What We Do

Since our inception, this collaborative has worked “better together” on programs and services to diligently address concerns over youth mental health and well-being by:

• Creating a pathway for more safe, caring adults in the lives of our young people. This includes parents, teachers, school staff, coaches, youth pastors, etc., with or without clinical credentials. We emphasize equipping these adults with evidence-based trainings that reduce the likelihood of self-harm or suicide by enabling them to recognize the signs of emotional duress and providing the tools to intervene when appropriate. In two years, TC STRONG has trained over 250 community members in YMHFA, teenMHFA, ASIST, Talk Saves Lives, and Be There Workshop, all at no or low cost to the learners.

• Increasing community awareness and de-stigmatizing mental health challenges and seeking help. Our Mental Health Awareness Month Campaign, marked by the first joint proclamation between the three local government leaders, includes projects such as the Hope Wall, “Turning Transylvania Green” with positive message yard signs and green lights, “Happy to Chat” buttons, and live-pressing Mental Health Matters tees at a community festival.

• Providing mental well-being and resilience training. With funding from Dogwood Health Trust, TC STRONG supports initiatives to improve the well-being of both staff and participants in out-of-school time programs. This includes Community Helper trainings, “Be There” bags, creating a Calm Corner for youth, well-being development retreats, and the formation of a resiliency-focused cohort.

• Improving access to support and care. In alignment with our core strategy to Connect & Empower our Youth, TC STRONG supports the Voice of the Students (VOS) chapters in each county middle and high school, Brevard Academy, Mountain Sun Community School, and Rise & Shine after-school program. The VOS framework allows us to consistently connect with young “mental health champions” and brings safe, caring adults directly “into the room” to partner with members to facilitate a youth-directed agenda at each location.