The “True to You Mental Health Initiative” is our three-part intervention to reach teen girls through school mental health assemblies. Our assemblies connect the girls to our smaller Girls Academy Group which can be implemented in the school as a 5-week program or in the community as a 1-day workshop. If needed the young ladies have access to our 7 Licensed Therapists for individual therapeutic services.
Initially we operated each part of the initiative separately but now see how they can now work together. We had the opportunity to complete 2 mental health assemblies at Mount Pleasant High school with each having 500 students present. There are other agencies in Delaware and nationally that implement mental health assemblies in schools.
Our use of a deejay playing the latest tunes, our facilitator challenging the youth in the latest dance moves and then captivating them with a story focused on once being in their shoes and facing adolescent stressors captivated the audience. If that wasn’t enough our pre-work to form 4 diverse teams of students and teachers to play a fun and competitive game of Family Feud: Mental Health Edition makes our assembly different from others.
In the assembly teen girls are able to see themselves on the stage and in the stories of our presenter. We conducted an assessment at the end that identified 40 teen girls that were struggling with mental health concerns and did not know where to turn. We were able to connect them to school counselors. That is when our aha moment came, we wanted to be the continuation of services through our Girls Academy small group and our individual therapy sessions.
We believe our assemblies, Girls Academy Group and evidence based therapeutic techniques can have a life changing impact on teen girls in Delaware.
True To You: A Comprehensive Solution
True to You offers a comprehensive, three-tiered approach to address teen girls' mental health needs:
We deliver engaging assemblies within school settings, addressing critical topics like self-care, stress management, and cultivating healthy relationships. These assemblies normalize mental health discussions and equip participants with practical tools.
We create safe spaces for peer connection and facilitated discussions. Led by trained professionals, these groups foster a sense of belonging and provide valuable social support
We offer individual therapy options for those seeking deeper support. This allows girls to address individual challenges and develop effective coping mechanisms.
The True to You Impact
Beyond information dissemination, True to You empowers girls with the tools and support they require to thrive. We've witnessed this translate into increased self-awareness, development of healthy coping skills, and a measurable reduction in anxiety and depression among participants.
Beyond information dissemination, True to You empowers girls with the tools and support they require to thrive. We've witnessed this translate into increased self-awareness, development of healthy coping skills, and a measurable reduction in anxiety and depression among participants.
The True to You team comprises experienced professionals specializing in adolescent development and mental health. We collaborate with leading mental health organizations and schools, ensuring program effectiveness and accessibility.
True to You seeks collaborative partners to amplify our reach and impact. We welcome discussions on school partnerships, scholarship funding opportunities, and volunteer engagement avenues. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of young women.
To learn more about the True to You Mental Health Initiative,
contact us at ladorsey@lavantedorsey.com
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