Touchstone Foundation Expands Youth Mental Health Program with $35,000 Next Generation Grant
We’re thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s Shaping Tomorrow Next Generation Awards. As part of a broader $1 million investment in the Lancaster community, this funding will enable us to expand Rise Above, our youth mentorship program designed to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and empower young people aged 12 to 26 with tools for mental wellness.
Why Rise Above Matters
Mental health challenges are a growing concern for Lancaster County’s youth. Recent data from the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey reveals that 35.5% of students report feelings of worthlessness, and 15.3% have considered suicide. Yet, less than half of the youth who need mental health care receive it. These statistics underscore the urgent need for programs like Rise Above, which focuses on early intervention, mentorship, and education.
Launched in 2022, Rise Above connects high school students with local mental health professionals and artists, creating safe spaces for young people to explore their emotions and mental health. Through creative self-expression, mentorship, and guided workshops, participants learn vital skills like coping strategies, problem-solving, and help-seeking behaviors.
Expanding Our Reach with New Partnerships
With the grant, Rise Above will now extend its reach to include students as young as 12 and young adults up to 26. We are proud to partner with YWCA Lancaster and Big Brothers Big Sisters to scale the program and deepen its impact.
The expanded program will offer:
- School-based workshops during the day
- After-school clubs and summer intensives
- Community-based groups for young adults
To ensure these efforts are impactful, Safe Space Coordinators—trained mentors who guide participants—will receive specialized training in Youth Mental Health First Aid and trauma-informed care. This ensures they are equipped to provide meaningful and empathetic support to participants.
YWCA Lancaster will also help bring a critical focus on equity and belonging, addressing the ways mental wellness intersects with identity, diversity, and inclusion.
Building a Network of Support
Rise Above is about more than mental wellness education; it’s about building relationships that create lasting change. By connecting young people with caring adult mentors, the program helps youth develop protective factors that can reduce the risk of mental health challenges.
One participant shared, “I want to uncover more ways to help myself and the people around me. Learning about how I’m feeling and becoming more in tune with myself is something I hope to achieve.”
Another expressed hope for practical skills, saying, “I would like to learn strategies to maintain good mental health throughout high school. As someone with physical disabilities, I also hope to find ways to stay mentally healthy and pursue my dream of going to college.”
Together, We’re Driving Change
Through programs like Rise Above, Touchstone Foundation is creating pathways for young people to thrive. With the support of this grant and our incredible community partners, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Lancaster County, where every young person has the opportunity to grow in mental wellness.
Want to learn more about Rise Above or get involved? Visit our program page and join us in creating a brighter future for Lancaster’s youth.
