Can you remember a time when you were afraid of the dark? For me, it was bedtime. It seemed like every time my mom would put me to bed and turn off the light, the monsters under my bed would come out and scare me; until I reached over and turned on my nightlight.
In the same regard, today’s youth face many monsters, and they need a light. Many of the students that we serve face challenges that drive them to make unhealthy choices for their lives, engage in risky behaviors or consider suicide as a way out.
Data shows that 1 in 4 teens have seriously considered suicide. Here at A Positive Approach to Teen Health (PATH, Inc.), we partner with local schools to shine a light on difficult subjects and be the light in what can be a dark and scary time in a young person’s life.
As you can imagine, with COVID and government funding allocation, we too have been affected by the pandemic. We are asking friends, family, donors, current and new, to help us Light the Way for Today’s Youth. Your donation will provide Social Emotional Learning and Risk Prevention curricula to youth across the region.
Our program, Positive Potential, unfortunately, did not receive Title V funding to continue in rural middle schools. This program is tailored for students in grades 6-8; which is such a crucial age. Positive Potential is a risk prevention program that encompasses a wide variety of age-appropriate subjects such as bullying, self-confidence, goal setting, suicide awareness and prevention, and other risky behaviors; all pertinent to the needs of students as they grow and mature.
Read what Kristi Hunter, Morgan Township Middle School Teacher, said about our Positive Potential program: “The sixth-grade PATH content aligns very well with middle school health content standards. We love how the program focuses on fostering good decision-making skills and encouraging student self-worth. The sixth-grade PATH content aligns very well with our school’s mission to empower kids with the education and resources to become successful adults.”
As we come to the final months of the year, we are seeking your help. Your gift can be a light in the darkness for teens that are afraid or unsure of their future. Would you consider donating to our cause on November 30th, better known as Giving Tuesday? Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts. Be the one that Lights the Way for Today’s Youth!