Programs & Services

Kids First

Seven schools including Sunny Sands Elementary, Wenzlaff Elementary, Agua Caliente Elementary and Jewish Community School of the Desert, are benefiting from "Kids First," a school
based counseling program developed by Jewish Family Service three years ago.

The program sends therapists into schools several hours a week to counsel students dealing with situations like peer pressure, bullying, poor social skills, violence, and academic performance. This year, five JFS therapists and two graduate students in counseling provide the counseling services for the schools.

Teachers or parents typically recommend individual students see a therapist, and parental consent is necessary. Student participation is voluntary, but Dan Bass, JFS executive
director, reports most students are eager to meet with a therapist and make positive changes.

"Children are very responsive to positive reinforcement and when they see positive change in their lives, they want even more time with our therapists," said Bass. Evrille Bortz, JCSD principal agrees. "It's absolutely fantastic," she said. "The kids are always asking when Ms. W. is going to come back."

Students usually meet privately with a therapist, but sometimes group activities are encouraged to help students develop better socialization skills. For the younger children, art is an effective way of engaging them during the therapy process.

"Art is a way to express feelings and emotions that someone may not be able to express verbally," said Dr. Rory Goshorn, one of the program's therapists.

Last spring, JFS grief counselors began meeting with Palm Springs Unified School District middle and high school students coping with the death of a family member or friend. After three separate incidences of suicide at Palm Springs High, JFS was on site and able to make a huge impact for positive change during an extremely tough time. JFS hates to see students facing tragedies at such a young age, but they are always available to lend a hand when students go through difficult times.

For more information about "Kids First" contact Gladys Becker, coordinator of Clinical Services at 760.325.4088.


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