Since our inception, we have worked
“better together” on programs & services
to diligently address concerns over
youth mental health & well-being by:
We have trained over 400 parents, teachers, school staff, coaches, youth-serving professionals, students, etc. in YMHFA, teenMHFA, ASIST, Talk Saves Lives, and Be There Workshop since 2022 - all at no or low cost to the learners. 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.
Creating a pathway for more safe, caring adults in the lives of our young people.
Our annual Mental Health Awareness Month Campaign, marked by the first joint proclamation between the three local government leaders (2024), has included projects such as the Hope Wall, “Turning Transylvania Green” with positive message yard signs and green lights, “Happy to Chat” buttons, the HOPE Phone Booth, and live-pressing Mental Health Matters tees at a community festival.
Increasing community awareness &
de-stigmatizing mental health challenges & seeking help.
Acknowledging the need for earlier interventions paired with the gaps in local mental health services, we often think outside-of-the-box & upstream in our approach to prevent the “flicker from becoming a flame”. Our efforts include initiatives to improve well-being of both youth & the folks who work with them through Community Helper trainings, providing well-being development experiences, facilitating peer support circles, co-advising the Brevard High School Mentor Program, & our continued collaboration with UNC CARE4Youth.
Providing mental well-being &
resilience training.
In alignment with our core strategy to Connect & Empower our Youth, TC STRONG supports the Voice of the Students (VOS) chapters in the county middle & high schools, Mountain Sun Community School, Rise & Shine, & a community-wide chapter hosted at Mary C. Jenkins Community Center. The VOS framework allows us to consistently connect with young “mental health champions” & brings safe, caring adults directly “into the room” to partner with members to facilitate a youth-directed agenda at each location. Starting in late 2026 we will offer a mindfulness program through Peace in Schools to introduce new concepts around stress-management & learning to be with what is without judgement.
