JIT Outreach at San Diego Virtual School

In August, JIT staff members and participant Michael Potterf presented to approximately 30 educators at San Diego Virtual School, providing strategies and suggestions for supporting youth who are grappling with chronic stress, homelessness, food insecurity and interactions with the juvenile justice system. 

Through personal narrative, JIT participant Michael Potterf emphasized the impact educators played in his healing journey as he grappled with these same issues. Michael also shared his gratitude for all the teachers in his life who supported and cared for him.

“You  never know who you’re going to impact by being able to see past a curriculum and into the student to help bring out the best in them. We talked about working through the lens of bringing the best out of people rather than imposing a point of view and I think it resonated with them.” 

-Michael Potterf, JIT Participant

The invitation to present on campus came from San Diego Virtual School Social Worker Carolina Bracamonte. 

As a Just in Time alumni, Bracamonte had been connected with critical resources and community connections to empower her academically as she achieved her graduates’ degree and as she transitioned to adulthood.   

Now, working with students from varied backgrounds, for whom traditional school settings had not worked out, she realized an overlap between her student population and the community that JIT serves.  

We are so grateful for alumni like Carolina who continue to connect Just in Time to youth within the greater community who can benefit from JIT services and to participants like Michael Potterf who share their own stories with others as a form of advocacy and outreach!