The Campbell Reporter
News
Sharks Foundation wants to chomp down on at-risk teenage behavior
By Cathy Weselby
The Sharks Foundation has donated $4,000 to the Teen and Family Counseling Center in Campbell. Mascot S.J. Sharkie presented the check at the center's office on July 11, while entertaining children and grown-ups.
Campbell City Councilwoman and board treasurer Jane Kennedy said, "It's very exciting to receive this grant, and very rewarding to see what the counseling center can do for teens and children who need help."
The money will support the center's drug and alcohol awareness and resiliency program.
The Sharks Foundation was established in 1994 to meet the educational, social and cultural needs of the community, and is committed to supporting Santa Clara County youth.
"The center's grant stood out because of the direct and tangible impact it makes on youth in the community and for the amazing successes that the program has experienced," Sharks Foundation manager Laura Johnston said.
More than 80 grant applications were submitted to the foundation last fall, and the Teen and Family Counseling Center was one of 19 beneficiaries.
Sharks Foundation board member Jim Sparaco said the board reviewed many well-run organizations, and it was difficult to choose the final beneficiaries.
"Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of youth, and the board felt strongly that this organization would be a good fit," Sparaco said.
According to Teen and Family Counseling Center executive director Georgia Clarke, drug and alcohol abuse problems are showing up as early as fifth grade, and while Alcoholics Anonymous is effective for adults, treating young people is different.
"The drug and alcohol program is designed specifically to help children and teenagers get free of their chemical dependencies." Clarke said.
The nonprofit group works closely with the Campbell Union Elementary School District and the Campbell Union High School District to provide on-site counselors at the 12 area schools. Counselors see approximately 1,400 clients a year, through the schools and the clinic.
There are four licensed clinicians on staff who supervise 19 counselor interns. The interns come from Santa Clara, John F. Kennedy, San Jose State and Notre Dame universities and are required to complete 3,000 hours for their practicum.
"The interns gain valuable experience and also receive specialized training on subjects such as gangs, sexual abuse and gay and lesbian issues," Clarke said.
The center's biggest challenge is fundraising. Confidentiality laws protect clients and there's little chance of obtaining a testimonial for the center's counseling services.
In addition to the Sharks Foundation, local corporations have contributed to the center. eBay has donated money to purchase therapy toys and to install a two-way mirror to facilitate training interns. Kaiser Permanente donated $10,000 to the center's drug and alcohol awareness program. This year the city of Campbell made a grant of $7,800.
The counseling center established in 1983 was originally located in Los Gatos. The center moved to its current location on Orchard City Drive more than two years ago.
For more information on the Teen and Family Counseling Center, 307 Orchard City Drive, Suite 206, call 408.370.9990 or visit www.teenfamilycounseling.org.
