A portion of Redwood’s long-awaited Wellness Center opened with a plethora of new furnishings, comfort food options, and student health services on Jan. 15.
One of the center’s primary goals is to offer students physical health, mental health, substance abuse, and reproductive health services, according to Jessica Colvin, the district’s Wellness Director. Students will also have access to therapists, counselors, case managers, mentors, support groups, and empowerment groups within the Wellness Center.
“My hope is that students have positive, welcoming experiences in the Wellness Center,” Colvin said. “My hope is that [students] come in, get tea, get a Kind Bar, and meet a warm, welcoming person.”
Colvin’s aim for the Wellness Center is that it becomes a place where students feel comfortable and safe.
“I hope that students know that in the future they can eat lunch, de-stress, or if they’re having a problem there’s a place to go,” Colvin said.
The Wellness Center is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. every school day. During class, students can obtain a pass from the Wellness Center to drop in.
“We want to avoid if a student’s really upset, that they’re going to the bathroom, and sitting in the stall, and crying to themselves, which happens a lot,” said Jen Kenny-Baum, the Wellness Coordinator. “We want to create a space that’s a spot for them if they need it.”
During summer, more construction will take place to expand the Wellness Center, according to Colvin.
