‘That small voice:’ Young people discuss mental health issues at annual Empower Youth Conference
Mental health is a hot topic in our society today – so what is our community doing to improve it? A local non-profit organization is using their mental health advocacy platform to promote young people to start those conversations. The Kim Foundation was inspired to bring young people together to discuss the mental health issues facing their generation, so they started the Empower Youth Conference for students in the metro area. On Nov. 14, held their third annual Conference, which had a record number of over 500 children in attendance. Their goal is to give local youth a platform and opportunity to talk about the mental health issues they face today. , like, adults now, like trying to apply for scholarships, get ready for college and grow up,” said Aiden Whitted, a senior at Papillion-La Vista South High School.” I know, especially for African Americans, just how stigmatized mental health is, especially in many of the younger generations, especially with the trauma that comes out,” said Dominika Kouassi, senior At Marian High School, the youth spent the day connecting with other students and community resources, all focused on the same goal let them live beautiful, successful in life. And so this really allows young people to connect with resources,” said Julia Hebenstreit, executive director of the Kim Society. They heard from other young voices sharing their health journeys “When I started giving motivational speeches, there were a lot of young people coming up to me who were suffering in silence,” said Marquis “Real MJ” Hill, a youth motivational speaker. . “So, if I can be that bridge, if I can be a small voice that they can listen to and get the right amount, you know, to start their day or end their day, that good message to keep them. That’s my main goal.” The young people hope that this conference can give hope and kindness to people of all ages and walks of life and show that it’s okay to ask for help.” It makes you human. It makes you human. And I think that in our time and in our generation today, it’s important to take care of mental health and take care of yourself without feeling down,” said Kouassi. many people trying to make a difference in their communities. Many said they will apply what they learned to their lives and future careers.Click here for the latest articles from KETV NewsWatch 7
Mental health is a hot topic in our society today – so what is our society doing to improve it?
The nonprofit uses their mental health advocacy platform to encourage young people to start those conversations.
The Kim Foundation was inspired to bring young people together to discuss the mental health issues facing their generation, so they started the Empower Youth Conference for students in the metro area.
On Nov. 14, held their third annual Conference, which had a record number of over 500 children in attendance. Their goal is to give local youth a seat at the table and an opportunity to talk about the mental health issues they face today.
“Kids these days have a lot of things they’re trying to deal with, especially, like, adults now, like trying to apply for scholarships, getting ready for college and growing up,” said Aiden Whitted. , a senior at Papillion-La Vista South High School.
“I know, especially for African Americans, how stigmatized mental health is, especially in a lot of younger generations, especially with trauma,” said Dominika Kouassi, a senior at Marian High.
Youth spent the day connecting with other students and community resources, all focused on one goal.
“We know that the earlier we can intervene and connect people with resources, the better chance they have of having a healthy, productive life. And so this really allows young people to connect with resources,” said Julia Hebenstreit, the chief executive of the Kim Society.
They heard from other new voices sharing their mental health journeys.
“When I started with the motivational speech, there were a lot of young people coming up to me who were suffering in silence,” said Marquis “Real MJ” Hill, a youth motivational speaker. “So, if I can be that bridge, if I can be that little voice that they can listen to and get the right balance, you know, to start their day or end their day, that good message of being save. That’s my main goal.”
The young people hope that the conference can provide hope and kindness to people of all ages and walks of life and show that it is okay to ask for help.
“Don’t make a mistake, it doesn’t make you weird. It makes you human. It makes you human. And I really think that in our day and our generation today, it’s just important to take care of the life that the beauty of your mind and your health, take care of yourself without feeling down,” said Kouassi.
Those who attended said it was encouraging to see so many people trying to bring about change in their communities.
Many said they would apply what they learned to their personal lives and future careers.
Click here for the latest articles from KETV NewsWatch 7
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