NWHDA's "KIND IS BETTER" Program in Action

PORTLAND, Ore. - Aug. 27, 2019 - PRLog -- The Northwest Honda Dealers Association's (NWHDA) KIND IS BETTER program is designed to create real change around the pressing issue of childhood mental health. The link between mental health, behavior, and student learning is well accepted. Nationally, only 40% of students with emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders graduate from high school, compared to the national average of 76%.

Last November, as part of its long-term commitment to our local area families, schools, and communities, the NWHDA launched its KIND IS BETTER program. The Advisory Board, made up of youth from the local community, is proactively working to find solutions that positively address the growing mental health problem and places children can turn to for help.

The start of the school year can be very stressful for children, especially those from low-income families. That's why the KIND IS BETTER Advisory Board packed 370 backpacks filled with new school supplies for Sitton Elementary School students. On Wed., Aug. 28, which is the first day of school, every student at Sitton will receive a brand-new backpack during a schoolwide assembly starting at 9:00 am.

Principal Dana Nerenberg is very excited about the positive impact this will have on the school's students. One of the most diverse public elementary schools in Oregon, Sitton also has the largest percentage of students eligible for free lunches, at nearly 90%.

"Kindness includes suspending judgment of others, engaging in compassionate conversations, and practicing mindfulness. Plus, we can find more that brings us together by taking a stand with a message of kindness," said Jake Miller, Youth Administrator for the KIND IS BETTER program. "Kindness is a major contributor to the mental, emotional, and physical health of both kids and adults. So if you're feeling sad or down, do something kind for someone else!"

About Northwest Honda Dealers: The Northwest Honda Dealers is an association made up of ten Honda dealerships from Hillsboro to The Dalles, Oregon, into Longview, Washington, that provides high-quality service and sales to current and prospective Honda customers. To learn more, visit https://www.NorthwestHondaDealers.com.