Sources of Strength

In this episode on student mental health, Leonne talks with OEA member Lorin Reed and Corvallis High School (CHS) student Kaylee Pickering about Sources of Strength, a suicide, violence, and addiction prevention project based on peer relationships and community building. Lorin is a PE and health teacher at CHS as well as an instructor of Sources of Strength and a football coach. Kaylee is a student athlete who advocates for student mental health. In the Sources of Strength class, which is offered as an elective at CHS, students in the class learn about the strengths that can be relied on when things get tough. Some of these strengths include family relationships, physical health, positive friends, healthy activities, and spiritual health. In this way, students can identify strengths they already possess and which strengths they may need to develop. Community is built when students discuss their personal experiences in a trusted space. Students in the program also serve as peer leaders and engage in “campaigns” which are weeks-long projects to bring schoolwide awareness of a specific strength. Both Lorin and Kaylee have won awards for their work with Sources of Strength.     

 

Resources:

Sourcesofstrength.org

Corvallis, Albany leaders recognized for youth-led suicide prevention work - Albany Democrat-Herald 

What is Sources of Strength?

Matchstick Consulting