Health department outlines federally funded Compass program for youth relationships, parent education and trafficking prevention events

Kayleen Pafford and Margaret Waldbauer, health educators with the Department of Health in Wakulla County, briefed the Board on the Compass program, a federally funded grant that focuses on healthy relationships for youth ages 10–19 and adults who support them. Pafford told commissioners the grant funds curriculum and programming including Real Essentials curriculum at Coast Charter School, FAMU DRS and home‑school settings and programming for DJJ students; she said a youth human‑trafficking prevention event is planned for September. Waldbauer described upcoming parent presentations, including a one‑hour session based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (virtual July 24 and in‑person at the Wakulla Library), a parent session on spotting signs of troubled teens (library session Aug. 28; virtual July 16 options) and an interactive personality‑styles presentation (virtual Aug. 7). Why it matters: The Compass program targets adolescent development, parent education and prevention with county‑level partners and school sites; the calendar of events and curriculum details are relevant to families, schools and youth service providers. Pafford and Waldbauer emphasized youth leadership components of the grant and cited local collaboration with FLOW (Future Leaders of Wakulla), noting youth involvement in events such as the bubble run. Program staff said youth volunteers are participating in DOH activities and that partnerships with FAMU and FSU are being developed for freshman/women chapter offerings. No board action was requested; the presentation was informational. Staff invited commissioners and the public to the advertised sessions and said program materials and sign‑ups would be available through the department’s outreach channels.