Mental health is a topic that’s constantly brought up in our society today — so what is our community doing to improve it?A local nonprofit is using its platform of mental health advocacy to inspire teens to start those conversations.The Kim Foundation was inspired to bring youth together to discuss mental health issues their generation is facing, so they started the Empower Youth Summit for students in the metro area. On Nov. 14, they hosted their third annual Summit, which had a record number of more than 500 kids attending. Their goal is to give local teens a seat at the table and a chance to speak out about mental health issues they’re facing today.”Kids these days have a lot on their plate that they’re trying to deal with it, especially for, like, seniors now, like trying to apply for scholarships, get ready for college and to grow up, really,” said Aiden Whitted, a senior at Papillion-La Vista South High School.”I know, especially in African Americans, just how stigmatized mental health is, especially in many of the younger generations, especially with generational trauma,” said Dominika Kouassi, a senior at Marian High School. Teens spent the day connecting with other students and community resources, all focused on the same goal. “We know that the earlier that we can intervene and connect people to resources, the better chance they have at a healthy, successful life. And so this really allows for the youth to connect with resources,” said Julia Hebenstreit, the executive director of the Kim Foundation. They heard from other young voices sharing their own mental wellness journeys. “When I got started with motivational speaking, there was a lot of youth reaching out to me that were suffering in silence,” said Marquis “Real MJ” Hill, a youth motivational speaker. “So, if I can be that bridge, if I could be that young voice that they can listen to and get that positive dose, you know, to start their day off or to end their day, that positive message to keep them going. That’s my biggest goal.”Teens hope the summit can inspire hope and kindness in people of all ages and walks of life and show that it’s okay to ask for help.”It doesn’t make you wrong, it doesn’t make you weird. It makes you a person. It makes you human. And I definitely think in our age and generation today, it’s just important to be aware of your mental health and take care of yourself without feeling discouraged,” Kouassi said.The attendees say it’s inspiring to see so many people who are trying to make a difference in their communities. Many said they’re going to apply what they learned in their personal lives and their future careers.Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7
Mental health is a topic that’s constantly brought up in our society today — so what is our community doing to improve it?
A local nonprofit is using its platform of mental health advocacy to inspire teens to start those conversations.
The Kim Foundation was inspired to bring youth together to discuss mental health issues their generation is facing, so they started the Empower Youth Summit for students in the metro area.
On Nov. 14, they hosted their third annual Summit, which had a record number of more than 500 kids attending. Their goal is to give local teens a seat at the table and a chance to speak out about mental health issues they’re facing today.
“Kids these days have a lot on their plate that they’re trying to deal with it, especially for, like, seniors now, like trying to apply for scholarships, get ready for college and to grow up, really,” said Aiden Whitted, a senior at Papillion-La Vista South High School.
“I know, especially in African Americans, just how stigmatized mental health is, especially in many of the younger generations, especially with generational trauma,” said Dominika Kouassi, a senior at Marian High School.
Teens spent the day connecting with other students and community resources, all focused on the same goal.
“We know that the earlier that we can intervene and connect people to resources, the better chance they have at a healthy, successful life. And so this really allows for the youth to connect with resources,” said Julia Hebenstreit, the executive director of the Kim Foundation.
They heard from other young voices sharing their own mental wellness journeys.
“When I got started with motivational speaking, there was a lot of youth reaching out to me that were suffering in silence,” said Marquis “Real MJ” Hill, a youth motivational speaker. “So, if I can be that bridge, if I could be that young voice that they can listen to and get that positive dose, you know, to start their day off or to end their day, that positive message to keep them going. That’s my biggest goal.”
Teens hope the summit can inspire hope and kindness in people of all ages and walks of life and show that it’s okay to ask for help.
“It doesn’t make you wrong, it doesn’t make you weird. It makes you a person. It makes you human. And I definitely think in our age and generation today, it’s just important to be aware of your mental health and take care of yourself without feeling discouraged,” Kouassi said.
The attendees say it’s inspiring to see so many people who are trying to make a difference in their communities.
Many said they’re going to apply what they learned in their personal lives and their future careers.
Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7
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