Sources of Strength
LYFS is sponsoring and leading the Sources of Strength program in the Lexington community, specifically in Lexington High School. Sources of Strength is a universal suicide prevention program designed to build socioecological protective influences around youth and to reduce the likelihood that vulnerable youth/young adults will become suicidal. We have gathered a community of high school student leaders and supportive adults who are working together to promote cultural change, positive safeguards, and healthy ways of living in the lives of Lexington youth.
Lexington Asian Mental Health Initiative (LAMHI)
LAMHI is a coalition of community and ethnic organizations dedicated to raising awareness about stress and mental illness among Asian teens and countering the stigma against accessing mental health support. In the two years since its inception, LAMHI has hosted a community forum which attracted almost 200 Asian parents; provided opportunities for teen/parent dialogue; hosted a parent book group and helped ensure that Asian families, students and professionals are active participants in town-wide efforts to reduce student stress and improve parenting skills.
LYFS is partnering with LexPride and First Parish in Lexington to create programming for LGBTQ teens and their allies. This would take place on Friday afternoons. If you have any ideas that you would like to incorporate into this initiative, please message Alana Martel at alanamartel75@gmail.com. We’d love to hear your opinions!