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What is Sources of Strength?
What is Sources of Strength?
Sources of Strength is an evidence-based best practice youth suicide prevention program designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. Sources of Strength moves beyond a risk focus and utilizes an upstream approach, mobilizing a group of powerful Peer Leaders to spread messages of Hope, Help, and Strength throughout their school and community. This upstream model strengthens multiple sources of support (protective factors) around young individuals so that when times get hard, they can leverage their strengths.
The mission of Sources of Strength is to empower a good world and prevent suicide by increasing help-seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults. The program uses a fun-filled style of active learning to encourage open discussion about the very real problems that youth face and what can help. Sources of Strength believes it takes both students and staff working together to create a lasting positive impact.
Meet the HTMNC Source of Strength Team!
Meet the HTMNC Source of Strength Team!
Adult Advisors:
Shameeka Lewis, School Psychologist
Renee Rojas, School Dean
Jocelyn Ryan, Academic Coach
Sheyla Medina, Academic Coach
Peer Leaders:
Coming soon...
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
My child was nominated as a peer leader, what does this mean?
Congratulations! Your student has been nominated to become a Peer Leader for Sources of Strength. School staff nominated your students because they are seen by others as leader amongst their peers: when they speak, others listen.
What is the time commitment as a Peer Leader?
Students are expected to complete approximately 25 hours of service throughout the school year. This includes initial leadership training, monthly meetings with adult advisors, and planning and executing school-wide campaigns.
All activities occur during regular school hours.
What is the time commitment as a Peer Leader's parent?
There is no specific parent time commitment required. Please continue to encourage your child to be a great leader and participant in the program.
What specific tasks will my child be responsible for as a peer leader?
With your permission, your student will attend an interactive one-day Peer Leader Training with a diverse group of nominated students and supportive Adult Advisors. After the training, they will be part of a Peer Leader team supported by trained Adult Advisors from the school.
Peer Leaders will meet 1-2 times per month to design and plan school-wide campaigns that promote messages of hope, help, and strength.
When are the monthly meeting scheduled?
Monthly meetings are scheduled to occur 1-2 times per month during electives and/or during Lunch/KBAR (as needed).
Will participating in the program expose my child to sensitive topics, and how are these discussions managed to ensure emotional well-being?
Training and monthly meetings will focus on the "upstream model of strength" which emphasizes multiple sources of support (protective factors) around young individuals so that when times get hard, they can leverage their strengths. However, due to the nature of the program being centered on mental health and wellness, your child may be exposed to sensitive topics in the discussion of barriers that may impede peers from seeking help from adults. Such topics may include stigma related to mental health struggles, bullying, substance abuse, and suicidality.
Your student will have various opportunities to engage in emotional check-ins with adult advisors and school-based mental health professionals, as needed.
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