Eve's Fund/ThinkFirst Navajo's Blog

Eve's Fund to Co-Sponsor 2012 Shiprock Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:11:00 +0000

On May 5, more than 1,200 people will descend on tiny Shiprock, N.M. to participate in the annual Shiprock Marathon, organized by our community partner, NavajoYES.

For marathoners, this race is appealing because it’s the only one of its kind on the Navajo Nation.

But the event also holds a great deal of promise for those who aren’t long-distance runners.

For families from the surrounding Navajo community, activities include a Health & Wellness Expo, 10K trail run/walk and 1K Fun Run for younger children.

We’re happy to offer our support and are thrilled that so many young people have signed up to try the 10K and Fun Run. Each youth finisher will receive a safety helmet from Eve’s Fund.

Not many people realize that although children on the Navajo Nation sometimes have access to shared bicycles (or ATVs), helmets are in short supply. As a result, the young population is at higher risk for preventable brain and spinal cord injuries.

We started raising money for safety helmets last year as part of our ThinkFirst Navajo Program. Through our online campaign called "Running for Eve's Fund," we encouraged people to raise money for our cause when participating in their next 5K, 10K or marathon. As a result of that fundraising effort, we were able to purchase more than 400 helmets, some of which will be distributed at the Shiprock Marathon.

We’re extremely grateful to all of our supporters and would like to extend a special thanks to Christa Zubieta, a public health nurse with the Four Corners Regional Health Center. Christa and her running partners continue to raise money for Eve’s Fund and have high hopes for their efforts at the Shiprock Marathon.

To learn more about Eve’s Fund’s programs on the Navajo Nation, visit http://evecrowellsfund.org.

For more information about the Shiprock Marathon, visit the shiprockmarathon.com.

Eve’s Fund needs your support to continue our high quality youth programs. We appreciate donations of any amount and are putting every dollar to good use.

Please click below to donate through our secure Pay Pal site or send a check to Eve’s Fund in c/o Robert M. Crowell, MD, 180 Elm St., Suite I, PMB 168, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

If you are not a member of our Friend of Eve’s Fund mailing list, please sign up here to stay informed about our innovative programs to help young Native Americans.

Subscribe to our news updates

Introducing our first Eve's Fund Scholarship recipients...

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:50:00 +0000

For the 2011-12 academic year, Eve's Fund awarded six $1,000 scholarships to students at Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, N.M. This amount covered all required student fees at the residential high school.

We're extremely grateful to Elfonzo Nephew of Nova Corporation and Derrick Watchman of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise for providing the matching grants that allowed us to double our original funding goal.

While nearly 50% of Native American students drop out of high school, our six scholarship recipients are working hard to reach their goal of attending college.

Read on to learn more about these special students…

From left to right: Ashley Joe, Christianna Wilson, Nicole Benally and Leisha Yazzie.

Not pictured: Isaiah Yazzie & Kendrick Keeswood

Nicole Benally

Ya’at’eeh! I am a senior from Ganado, Arizona. My clans are Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood Clan), born for Ma’ii deeshgizhnii (Coyote Pass Clan). My maternal grandfather is Todichinii (Bitter Water Clan) and my paternal grandfather is Tachinii (Red Running into Water Clan).

When I graduate, I plan to attend New Mexico State University to major in Environmental Engineering. I would then like to transfer to Humboldt State University to pursue more degrees and certificates in Environmental Sciences, Protection, and Law & Policy.

I have always been very involved in school activities and this year I'm active in volleyball, cheerleading, color guard, basketball, track and field, golf, Navajo Prep Nat’aanii Youth Council, National Honor Society, JROTC, and Student Senate. I love to spend my free time outdoors and having fun. I also love spending time with my friends and family, because without them I would not be the woman I am today.

Ashley Joe

I am born for the Within His Cover clan. My father’s side of the clan is also Within His Cover. My grandfather’s clan is the Towering House clan and my paternal grandfather’s clan is the Bitter Water Clan.

This year, I am a sophomore at Navajo Prep and I am very active in sports, including cross-country, basketball, track, and golf. Of the three sports, my favorite is basketball. I also have a special interest in nature and I love to camp, fish, and hike. My other hobbies include beading, dancing, and swimming.

When I finish high school, I plan to attend Stanford University. I want to get a master’s degree in math and science. I also want to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. I love helping other people, especially young children.

Kendrick Keeswood

I am from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. I enjoy learning about things that are interesting and new. I'm also very interested in music, my culture, and history. I like to stay on task and complete all necessary work because this will benefit me in the future and give me a path to success.

In my spare time, I like reading, talking to my family, enjoying a nice day, and listening to music. My favorite hobbies are golf, writing, making music, and--most of all--making new friends.

Christianna Wilson

I am 18 years old from Farmington, New Mexico. I am the middle child of my three brothers and sister. Because I don't have parents or a legal guardian, this scholarship helped me immensely to continue my high school education.

I am a junior this year and my future plans are to finish high school and get into a great college such as Stanford University. I would like to major in business because some day I would love to own my own bakery. I have a huge interest in baking. I recently got accepted by the LEAD Business program and will attend a one-month summer program in Dartmouth, New Hampshire.

Some of my hobbies are drawing, hanging out with friends, being creative and just having fun when I can. I am glad that I attended Navajo Prep because it has changed my life in many different ways. I also had lots of help from my last foster parents. They encouraged, motivated, and supported me in all the ways they could.

Isaiah Yazzie

I am a sophomore this year and everything is going well. I am keeping my grades up while doing cross-country, basketball, and golf. After high school I want to attend the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and get a master’s degree in the medical field. Then, I plan to go to an Ivy League school to get my Ph.D. My goal is to become a physician in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Twenty years from now I see myself being the change, not only for me but also the people I will help. For all my grandparents, relatives, and mentors who helped me get though my ups and downs, I want to help them in return and make a better, more suitable and prosperous life.

As a doctor, I will fight against disease and poor health conditions all over the United States. I will change people’s lives and find a new cure to make our world a better place.

Leisha Yazzie

I am a freshman and I live in Rock Point, Arizona. My short-term goal is to finish high school and go to college. My long-term goal is to become a pediatrician because I love to work with little kids and babies.

I have not chosen which college I want to attend yet, but I want to go to either Harvard Medical School or Johns Hopkins Medical School.

My hobbies are playing sports like volleyball and basketball. I like to read long, interesting books and I like to do volunteer work. Thank you for awarding me the Eve’s Fund Scholarship.

Because not every Native American student can attend Navajo Preparatory School, we plan to expand the reach of our scholarship program to include tuition assistance at vocational and technical schools, and other high-school level programs.

To reach this goal, we are actively seeking corporate partners. If your company would like to support the educational needs of Native students, please contact us at barbaracrowellroy@evecrowellsfund.org.

You can also make a personal donation to support the Scholarship Fund by clicking the Donate button below or by sending a check to Eve's Fund in c/o Robert M. Crowell, MD, 180 Elm St., Suite I, PMB 168, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Please click below to email to a friend or share on your favorite social network sites.

Helping Navajo Youth Say "YES" to Healthy Living

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:19:00 +0000

For more than 20 years, Tom Riggenbach of NavajoYES (Youth Empowerment Services) has been leading Navajo youth and families on a unique adventure that incorporates outdoor activities, education and community service.

This annual, multi-week adventure -- the Tour de Rez -- covers approximately 1,200 miles of Navajo Country (Diné Bikéyah) and welcomes about 200 participants each summer.

Most students join the Tour for a weeklong journey that includes mountain biking, backpacking and rafting, traveling about 100 miles during that time.

Along the way, they build trails, plant trees and learn about Navajo Nation history and geography, the environment, health, nutrition and fitness, as well as basic first aid and bike maintenance.

Through the Tour de Rez and other outdoor adventure programs, NavajoYES aims to empower young people and promote healthy living, while integrating education and community service.

Eve's Fund has been a supporter of NavajoYES for the past six years because the organization's mission is closely aligned with our goal of promoting health and wellness among Native youth.

Our past contributions have been used to purchase much-needed mountain bikes and safety helmets for the Tour de Rez and other programs. We've also "sponsored" young people on the Tour, giving them the opportunity to participate in this life-changing adventure.

We're proud to partner with NavajoYES again this year by providing funding to support the Tour de Rez, a youth mentoring program and the Shiprock Marathon, the only marathon event on the Navajo Nation.

To learn more about the Tour de Rez, visit the NavajoYES website.

For more information on the upcoming May 5, 2012 Shiprock Marathon click here.

For more information about how Eve's Fund is bringing hope to Native youth, visit our website.

Eve's Fund needs your support to continue our high quality youth programs. We appreciate donations of any amount and are putting every dollar to good use.

Please click below to donate through our secure Pay Pal site or send a check to Eve's Fund in c/o Robert M. Crowell, MD, 180 Elm St., Suite I, PMB 168, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

If you are not a member of our Friend of Eve's Fund mailing list, please sign up here to stay informed about our innovative programs to help young Native Americans.

Subscribe to our News Updates

Eve's Fund Receives $5,000 Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:19:00 +0000

Priti Mehta (L), of the Reeve Foundation presents Quality of Life Grant to
ThinkFirst Navajo VIP speakers, Doris Dennison (R) and Cecelia Fred (R)

FARMINGTON, N.M. – February 24, 2012 – Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives is proud to announce that it has received a $5,000 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 76 grants awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that aid in providing more opportunities, access and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families and caregivers.

Eve’s Fund will use the grant to expand its ThinkFirst Navajo Injury Prevention Program, which reduces brain and spinal cord injuries and fatalities among Navajo youth and teens by providing culturally sensitive, free education to schools on the Navajo Nation.

“We are honored to receive our second Quality of Life grant from the Reeve Foundation,” said Barbara Crowell Roy, secretary of Eve’s Fund. “The grant allows us to expand our education efforts in hopes of dramatically lowering the high rate of injuries and deaths among Native youth. The ThinkFirst Navajo program also empowers adult Navajos with paraplegia and provides them with an outlet for public service.”

In 2012, ThinkFirst Navajo will teach 2,000-2,400 students in grades K-12 about serious injuries related to vehicle crashes, sports injuries, alcohol, violence and other factors. Navajo speakers with paraplegia will make the presentations at 20-25 schools across the Navajo Nation.

“The Quality of Life Grants Program allows us to connect with other nonprofit organizations to enable individuals living with paralysis and their families to enhance their daily livelihood,” said Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “Promoting as much freedom and independence as possible for individuals living with paralysis is a tenet of our mission. The Quality of Life Grants do just that.”

About Eve’s Fund

Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that promotes hope and wellness among Native Americans. Dr. Robert M. Crowell founded Eve’s Fund in 2005 in memory of his daughter, Eve Erin Crowell. Over the past six and a half years, the organization has developed strong community partnerships and created prevention and education programs impacting thousands of Native children and young adults. For more information, go to http://www.evecrowellsfund.org.

About the Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, and to review the entire list of Quality of Life grant recipients, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

Eve's Fund brings HOPE to Navajo teens

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:11:00 +0000

Over the last 18 months, the residents of Red Mesa, Arizona, lost three young lives to suicide.

In this community--as in many communities on the Navajo Nation--there is an urgent need to provide Navajo youth with skills and support to help them recognize their own strengths and talents.

They need hope for a better future. They need a reason to live.

On December 1, 2011, a group of 50 ninth graders gathered at Red Mesa High School to learn how they could prevent more suicides among their peers.

The students took part in a two-day program that was sponsored by Eve's Fund and conducted by Dr. Clayton Small, a clinical psychologist and internationally known trainer in the areas of suicide prevention, team-trust building and youth leadership development.

The Native HOPE (Helping Our People Endure) workshop is a culturally based peer-counseling program that addresses suicide prevention and related risk factors such as substance abuse, violence, trauma/stress and depression.

The curriculum is based on the theory that most suicides are preventable, if Native youth can break the “Code of Silence” and learn to help and support each other.

During the workshop, the Red Mesa teens participated in a variety of activities that incorporated Native culture, traditions, spirituality, ceremonies and humor. The students learned to rely on one another and gained some strategies for dealing with anger and other emotions, including the painful feelings that arise after a relationship breaks up.

If you'd like to read more about the two-day workshop, check out these articles in the Navajo Times and the Native News Network.

Eve's Fund would like to sponsor more of these workshops in other Native communities. Please help us by donating if you can. We would also appreciate your comments below.

Hope in the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible."

~ Christopher Reeve

As we look ahead to the New Year with optimism and hope, we'll continue our dedication to literacy, injury prevention, mental health and education initiatives for young Native Americans.

Want to take a sneak peak at our To-Do List for 2012? Here's a snapshot:

Teach 2,500-3,000 school children how to prevent traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries through our effective ThinkFirst Navajo Injury Prevention Education Program.

Train additional VIP (Voices for Injury Prevention) speakers—all Native injury survivors—on proven methods of teaching injury prevention.

Distribute 500 youth safety helmets in combination with safety essay competitions.

Initiate a "Carrying our Children Safely" program to give car seats to those in need. (On the Navajo Nation, nearly 50% of children under 5 ride unrestrained because their parents can't afford a car seat.)

Expand the Eve's Fund Boy Scout Troop to give more Native youth the opportunity to participate in leadership, citizenship and personal fitness programs.

Donate more than 2,000 books to four elementary schools through our partnership with the authors of the bestselling Magic Tree House series.

Double our scholarship program to give more Native high school students the chance at a college education and a brighter future.

Continue our support of the Native H.O.P.E. suicide prevention program focused on reducing the alarming rate of suicide among young Native people.

We're aiming high because the stakes are so high. Young people's lives are at risk. But with your help, we can provide a path to a better future.

As we gear up for a busy year, we'd like to express our sincerest thanks for your support of the work we are doing in memory of our daughter Eve. Please accept our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and hopeful New Year.

Barbara Crowell Roy, Secretary barbaracrowellroy@evecrowellsfund.org

Bob Crowell, President
bobcrowell@evecrowellsfund.org

P.S. As 2012 begins, please consider making a charitable contribution to Eve's Fund to help us accomplish our mission. Click on the donate button (on the right) to be taken to our secure PayPal site or send a check to Eve's Fund in c/o Robert M. Crowell, MD, 180 Elm St., Suite I, PMB 168, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

P.P.S. If you would like to make a donation in someone else's name (we will send them a card to acknowledge your gift) or support one of our specific programs, please indicate so at the time of your payment.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Running for Eve's Fund Campaign Launched

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Barbara Crowell Roy

Dear Friends of Eve's Fund,

Yes, that's me--Eve's mom--Barbara Crowell Roy.

This summer, I did something I never thought possible...I got off the couch and started running. I did three 5Ks and even came in first in one of them. (Luckily, there weren’t too many participants in my age group!)

Those of you who know me well know that physical exercise isn't something I've ever really loved. Eve was an athlete and at least weekly she would bug me about the need to get fit. I can still hear her saying, "Mom, you need to live a long life to take care of all your grandchildren. I just can't understand why you don't want to move."

With Eve gone, her dad, brother and I have kept her memory alive through Eve's Fund...promoting hope, wellness and injury prevention for young Native Americans.

Now, just in time for what would have been Eve's 37th birthday on November 4th, we have started a Running for Eve's Fund Challenge on Crowdrise. We’re trying to raise $8,000—enough to buy 1,000 bike helmets for kids living in poverty across the Navajo Nation.

Navajo children experience preventable injuries which are three times the national average. We are trying to do something to keep them safe, avoid injuries and save lives.

Please consider donating (just $8 buys one helmet) and joining our team. Every dollar counts.

If you are planning to run or walk in any kind of race in the next two months, as a team member, you can raise money for Eve’s Fund at the same time.

Whether you’re signed up for a short fun run with your children...a 5K...10K or even a longer race, you can celebrate your accomplishment and give the race an added purpose by telling your friends and asking them to make a tax-deductible contribution to our Running for Eve's Fund Challenge.

To donate or volunteer, click on this link.

Warm thanks and happy running,

A Three-Day Journey of Self-Discovery

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0000

By Jeannette Rivera and Echohawk Lefthand

Living in the Four Corners region of the southwest United States, we are surrounded by the vast and beautiful scenery of mesa bluffs and multicolor sunsets.

Over time, however, we often become so accustomed to these nearby landscapes that we no longer “see” them. But as a group of local Navajo youth recently learned, there is a great way to rediscover the astonishing beauty of this high desert area: on a bike.

On June 28-30, a group of 13 students (ages 10-17) from the Bluebird Recreational Camp—led by Northbear Fragua and Eve’s Fund Program Director Echohawk Lefthand--rode about 60 miles from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, to Montezuma Creek, Utah, to Red Mesa, Arizona.

This wasn’t just an easy ride to enjoy the scenery, however. In fact before departing, Northbear warned the riders: “This trip is going to test you mentally, physically, and maybe even emotionally.”

He was right.

After some instructions and a bike tire repair, the group peddled single-file down the secondary road. Five miles clicked by easily, but the first tough hill surprised most of the riders. Unaccustomed to shifting gears, the campers used determination to overcome the hill. Sips of water and brief rest stops helped them push on.

Remarkably, the group peddled faster than anticipated. Arriving at the first campsite, everyone was delighted to cool off by wading knee-deep in the San Juan River. After setting up the tents, the campers made a healthy dinner before biking back down to the river to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, a gusty desert wind flattened the campsite, requiring everyone to pitch the tents once again.

The second day was the most grueling. Facing temperatures up to 108 degrees, the group peddled 26 miles to Montezuma Creek. Due to high winds and driving rain, the campsite was relocated to Echohawk’s home. The campers enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and a movie before setting up their sleeping bags in the living room.

On the final day, the group rode from the Four Corners Regional Health Center to Red Mesa Chapter House, covering 17 miles over back roads. As the campers reached their final destination, Chapter officials gave everyone a congratulatory high-five and a hot lunch.

Echohawk and Northbear congratulated the riders on their accomplishment, telling them, “Not every kid can say they did a three-day bike ride this summer.”

Despite a few falls, scrapes, and tears, the campers enjoyed themselves. They also learned more about healthy lifestyles while sharing an adventure they can talk about for years to come.

This youth bike trip was organized by the Health Promotions Department of the Four Corners Regional Health Center, an Eve’s Fund partner since 2007. Eve’s Fund paid for all of the helmets worn by the young campers through its award-winning ThinkFirst Navajo injury prevention program.

Jeannette Rivera is a summer intern with Eve’s Fund and is a member of the Class of 2012 at Williams College.

Echohawk Lefthand is School Health Coordinator at the Four Corners Regional Health Center in Red Mesa Arizona and Director of Eve’s Fund’s ThinkFirst Navajo Program.

Navajo youth learn about healthy lifestyles from the ground up

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:41:00 +0000

By: Jeannette Rivera

This spring, Eve’s Fund helped launch the “From the Ground Up” Gardening Program in the Red Mesa Arizona community along with the school district and Four Corners Regional Health Center.

Now that summer has arrived, the program is in full swing.

Students at the Bluebird Recreational Camp learned why gardening is so important as part of a healthy lifestyle. They also took responsibility for planting, watering and maintaining the greenhouse at Red Mesa High School.

Calling themselves the Green Thumbs Club, the campers—who ranged from age 10 to 17—learned that gardening in the harsh Four Corners climate is possible.

Those of us who live in the desert know that there is more growing out here than cactus and tumbleweeds. However, gardening for sustenance and as a hobby has declined on the Navajo Nation.

The loss of traditional lifestyle practices and the introduction of processed foods have had a great negative impact on the health of indigenous peoples. Diabetes is a serious problem on the Navajo Nation, and it has been attributed to the lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as individual exercise habits.

The month-long Bluebird Recreational Camp, which is run by Eve’s Fund Program Director Echohawk Lefthand, aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles to Navajo youth, getting them outside and involved in a variety of healthy activities—including gardening.

Working with the campers and watching them take an active role in the gardening project was inspiring. Showing them that fruits and vegetables can be produced at such little cost and so close to home will hopefully lead to increased consumption, more daily activity (gardening is a form of exercise!) and possibly eliminate some of their family’s grocery expenses.

Perhaps this introduction to gardening will help families get back to the traditional practice of gardening and lead to a healthier lifestyle for those living on the Navajo Nation.

Ms. Rivera is a summer intern with Eve’s Fund and is a member of the Class of 2012 at Williams College.

Click here to read more about how gardening can help in the fight against diabetes on the Navajo Nation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New and expanding initiatives...more hope and health for Native youth

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:24:00 +0000

The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May." ~Edwin Way Teale  

"Hope ever tells us, tomorrow will be better." ~ Tibullus 

Dear Friends of Eve's Fund,

Eve's Fund is having a Spring full of programs and activities that are positively affecting the lives of the young people we serve. Wait until you read what we've been doing and see the photos of the active, happy children.  

We remain committed to helping Native youth overcome difficult obstacles, and continue our efforts to help these children live their best lives.  

Out of respect for your time, we've tried to limit our updates to you. We hope you are interested enough in our efforts to click the link below for a PDF of our Spring News Update—to read a summary of our new and expanding initiatives.  

We are grateful to you for your continued support. 

With warm thanks, 

Barbara Crowell Roy 

Barbaracrowellroy@evecrowellsfund.org 

Bob Crowell 

Bobcrowell@evecrowellsfund.org  

Click here to see our Spring 2011 News Update in PDF Format.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eve's Fund Boy Scout Troop 928 Makes Their Mark

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Tue, 03 May 2011 23:48:00 +0000

Scout troop 928 members led by Scout Master Echohawk Lefthand (top upper right) at a recent
camporee in Colorado. Click on the album below to see more photos from recent hikes and activities.

In March, Scout Troop 928, led by Scout Master Echohawk Lefthand, attended a “camporee” at the Ute Campground in Colorado. During the camporee, each of the 10 troops had to use teamwork to build pioneering projects such as a bridge and catapult.

Troop 928—also known as the “Penguins”—took second place overall in camporee competitions. They also won top honors in the cooking competition for their chicken wraps, made with cooked chicken strips, spinach, bell peppers, lettuce, granola, cranberries, and poppy seed dressing. The six boys who attended from Troop 928 were very proud of their accomplishments during the camporee!

Eve’s Fund’s scout troop has been very active since its first meeting in 2010.

Last year, the boys participated in the 13th annual Walking Together for Healthier Nations walk and the troop plans to participate again this May.

They have also “carried the colors” during the homecoming parade in Red Mesa Arizona and have gone on several hikes in the area. With each activity, the boys are building character, self-esteem, and hope.

The troop is looking for more members, so if you know of any boys in the Four Corners area, please contact Echohawk Lefthand at: Echohawk.Lefthand@ihs.gov.

Mesa Elementary School celebrates re-opening of school library with authors of bestselling Magic Tree House series

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:37:00 +0000

Magic Tree House children’s book authors, Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Boyce getting ready

to bring joy to more children’s lives through their Magic Tree House series.

SHIPROCK, N.M.—On Wednesday, April 20, mega bestselling and beloved children’s authors Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce will participate in an event celebrating the re-opening of the Mesa Elementary School library, which was destroyed in a fire on Sept. 12, 2010.

At 10 a.m. Mountain time, Osborne and Boyce will talk with Mesa Elementary students via teleconference, sharing the latest Magic Tree House adventures, answering students’ questions and encouraging the children to keep reading. The authors will also announce the donation of a Magic Tree House Teaching Bookshelf, which will add more than 500 copies of the popular books to the Mesa Elementary collection.

At 4 p.m. that day, Osborne and Pope will participate in a teleconference with Mesa Elementary School teachers and parents to discuss the importance of reading. They will also offer ideas on how parents can help their children develop a passion for books.

Both events are being sponsored by Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives in partnership with the Health Promotions Department of the Four Corners Regional Health Center (FCRHC) in Red Mesa, Ariz. Eve’s Fund is a locally based non-profit organization that promotes literacy, injury prevention, mental health and leadership programs for Native youth.

“The loss of the school’s library books brought tears to the children’s eyes,” said Dr. Robert M. Crowell, founder and president of Eve’s Fund. “We hope our support and a ‘visit’ from the Magic Tree House authors will bring back some smiles and laughter.”

Since 2008, the joint literacy efforts of Eve’s Fund and the Magic Tree House team—including publisher Random House—have had a positive impact on thousands of students in the Four Corners area. Crowell reached out to literacy partners Osborne and Boyce after learning of the Mesa Elementary library fire.

In addition to the donations from the Magic Tree House team and a monetary contribution from Eve’s Fund, Mesa Elementary received more than 1,000 children’s books from Eve’s Fund partner Betty Metz, founder of the non-profit Books-a-Go Go. Other individuals and organizations have also made contributions to rebuild the school’s library collection.

For more information about the re-opening celebration on April 20, contact Echohawk Lefthand, School Health Promotions Coordinator at FCRHC at: 928-656-5305 or 480 370-8688.

About Eve’s Fund:

Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that promotes hope and wellness among Native Americans. Dr. Robert M. Crowell founded Eve’s Fund in 2005 in memory of his daughter, Eve Erin Crowell. Over the past five years, the organization has developed strong community partnerships and created prevention and education programs impacting thousands of Native children and young adults. For more information, go to http://www.evecrowellsfund.org.

About Magic Tree House:

Mary Pope Osborne’s celebrated Magic Tree House series has sold 70 million copies in North America and has been translated into 28 different languages in 31 countries. First published in 1992, the series continues to be widely regarded among children, teachers, and parents alike for its power to instill a passion for reading. For more information about Mary Pope Osborne and the series visit www.magictreehouse.com.

The circulation desk at Mesa Elementary School in Shiprock Arizona, the morning
after a fire destroyed the library.

Ms. Pandora Mike, Principal of Mesa Elementary School in Shiprock Arizona, and Bob Crowell Eve’s Fund president and founder looking over the damage to the school’s library caused by an arson fire set in September 2010.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eve's Fund to offer scholarships for Native American students

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:07:00 +0000

Eve Erin Crowell at her graduation from UCLA School of Law

"No skill is more critical to the future of a child,

or to a democratic and prosperous society, than literacy." ~ Los Angeles Times

To mark the 6^th anniversary of Eve’s death on February 24, 2005, Eve’s Fund has established a scholarship program for Native American high school students.

Each year, Eve’s Fund will provide scholarships for young Native Americans to assist with tuition at college-preparatory high schools and technical and vocational schools.

While several of Eve’s Fund’s current educational programs are aimed at elementary-age students, this scholarship program addresses the educational needs of Native high school students.

Overall, nearly 50% of Native American students drop out of high school before graduation. Of those who do graduate from high school, only 5% go directly to four-year colleges and only 10% of those students graduate in four years.

These daunting statistics relate to historical trauma, poverty, suicide, domestic violence, teen birth, and substance abuse at rates higher than the national average. Hope is in short supply.

We will provide more details about the Eve’s Fund Scholarships in the coming months, including application requirements and deadlines.

In the meantime, if you decide you would like to support this new Eve’s Fund initiative, please donate online through our secure Pay Pal account (by specifying scholarship program), or by sending a check to:

Dr. Robert M. Crowell

Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives

180 Elm St., Ste.1, PMB 168

Pittsfield, MA 01201

On the sixth anniversary of Eve's death, we hope you will remember our daughter by visiting the links provided on the right side of this blog. Even if you never met her, please find a way to recognize her life.

With warm thanks from Eve's family,

Barbara Crowell Roy

Barbaracrowellroy@evecrowellsfund.org

Bob Crowell

Bobcrowell@evecrowellsfund.org

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eve's Fund Annual Newsletter 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 22:09:00 +0000

Message from the President

Our first five years of Eve’s Fund have been fast-paced and exhilarating. Together we have accomplished much. We have implemented new programs, developed new projects, created additional partnerships, expanded our base of support and achieved remarkable program and administrative success. This newsletter will summarize our major activities and accomplishments as well as highlight future projects and areas of need. Please read it carefully and let us know as soon as possible how you can further your involvement.

In spite of how many young Native Americans we’ve helped in the past year, there is still so much to be done. We hope you will continue your support so, together, we can make it happen. What a year this has been! Thank you for being a friend and supporter of Eve’s Fund. We couldn't do what we do without you. Click on the newsletter link below to read our 2010 Eve's Fund Newsletter in full.

Eve's Fund Annual Newsletter (.Pdf format)

It is not too late to make a year end tax-deductible contribution here through our secure online Pay Pal account:

Bob Crowell

Founder and President

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy New Year from Eve's Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 01:26:00 +0000

Wishing all of our fans and friends hope and wellness in 2011.

We couldn't so what we do without you. Thank you.

Make your own free greeting card

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changing Lives This Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 06:51:00 +0000

Spreading Joy and Making a Difference

Smiles. Laughter. Hope.

That is what we will be remembering during the holiday season.

As we reached out to thousands of Native children and youth this past year, we were deeply moved by the joy on their faces as they participated in our programs.

Some of these children received a new book or bike helmet to call their own. Others got to attend summer camp or join a scout troop for the very first time.

These milestones — and others — were possible only because of the contributions we received from supporters throughout the year.

And for that, we thank you.

As we look forward to a New Year that promises even more hope and joy, we'd like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.

Barbara Crowell Roy Bob Crowell

If you would like to make a final year-end contribution for 2010, please click below to donate

through our secure Pay Pal site.

Or you can contribute by mail, by sending a check to:

Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives

c/o Dr. Robert M. Crowell

180 Elm St., Suite 1, PMB 168

Pittsfield, MA 01201-6552

Tel: 800-646-2952

Eve's Fund is having an impact on the lives of Native youth —
please visit our website or take a look at our annual newsletter to learn more.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Tis the Season: Give the Gift of Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:33:00 +0000

Having a problem figuring out what to give someone this holiday season? Especially for the person who has everything? How about making a donation to Eve's Fund in someone else's name or memory? You or your recipient can indicate how you want us to spend the money!

Youth literacy? Mental health? Injury prevention? Leadership & Education?

(98% of our donations go directly to fund our youth programs)

Just click on the donate button below to be taken to our secure Pay Pal site where you can use a credit card to make a tax-deductible donation on any dollar amount.

If you prefer, you can do all of this by sending a check to:

Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives

c/o Dr. Robert M. Crowell

180 Elm St., Suite 1

PMB 168

Pittsfield, MA 01201-6552

Tel: 800-646-2952

Your Gift of Giving will be something everyone can feel good about and

a gift that won't go to waste.

Thank you for supporting Eve's Fund.

With sincere appreciation from,

Bob Crowell and Barbara Crowell Roy

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2010 Thanksgiving Message from Eve's Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:46:00 +0000

* In January 2010, nine Navajo boys joined a newly formed Boy Scout Troop and quickly learned the importance of teamwork, determination, and overcoming fears as they completed a challenging ropes course.

* In March, 9-year-old Derrick and his 12-year-old brother Patrick learned how to create a video honoring their grandmother in a three-day “digital storytelling” workshop. For these – and the other young Native Americans who participated – finding their unique voice and sharing their personal stories was an empowering experience.

* In May, more than 1,900 school children across Arizona and New Mexico learned how important it is to use seat belts and wear bike helmets. Speakers from ThinkFirst Navajo shared stories about their own disabling injuries as they talked to students about the importance of injury prevention.

* And in July, 20 Navajo girls spent a week at day camp, laughing, sharing traditions, building friendships, and gaining self-confidence.

On behalf of these — and the hundreds of others who have benefited from Eve’s Fund programs just this year — we are thankful.

For the friends and family who support Eve’s Fund in memory of our beloved Eve…the fans and followers who help us spread the word…our dedicated board members, program partners and volunteers…and the generous donors who help us reach more children each year…we are thankful.

Your contributions are making a real difference in the lives of Native American youth, but there are still many more young people who need our help. Our resources are limited, so we are asking you to give now if you can.

$3 buys a Magic Tree House book for a Navajo school child;
Just $5 buys and ships a book to a Native child who may not own any books at all;
$6 buys a helmet that can keep a child safe or even save a life;
$70 buys and ships 20 Magic Tree House books — a teaching box for a WHOLE CLASS;
$1400 buys a Magic Tree House Bookshelf — teaching boxes for a WHOLE SCHOOL
$90 will purchase a hand-beaded Eve's Fund logo bracelet (including a tax-deductible contribution of $50)
Your donation, in memory of Eve, in any dollar amount, will help us bring hope and joy to more children in need.

All donations are tax-deductible, and any gift amount will be appreciated and acknowledged. You can donate by credit card here through our secure Pay Pal account

ThinkFirst Navajo Team Raises More Than $3,000 for Injury Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:06:00 +0000

ThinkFirst Navajo Team: Echohawk Lefthand, Matti Dodson & Christa Zubieta

On 10-10-10, more than 38,000 runners participated in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We were proud to have three runners representing ThinkFirst Navajo, and even more proud to say that all three members of the team finished the race.

Echohawk Lefthand, Christina Zubieta, and Matti Dodson all completed the 26.2-mile course, and together they raised more than $3,200 for ThinkFirst Navajo’s injury prevention programs.

Echohawk, program director of ThinkFirst Navajo and leader of our Boy Scout Troop 928, trained for months with Christina, who is a public health nurse with the Indian Health Service. You can see Echohawk’s moving personal story, "Rebalanced: Live Life and Learn from the Lessons of the Past," on YouTube.

Matti, a Wisconsin resident, recently turned 40. She was inspired to commemorate this phase in her life by running a marathon and raising money for ThinkFirst Navajo’s education programs. You can read about Matti’s journey to race day on her Facebook page, Run Matti Run.

Through their efforts, the team raised awareness of ThinkFirst Navajo, and their success was reported on by the Farmington, New Mexico, newspaper, The Daily Times.

With the funds raised by this dedicated ThinkFirst Navajo team, we’re grateful to be able to reach more Navajo youth with our injury prevention message. If you’ve been inspired by their story, please consider making a contribution to our ThinkFirst Navajo program. You can learn more about what we are doing by visiting our ThinkFirst Navajo web page.

Click the Donate button in the right column to make a secure credit card donation, or send a check to Dr. Robert Crowell, 180 E. Elm St., Ste.1, PMB 168, Pittsfield, MA 01201. We can also be contacted at our new toll free phone number at: 1-800-646-2952. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Here are some photos from the big day. Just click on first photo to start slideshow.

Barbara Crowell Roy

Secretary, Eve's Fund

barbaracrowellroy@evecrowellsfund.org

The 2010 Chicago Marathon: Running for Eve's Fund...Running to prevent injuries...Running to save lives

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:26:00 +0000

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."

~Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

Matti Dodson's ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention 2010 Chicago Marathon shirt

10-10-10 is the upcoming date for the annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Eve's Fund will have three Navajo runners participating to raise funds for our ThinkFirst Navajo Injury Prevention Program. Matti Dodson, Echohawk Lefthand and Christina Zubieta have been preparing for months for the challenge of their first marathon.

Matti who recently turned 40, decided she wanted to do something special this year to help others and she is doing it! She has collected quite a following of supporters through her personalized Facebook page, Run Matti Run, where you can learn more about this incredible woman, see photos and videos and realize her commitment to this goal.

Echohawk Lefthand, who is a health promotions coordinator, also serves as the volunteer director of our ThinkFirst Navajo Program and leader of our Boy Scout Troop 928. His moving personal story entitled, "Rebalanced: Live Life and Learn from the Lessons of the Past," may be seen on YouTube. You will see how this incredible young man is able to help others live balanced productive lives as he is trying to do. Eve's Fund feels very fortunate to have him on our team as one of our partners.

Another powerful digital story can also be seen on YouTube. In this video, "Running: Striving to Be the Best," Lenny Esson shares his remarkable personal story about how running has helped him to be a better husband, father and coach. He continues to strive to "be the best he can be" at all times. Lenny had planned be among the group representing Eve's Fund's ThinkFirst Navajo program in the 2010 Chicago Marathon, but had to drop out for personal reasons. We hope to see him back running for injury prevention and for Eve's Fund next year.

Eve's Fund president, Dr. Bob Crowell and volunteer Dr. Ksenija Topic will be cheering the runners on throughout their 26.2 mile course and plan to ensure that they eat a high carb dinner the evening before the race. They will also be taking photos which we will plan to share with you in the future.

We would appreciate any contributions you could make toward our ThinkFirst Navajo program. Our goal in the coming year is to buy more safety helmets for children and teens to save lives and to prevent avoidable brain and spinal cord injuries. You may donate by credit card through our secure server by clicking the Donate button in the right column or by sending a check to: Dr. Robert Crowell, 180 E. Elm St., Ste.1, PMB 168, Pittsfield, MA 01201. We can also be contacted at our new toll free phone number at: 1-800-646-2952. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Barbara Crowell Roy
Secretary, Eve's Fund

Day Camp Inspires Navajo Girls: Silly Games & Talk Circles Instill Confidence & Healthy Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:26:00 +0000

In the last week of July 2010, Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives and Girls Leadership Institute put on a day camp for about 20 young Navajo girls at Red Mesa School near the Four Corners.

GLI, an organization based in Berkeley, California, has for ten years awakened thousands of girls to a life of emotional intelligence, positive self-expression, and healthy relationships.

Eve’s Fund is a five-year old community-based non-profit organization that promotes programs for literacy, injury prevention, mental health and education for young Native Americans. Eve’s Fund is named in memory of Eve Erin Crowell who died in 2005.

Eve’s parents, Dr. Bob Crowell and Barbara Crowell Roy, Darlene Begay and Echohawk Lefthand joined the GLI leaders and nine counselors to guide campers through an inspiring and memorable week.

In the Red Mesa School, shortly after the young campers filtered into the classroom, Assistant Director of GLI, Julia Loonin, got the all the girls into a big circle for an icebreaker. Throwing her head forward and her arms askew, she called out “Shawagoowy,” and the girls mimicked her. Then Julia leaned back with “Shawaloopy,” and again the girls followed. Then to the right, then to the left, and suddenly it was a big silly dance. And then it was a room full of happy dancers, all swept away together in sisterhood.

Other fun and empowering activities included mask making, volleyball, writing about feelings, races, spontaneous singing and dancing. Many games ended in mayhem and laughter. Everyone was silly together.

At other times, campers and counselors broke out into small groups to sit on the floor for interactive discussion. One such session was led by a California counselor on the topic of family customs. She talked about traditional foods at Christmas. A Navajo girl's favorite was blue corn mush for a particular ceremony. Another described the elaborate preparations and ceremonies to celebrate a Navajo girl’s puberty. Both counselors and campers spoke about the "amazing" and "fascinating" daily intercultural sessions.

The evening hike on top of Red Mesa was a high point for many of the participants. The glorious Navajoland sunset dazzled the counselors. Then everyone gathered near the Hogan, where Darlene and Bernice, Echo’s mom, prepared mutton shish kabob and fry bread, which was much acclaimed. After the meal, Darlene described some Navajo traditional figures such as Trickster Coyote and Monsterslayer.

What were the results of the day camp? Almost all the campers said they were delighted with the program and would recommend it. During the camp, some Navajo girls changed from reticence to smiling, energetic activity. At least two girls proclaimed they had made new best friends.

Two substantial lessons were learned: Lack of transportation to the school decreased attendance, and rented busses will increase the turn out. Also, further modification of the curriculum to the Navajo tradition may increase attendance.

Leaders, counselors, and campers proclaimed the program a solid success. GLI and Eve’s Fund plan to repeat the event next year, if funding is available.

It was truly a joyful experience for Eve’s parents to participate in this unique Eve’s Fund experience. The happy expressions on the campers’ faces showed that Eve’s Fund is making a difference in the lives of young Navajos.

See you next year in Red Mesa!

Dr. Bob Crowell
Eve’s Fund Founder & President

Barbara Crowell Roy
Eve's Fund Secretary

PS. Don’t miss the slide show below; it shows how fantastic the camp was!

ThinkFirst Navajo Spreads Its Message

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:56:00 +0000

With the support of a 2010 “Quality of Life” award grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, ThinkFirst Navajo was recently able to expand and spread its message of injury prevention to about 1900 students in 9 schools over the Navajo Nation in Arizona and New Mexico.

ThinkFirst Navajo, founded in 2005 by retired neurosurgeon Robert M. Crowell, is a program of Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives. Eve’s Fund promotes hope and wellness by sponsoring programs in literacy, injury prevention, mental health and education for young Native Americans.

ThinkFirst Navajo is a chapter of the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing fatal and disabling injuries In the United States, 500,000 people a year sustain a brain or spinal cord injury and most of these injuries are preventable! Motor vehicle crashes, violence, falls, sports and recreation cause most of these injuries. The principal approach of ThinkFirst is education, to encourage children and youth and those who care about them to be active and safe. ThinkFirst advocates for proven injury prevention strategies appropriate for each age group of young people. The overall basic message however is: “think first and use your mind to protect your body.”

The rate of preventable injuries among Native Americans is alarming. Among Navajo people alone, the death rate from motor vehicle crashes is more than three times the national average. Many are alcohol related or due to lack of seat belt usage. Injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults.

The core of ThinkFirst Navajo’s education and prevention strategies is in its VIP program. VIPs are Voices for Injury Prevention – disabled individuals who talk to young people about their own injuries and how to prevent them. In five years, Navajo VIPs have visited more than 30 schools and addressed more than 10,000 students. This year however, grant support from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has enabled Eve’s Fund/ThinkFirst Navajo to expand and strengthen its VIP presentations.

Our speakers are better prepared to cover a wide range of injuries, including vehicle crashes, domestic violence, falls, and sports.
Pop-up banners with the ThinkFirst Navajo logo catch the eye. A new PA system projects even soft voices to the back of the gym. New age-appropriate videos use animation to demonstrate methods of injury prevention while maintaining student attention.
The new combination of presenters Cecelia Fred and Echohawk Lefthand is especially effective. Cecelia is a beautiful 53 year-old mother of two who was paralyzed at age six by an accidental gunshot wound. Echo is a 30 year-old former Marine and engineer, who has been a health promotion educator for the past few years. He serves in an advisory capacity as the Director of ThinkFirst Navajo.
In the school gyms, the two speakers alternate. For example, Cecelia describes her injury and mechanisms of spinal injury, then Echo presents head injuries and shows how to use a helmet. Together, they are effective in reinforcing the prevention message of “thinking first.”
They effectively hold kids’ attention with interactive methods, for example a show of hands regarding seat-belt use, and a young healthy student challenged by transfer from wheel chair to standard chair (see photo).
Finally, as a follow up to this Tour, we are conducting a study of the impact of VIP presentations on knowledge of injury prevention in student audiences. Students have completed questionnaires before and after VIP presentations. The data are being analyzed to complete the study.

For more information on Eve’s Fund/ThinkFirst Navajo and ways in which you can help, please visit our website and click on Programs at http://evecrowellsfund.org or contact:

Dr. Robert Crowell at: bobcrowell@evecrowellsfund.org and/or Barbara Crowell Roy at:
barbaracrowellroy@evecrowellsfund.org.

Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives and the communities we serve are extremely grateful to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for their commitment to preventing and curing spinal cord injuries and for improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis.

Click on first slide to start slideshow

Barbara Crowell Roy
Eve's mom & Secretary, Eve's Fund

Eve’s Fund Co-Sponsors Native H.O.P.E. Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:54:00 +0000

“Once you choose hope, anything's possible.” Christopher Reeve

For the third consecutive year, Eve’s Fund has co-sponsored a suicide prevention program, called Native H.O.P.E. (Helping our People Endure), in partnership with Native Pride, a non-profit organization, which offers culture- based programs that focus on prevention, wellness and leadership development.

American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest suicide rates of all ethnic groups in the United States, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. For 5-14 year olds, the suicide rate is 2.6 times higher than the national average. There is even a greater disparity in the later teenage years and into young adulthood. The suicide rate for American Indian/Alaska Native youth aged 15 to 24 is 3.3 times higher than the national average. Young people aged 15-24 make up 40 percent of all suicides in Indian Country. Further, there are many more nonfatal injuries and events caused by suicidal behaviors.

Native H.O.P.E. is a peer–counseling (youth helping youth) curriculum that focuses on suicide prevention and related risk factors such as substance abuse, violence, trauma and depression. This strengths-based approach, developed by Clayton Small, Ph.D., incorporates culture, spirituality, and humor and provides an awareness and education of the warning signs of suicide.

Clayton Small, Ph.D.

Although talking about suicide is taboo for many young people, Dr. Small encourages students to break “the code of silence” so that they can reach out for help when in distress. As well, the participants develop a strategic action plan of ongoing “booster” prevention activities.

Alcohol-related deaths among Native Americans ages 15-24 are 17 times higher than the national averages. The suicide rate for Native American youth is three times the national average. Prevention that is traditionally and culturally sensitive can help save lives."

Barbara Crowell Roy
Eve's mom and secretary of Eve's Fund

...........................................................................................................................

Boy Scout Troop 928: Overcoming fears, learning teamwork and determination

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:40:00 +0000

Eve's Fund and Scoutmaster Echohawk Lefthand have founded Boy Scout Troop 928 in the Mesa Verde District of the Great Southwest Council. The first meeting was held in early February, 2010 with five boys in attendance. Since then, the troop has grown to ten members. It is one of the very few Navajo troops in the Boy Scouts of America.

The first activity was a ropes course, with instruction provided by Orlando Pioche, Director of Red Eagle Challenge. Through the ropes course, troop members learned the importance of teamwork, determination and overcoming fears. Some of their favorite elements were the Mohawk-Walk and the Cat-Walk.

Another major event was a weekend camping trip to the Canyonlands National Park near Moab Utah. The main activity was an 11 mile hike to the overlook where the Colorado and the Green Rivers merge. The beginning of the hike was very grueling and the youngsters questioned whether they could complete the hike. After a few miles, everyone was determined to make it the whole way. At the end of the day, the troop was bursting with a sense of confidence and looking forward to the next group challenge.

Scoutmaster Echohawk Lefthand leads the troop with the assistance of Art Jimm, Ksenija Topic and Raymond Peterson.

Echohawk Lefthand

Scout Troop Leader

ThinkFirst Navajo Director

Double click on the slideshow of our activities to see it in full view

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eve's Fund joins hands with "What's in the Heart" film

noreply@blogger.com (Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Inc.) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:33:00 +0000

" Let us put our minds together and see what world we can make for our children"

~ Chief Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota

Eve's Fund is proud to announce that we have joined the "Circle of Partners" for a documentary film project called: "What's in the Heart." This positive upcoming film examines the medical crisis among Native people but also reveals amazing Indian people who have created remarkable health programs utilizing both modern and traditional treatments to heal their communities.

The great Oglala Lakota shaman and healer, Black Elk, who was a survivor of the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 said that "although the Sacred Hoop was broken that day, it would be mended in seven generations." "What's in the Heart" looks at today's Native children, who are the seventh generation and the many ways in which they are part of the healing time which Black Elk predicted. To learn more please visit: www.kittyfarmer.com.

Eve's Fund is honored to support this educational film project which investigates the health and hope of Native Americans because it is truly compatible with our organization's mission of promoting Native hope and wellness. We hope you will take a few minutes to take a look at this important work.

We continue to deeply appreciate all of the support from our fans, friends and partners. We are all in this "circle" together.

With warm thanks,

Barbara Crowell Roy

Here is the trailer of the remarkable film.

What's in the Heart - Children of the 7th Generation from Kitty Farmer on Vimeo.

..............................................................................................................