Carruthers, Malachi
Castagne, Adriana
Council, Amya
Dorsey, Damya
Fabian, Natalie
Garcia, Jasmin Celeste
Griffin, Nathaniel
Harvey, Marquise


Joyner, Khalil
Laguer, Jocelyn
Ledward, Maricela
Mack, Danaisha

Mondesi, Angelica
Neri, Fabian
Otero, Heaven
Paladines, Shaynah
Rodriguez, Gerlainy
Thomas, Isiah 
Tomoney, Tah
Williams, Neveah



Wildcat Alumni Spotlight:
Mark Gray

Mark graduated JVL Wildcat in June 2006 and became a security guard in the courts in downtown Manhattan. He later went on to work for the Department of Environmental Protection in NY doing clerical work in customer service and billing. His side hustle included working in nightclubs, hip hop spots, and doing party promotions. A few years later, Mark had a son and needed to stay in a homeless shelter until he was able to get back on his feet.   This was one of his first adult experiences he said he could never forget. Then the opportunity came for him to work as a security guard in homeless shelter and he absolutely loved that. He worked here till he was 22 years old.  Now he is a manager at one in Brooklyn!  Years later, Mark studied Cyber Security in college and worked at a nursing home for a while, but missed working where he felt that his heart belonged: the homeless shelter.  Today, Mark works at a Domestic Violence shelter for women and children in Brooklyn. He is making such a difference in these peoples' lives!

Marc is most proud of:  "Being resilient. Many times when things didn't go my way, I wanted to quit or give up.  But I never did. I stuck through it and outlasted the situation and persevered. I'm proud of myself for that."

Mark's best Wildcat memory:  Mark loved his internship at Wildcat. He worked at the Intrepid and his supervisor was a retired police officer.  He appreciated learning the values of integrity, reliability, responsibility, and the importance of "showing up."

Mark's advice for current Wildcats: “Nothing is permanent.  This is all temporary. Even through the tough situations, you can outlast anything. Just stay strong."

FUN FACT: Mark is a jack of all trades. He has various interests that range from sports - to geopolitics - to technology - to religion!


If you know of or are, yourself a Wildcat Superstar Alum who would like to share an inspiring story with our community, we would love to hear from you! Email  @Nbogutsky_SCT@jvlwildcat.org

Instagram Post Highlight

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Unraveling Minds: The Impact of Global Climate Change on Mental Health

By Raman Marwaha, MD & Narpinder Kaur Malhi, MD
Psychiatric Times, April 2024

This article discusses the impact of climate change on mental health, highlighting the growing evidence that climate change is a global public health crisis with severe consequences for human physical and mental health. It emphasizes the direct and indirect effects of climate change on mental health, such as stress from acute events (like floods or hurricanes) and more insidious changes related to physical health and community-level impacts.

Key points include:

• The CDC reports that climate change in the U.S. leads to health effects including heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues, and trauma from extreme weather events. 

• Climate change impacts mental health through direct events (e.g., natural disasters) and indirect effects (e.g., changes in temperature, pollen, and pollution levels).

• Mental health issues associated with climate change include distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. 

• Vulnerable populations, including low-income countries, refugees, migrants, and individuals experiencing homelessness, are disproportionately affected by climate change. 

• New terms like "Eco-anxiety" describe the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm and concern for one's future due to climate change.

• Effective interventions involve community involvement, education, and social cohesion.  Medical education on the link between climate change and mental health is necessary. 

• Climate change and mental health curricula are not sufficiently covered in medical education, and there is a need for more research and training on this topic. 

In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of awareness and advocacy for the impact of climate change on mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Implementing strategies such as clinician education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and investment in research and treatments to address the crisis is imperative. Let's all do our part! 

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Curious what's happening in NY schools? You can read more here.

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Resource of the Month:
Covenant House (CHNY)

Sadly, more than 4 MILLION+ people will experience homelessness each year. Covenant House New York (CHNY) is open 24/7 and  serves youth ages 16-24 facing homelessness or human trafficking. CHNY is New York City’s largest provider serving youth experiencing homelessness. 

CHNY's doors are open to all young people who need help, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Their affirming, transformative services are based on trauma-informed principles, and their personal, compassionate, holistic approach helps youth take steps on their individual paths toward real independence and empowerment. 

Most importantly, * ALL SERVICES ARE FREE *

CHNY's Welcome Center and Youth Shelter team welcomes any youth with immediate shelter and then to develop a personal plan, with health, employment, education, and other goals. 

CHNY's services include:

• Meals

• Warm beds

• Clothing

• Daycare/nursery services

• Case management

• On-site medical care

• Health screenings

• Pre and post-natal care

• Substance-use assessments 

• Legal services

• Mental health care

• Service referrals

• GED preparation 

• College readiness

• Job readiness

• Career preparation

• Vocational training 

• Trafficking survivor services 

* Call: 212-613-0300 *

  Visit:  460 West 41st St - NY, NY 10036

"At Covenant House, I found structure and support. And I learned to talk about my depression without shame.  I learned that mental illness, like any other illness, can be treated.  My eyes and heart were opened up to so many different experiences."                                                                                                                                              ~ Carlos Salazar,  Covenant House California Alumnus 





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=In order to be featured in the monthly newsletter, be sure to attend classes at least 80% of school days during the month.