Kenny Slaught believes in Hospice of Santa Barbara as they build an active presence at local school campuses of all levels, elementary thru college. Volunteers are on-site at campuses to organize weekly support groups for students experiencing traumatic or complex scenarios and needing a safe space in which to discuss their thoughts and feelings. On-campus groups work to create open atmospheres that encourage self-reflection and provide critical coping skills. Effective coping skills help adolescents avoid drugs, alcohol, and other forms of self-medication. In addition to direct work with students, the hospice volunteers offer training to faculty and staff members about how to communicate with students who are dealing with trauma and how to handle their questions about death, most notably violent deaths and suicide. The 65 schools in the Hospice of Santa Barbara network call on the organization around the clock to respond to a traumatic situation rapidly and successfully.

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