Bridging the Gap: Supporting Youth Mental Wellness in Lancaster County

At Touchstone Foundation, our mission is to foster a community where every young person in Lancaster County feels supported and empowered to thrive mentally and emotionally. To better understand our youth’s unique challenges, we launched the Lancaster County Youth Needs Assessment, which included a comprehensive Youth Listening Tour and Parent Survey.

These efforts allowed us to hear directly from youth, parents, and caregivers about the barriers they face and the solutions they believe will create a safer, healthier community for young people. The insights gained have been invaluable, highlighting key needs such as:

• Increasing access to mental health services, reducing waiting times, and addressing transportation challenges.
• Combating mental health stigma through tailored programs for parents and youth.
• Providing trusted, positive adult role models who can guide and support youth as they navigate life’s challenges.
• Equipping parents with tools to evaluate mental health information and ensure accuracy in supporting their children.

Building Solutions Together

One of the programs making a difference is our Rise Above Youth Summit, a mental wellness initiative for high school students. This program connects young people with local mental health professionals and artists, providing them with tools and resources to explore their identity, mental health, and place in the community.

We launched Rise Above as a pilot program while completing the Youth Needs Assessment. The success of this early initiative reinforced the insights gained from the assessment and inspired us to strengthen and expand the program. Thanks to the Next Gen grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF), and in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and the YWCA Lancaster, we’re taking Rise Above to the next level.

Building Momentum: The Rise Above Youth Summit

The Rise Above Youth Summit connects high school students with local mental health professionals and artists, creating safe spaces to explore mental wellness and identity.

Students in the program:

• Earn certifications, like Teen Mental Health First Aid.
• Build leadership skills by starting mental wellness clubs in their schools.
• Train as youth mentors, fostering a peer-led support network.

Looking ahead:

We are already seeing the positive impact of Rise Above. Graduates of the program have gained the confidence and skills to establish mental wellness clubs in their schools and even begin training as youth mentors. Building on this momentum, we are excited to announce that a new session of the program will launch in Summer 2025.Registration opening February 1,2025.

At Touchstone Foundation, we believe that investing in youth mental wellness creates a ripple effect of positive change for our entire community. With initiatives like Rise Above and ongoing partnerships, we are bridging gaps and building a network of support for Lancaster’s next generation.

Calling All Safe Space Facilitators

To expand the success of programs like the Rise Above Youth Summit, we need Safe Space Facilitators who are passionate about sharing their expertise in mental health or art with local high school students. As a Safe Space Facilitator, you’ll lead engaging discussions on mental wellness topics, inspiring students to explore their identity and place in the community.

Requirements for Safe Space Facilitators:

• Current background checks and clearances
• On-site staff support provided during workshops
• Access to Trauma-Informed Care, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention training

Past program topics explored include:

• Teen Mental Health First Aid
• Self-Advocacy and Wellness
• Understanding Pronouns and Identity
• Safe Dating and Healthy Relationships

By becoming a Safe Space Facilitator, you’ll help shape the next generation of youth leaders, creating a stronger, more connected Lancaster County.

Interested in joining us as a Safe Space Facilitator? Keep up with our Rise Above Programs Page to get involved.