Elena John, a current Rural Human Services (RHS) student at the University of Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus, is helping drive local efforts to prevent suicide and promote wellness through her time facilitating PC CARES. Originally from Toksook Bay, John enrolled in the RHS program for both her personal growth and professional development.
“I heard about Rural Human Services through my sister and my dad because he took it many years ago. I had been struggling with substance use, so that brought me closer to my recovery journey; I had to change my life and keep making better choices,” said John.
Empowering community members to foster positive change and create opportunities for wellness in their own communities is central to the mission of PC CARES. By partnering with the RHS program, RHS students are trained as PC CARES facilitators and equipped to become local leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to share suicide prevention best practices.
As a PC CARES facilitator, John has experienced this growth firsthand. Before leading her first Learning Circle in Anchorage, she felt nervous, but John channeled her nervousness into preparing for success.
Elena John (L) and co-facilitator Lena Peter (R) at their first learning circle, where 11 people attended.
“Pre-facilitating, I was very nervous. I was very worried because it was going to be my first time without guidance from our instructor. Mentally, I prepared myself by meditating, going through the guide for Learning Circle One, pre-reading, and preparing myself for any questions people might have,” shared John.
After completing her first Learning Circle, John was met with positive feedback and affirmation from participants who were thankful to have a safe space to come together for suicide prevention.
“And then, after our first facilitating session we got a lot of compliments and a lot of gratitude from participants saying that this needs to come out, especially for our Native people,” said John. “They were very grateful and looking forward to participating in our next session. So that made me confident. You know, I can do this, and they're learning. And we're learning together and coming together as a group.”
Looking to the future, John is excited to use what she has learned from PC CARES in her career, with increased confidence in her skills and experience as a facilitator and the knowledge that people in her community are ready to learn and work together for change.
“I would like to keep moving forward with my RHS Career path. I like how the classes are set to advance to the next degree,” said John.
John and her co-facilitator and fellow RHS student Lena Peter will be hosting their next learning circle at Anchor Park United Methodist Church. If you are interested in attending, you can contact 907-782-6586 or efjohn@alaska.edu.