Youth Programs
We have learned that one of the best ways to prevent youth suicide is by educating and involving young people. Kids and teens are likely to exhibit warning signs to friends. With so many youth suffering from mental health difficulties and experiencing bullying, our programs aim to increase awareness and help provide the tools, support, and community for those who are struggling.
Youth Ambassador Programs
Our Youth Ambassador Program allows tweens and teens to earn volunteer hours, practice skills, and contribute to an important cause. We welcome and rely on collaboration and support from others to achieve our mission. We offer different sessions that focus on different skills from How to Host a Fundraiser to Social Media Campaign Planning.
Through our program, tweens and teens can:
Earn volunteer hours
Gain and practice valuable skills
Build a resume for high school, college, and job applications
Satisfy school or religious service hour requirements
Contribute to an important cause
Make a difference for themselves and others
We offer a number of sessions each year. Click below to learn about our current session or sign up to be informed when we offer our next session.
teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)
teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is a training program for teens operated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with Born This Way Foundation. Certified instructors teach teens in grades 10-12 how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers.
What do teens learn?
Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
Common signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis, particularly suicide
The impact of school violence and bullying on mental health
How to open the conversation about mental illnesses and substance use with friends
How to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult
Gabriel’s Light has a certified trainer that will teach participants lessons during three in-person 90-minute sessions. Sessions will be offered year round. Contact us for dates, times, and locations or to schedule a session at your school, church, or youth center.
Youth Fundraising
We welcome kids and teens to get involved with Gabriel’s Light by helping us fundraise. Through micro fundraisers, young people learn about our organization, help us spread awareness, learn organizational skills, devote themselves to a worthy cause, and raise money to support our free programs.
In the summer months, our Youth Ambassador program focuses on fundraising. Throughout the rest of the year, we are happy to work directly with kids who want to plan their own fundraiser. Take a look at our Help Us Fundraise Page for ideas at the link below.