West Shore
In northwest Michigan, Prevent 2 Protect will serve the West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with West Michigan Community Mental Health and county sheriff’s departments. West Shore ESD serves school communities in Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties. Partnering with local school districts, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to provide comprehensive services for individual students and the communities in which they live.
Demographic Information
Population:
12,594 (Lake), 29,409 (Mason), 26,973 (Oceana)
Geographic Footprint:
567 square miles (Lake), 495 square miles (Mason), 538 square miles (Oceana)
Median Household Income:
$40,753 (Lake), $55,035 (Mason), $56,454 (Oceana)
People under 65 without health insurance:
8.0% (Lake), 6.5% (Mason), 9.3% (Oceana)
Households with broadband internet:
71.5% (Lake), 80.1% (Mason), 77.4% (Oceana)
(Source U.S. Census census.gov)
WSESD School Level State reporting data can be found here.
Regional Participant Referral
To make a referral, please call (517) 329 – 4250. You may also send an email to prevent2protect@msu.edu with your name and contact information. Please do not include any identifying information for the participant.
Baldwin Community School District
Mason County Eastern
Mason County Central
Gateway to Success
Ludington Area Schools
Pentwater Public Schools
Hart Public Schools
Shelby Public School District
Walkerville Public Schools
Intensive Support Team
Syriah Dobis, MA
Syriah Dobis is a passionate advocate for education and mental health. After earning her sociology degree from Albion College, she pursued a master’s and specialist degree in school and community psychology from Wayne State University. Transitioning into a role as a school psychologist, she became a trusted ally for students, families, and educators. Syriah testified amongst the House of Representatives for the SMART “Grow Your Own” Program to address the shortage of school psychologists. This bill was passed and provides paid work opportunities for school psychologist practicum students. Currently working as a Regional Case Manager for Prevent 2 Protect, Syriah is dedicated to implementing preventative measures to support students’ and families’ well-being.
She will begin her doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Administration at Michigan State University in August 2024, driven by her commitment to systemic change in education and to continue positively impacting our youth’s lives. Syriah was nominated this year as a winner in the Pioneer/Michigan Works West Central 20Under30 publication. Her journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a commitment to positive change.
Noah Petzak, BA
Noah Petzak is an alumnus of Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s in sociology. Noah started his career in child welfare and social services by joining the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and worked with Ingham County Children’s Protective Services (CPS). In this role, he managed caseloads and supported families to ensure the well-being and safety of the children and families he served. Noah has experience in social services and systems navigation. His ability to connect with families enables him to effectively support and advocate for vulnerable children and their families. As a mentor with the West Shore Intensive Support Team, Noah brings his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to guide and support the participants. His commitment to child welfare and passion for making a positive impact in the community make him an invaluable asset to the program and its mission.
As a mentor with the West Shore Intensive Support Team, Noah brings his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to guide and support the participants. His commitment to child welfare and passion for making a positive impact in the community make him an invaluable asset to the program and its mission.