Through face-to-face teen and young adult group meet ups, our program focuses on three major pillars:
Creating a safe space for connection where you are valued just as you are.
Building relationships and community through in person engagement and discussion of topical issues.
Introducing and practicing mindfulness techniques that foster social emotional learning skills.
In a world driven by technology, communicating on our devices gives the illusion of being social without actually fulfilling the need for social connection. This is especially apparent during the challenging times brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. We support formal mental health services, however they often have service capacity and diagnostic criteria limitations so that only the most needy are served. As educators with mindfulness and digital wellness training, we recognize the importance of having additional supports for youth in the community. We envision creating a space that fosters mindfulness skills while building meaningful connections between peers.
We created this program not just because we wanted to address concerns we were observing with the youth in our lives, but because the scientific evidence supports it. Reported loneliness and suicide rates have risen sharply in the past decade (Ruston, 2016; Flannery, 2020). In 2019, the CDC reported, “the number of young people dying of suicide jumped 56% between 2007 and 2017, outpacing any other group” (Flannery, 2020, p. 35). Research also shows that childhood trauma is common across communities and can lead to lifelong academic, social, and personal health consequences (Blodgett & Dorado, 2018). Where can youth go that will build their resilience regardless of the hardships or successes they are experiencing in their lives?
Mind Cafe gives teens and young adults a space to connect, share, and practice wellness tools. Our organization provides a counter-balance to the technological barriers and stress all youth face in today’s world. We know that building resilience in youth requires strong and supportive social relationships, as well as explicit opportunities for personal growth.
We currently are excited to be hosting our in-person program twice a month. Meetings will include games, discussions, mindfulness practice, food and live music. Please see our events page to learn more and sign up to join us!
Thank you so much for taking the time to explore our non-profit program further for either yourself or the youth in your life! Supporting our mission through giving is always welcome.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
-African Proverb
Cited Sources:
Blodgett, C., & Dorado, J., (2018). A selected review of trauma-informed school practice and alignment with educational practice. Trauma-informed School Practices, 1, 1-88.
Flannery, M.E., (2020). As Suicide Rates Climb Among American Teens, Educators Need to Ask and Listen. neaToday, 38(3), 34-39.
Ruston, D. (Director), Tabbs, L. (Executive Producer), 2016, Screenagers [Film]