Project Prevention Hero

Monday, September 29, 2008

Nadia Palomino is the program leader of Project Prevention.

Nadia Palomino has always wanted to make a difference, and that's just what she's doing as the program leader of Project Prevention.

She helps keep young people off drugs, teaches HIV prevention, and teaches how to make right choices in tough environments.

"We've seen kids go from being in the streets literally every day to coming over to our center and basically telling us if you guys weren't here I know I would be getting in trouble," Palomino said.

Project Prevention is a 10 week program that Palomino takes into high schools and recreation centers in the Town 'n' Country area.

"I know it made a difference with me," said Project Prevention graduate Alyson Evans. "After taking this class I don't touch drugs, I don't like cigarettes, any of that and I do try to get my friends not to do drugs."

Many project prevention graduates like Evans have stuck around to become helpers, passing along the important information they've learned.

"Nadia is the person you always wanted as a mentor when you were growing up, and that's what she is," said Project Prevention founder Alayne Unterberger.

Unterberger has watched 681 kids pass through the program, and she says Palomino knows each of their names and their stories.

"She's the one the kids turn to when they have questions or doubts," Unterberger said. "She is the one who finds them on MySpace when they don't come to class. She's really the heart and soul and the real deal."