We are fortunate to have received a state grant of $8000 to implement Sources of Strength at our school this year. Sources of Strength is a strength-based, comprehensive wellness program that focuses on suicide prevention but impacts other issues such as substance abuse and violence. The program is based on a relational connections model that uses teams of Peer Leaders mentored by Adult Advisors to change peer social norms about help seeking and encourages students to individually assess and develop strengths in their life. This upstream model strengthens multiple sources of support (protective factors) around students so that when times get hard they have strengths to rely on. We recommend watching this three minute overview about the program. Peer Leaders and Adult Advisors will be meeting at least monthly as a team to begin rolling out positive social messaging campaigns.

We believe Sources of Strength aligns with our Be Better motto and our mission to Connect, Collaborate and Care. Early on, Sources of Strength was identified as an evidence-based program to build a positive learning environment at East. Please let us know if you have any questions!