At Touchstone Foundation, our work is shaped by the voices and experiences of those who help bring our mission to life. Throughout her internship, Reese gained firsthand insight into the intersections of communications, storytelling, and youth mental health in Lancaster County.
In her reflection below Reese shares how her experience deepened her understanding of the power of messaging, the importance of listening, and the role thoughtful communication plays in supporting young people. Here is her reflection about her internship spent with us:
Touchstone Foundation has provided me with many new insights in my field of Communications and Public Relations, as well as fresh perspectives on youth mental health and our community’s needs. As I learned more about youth mental well-being, one consistent theme stood out: young people want a trusted adult who will listen and support them. Listening is a powerful and effective form of support.
Navigating life’s challenges as a young person is not easy, especially when trying to manage friendships, social media, the evolving world of AI, and new relationships. There are countless challenges that children and young adults face every day, and having a strong support system can create a positive impact for everyone. I believe that implementing Touchstone Foundation’s Rise Above Program in Lancaster’s schools will provide a meaningful outlet where youth can feel heard and supported. This initiative would benefit our community and contribute to improved mental well-being in schools, leading to a brighter future.
Working on a mental health–focused message has influenced the way I think about communication and the power of storytelling. I especially enjoyed helping bring ideas to life through visuals, marketing, and promotion, all while highlighting the importance of mental health and wellness. I strongly believe that everyone deserves access to therapy and mental health resources, which Touchstone Foundation prioritizes and works hard to provide.
Approaching sensitive topics with care is essential, particularly when discussing issues such as suicide. This subject is deeply important to me, as I have lost both a loved one and a friend to mental health-related challenges. While it is a difficult topic, that difficulty makes it even more important to raise awareness and remind others that they are not alone and that help is available. Learning how to approach these conversations thoughtfully has strengthened my ability to choose my words carefully and communicate in a way that is both respectful and impactful.
Working with Touchstone has allowed me to develop new ideas and strengthen my writing and messaging skills. Creating social media content and pairing posts with strategic tags taught me how to craft concise yet impactful messages. This experience pushed me beyond traditional long-form writing and helped me focus on clear, engaging communication tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
These skills will support my continued growth in my communications degree, particularly within my concentration in public relations. Responsible and inclusive communication is essential in this field, as words and messaging carry significant influence. Understanding how to communicate with the right tone and intention is critical across all industries.
In the context of mental health, effective communication must be both responsible and inclusive to ensure messages resonate with diverse audiences. Learning how to thoughtfully engage and connect with different groups is something I will continue to prioritize throughout my career.
It has been a pleasure to learn from and work with the Touchstone Foundation team. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission and help amplify their impact and dedication to the youth of Lancaster County.
