Today’s youth face considerable pressure—academic and family obligations, the nonstop influence of social media, and personal struggles—all of which can take a toll on mental health. These combined stressors often lead to anxiety and isolation, leaving many young people unsure how to cope or where to turn for support.
This May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and LAHC (Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities) is making sure youth in Wayne County know they’re not alone.
LAHC offers free, local programs that help teens and young adults build confidence, learn healthy habits, and take care of their mental health.
Why mental health support for youth matters
Mental health support isn’t only for crisis situations. It’s about giving young people the tools to handle life before things get too heavy. Changes at home, pressure at school, or not fitting in can affect how teens think and feel—even if they don’t always show it.
That’s why programs that teach coping skills, build confidence, and create safe spaces are so important.
When support is available early, it helps teens stay on track emotionally, socially, and academically.
Common mental health struggles for youth include:
- Anxiety about school or friendships
- Stress from family problems or expectations
- Depression caused by bullying or isolation
- Pressure to succeed or fit in
Without support, these problems can get worse. That’s why early help is important. LAHC offers programs that focus on mental wellness, personal growth, and leadership at no cost to families.
LAHC’s commitment to young people
LAHC is based in Dearborn and has supported youth and families in Wayne County for decades.
The goal is to help young people take control of their future with support, education, and real-life skills. LAHC offers safe spaces where teens can talk, learn, and grow without judgment.
LAHC’s youth programs that support mental wellness
Here are three programs LAHC offers to support behavioral health, leadership, and learning.
Blooming Minds: Recreational therapy for young adults
The Blooming Minds program uses activities, not just talking, to help with stress, anxiety, and depression. While it is mostly for adults, teens 18 or older can benefit from this approach.
Activities include:
- Art and music
- Gardening and mindfulness
- Stress relief exercises
- Group games and movement
This kind of therapy can help teens who are shy or don’t feel comfortable with traditional talk therapy. It provides them with a means to express their feelings, connect with others, and enhance their mental well-being.
Youth Leadership – Bridge to College Program
Our Youth Leadership initiative is a 7-week Bridge to College program that helps high school students develop leadership skills, emotional resilience, and prepare for the future. It’s completely free and open to students in grades 9–12.
Sessions are held every Tuesday from April 1 to May 20, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. at LAHC’s office at 5275 Kenilworth in Dearborn.
The program includes:
- Resume writing and job readiness
- College and career planning
- Leadership and public speaking
- Social media and communication skills
- Community service projects
Students who attend regularly will receive a certificate and have the opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
More importantly, they leave with tools that help them succeed in school, work, and life.
Register now through the Youth Leadership Program page.
Educational workshops and seminars
LAHC also runs workshops for students in schools and community centers. These sessions are short and easy to join. Topics include:
- How to cope with anxiety and stress
- Setting personal and academic goals
- Building healthy relationships
- Understanding mental wellness
These workshops are open to all and are often available online or in person.
Building resilience and mental health awareness
LAHC helps young people learn how to manage difficult emotions before they escalate into bigger problems. Some of the skills taught include:
- Breathing exercises and mindfulness
- Managing time and stress
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Confidence and positive thinking
These tools help teens stay focused, calm, and intense even when life is difficult.
Peer support and mentorship
Many LAHC programs include group activities where youth talk to others their age. This helps students build trust, feel supported, and know they’re not alone.
LAHC’s staff and volunteers also serve as mentors and role models. Many have similar life experiences and understand what young people are going through.
Youth community service opportunities
LAHC encourages students to give back. Through our Programs for Youth, teens can volunteer and help others. Community service builds leadership, boosts confidence, and creates a sense of purpose.
Some benefits of volunteering include:
- Learning responsibility
- Meeting new people
- Gaining real-world experience
- Feeling connected and valued
Find opportunities on the Volunteer page at lahc.org
Partnerships with schools and organizations
LAHC works closely with schools and other organizations to reach more young people. These partnerships help bring substance use prevention programs directly into schools, libraries, and community centers.
Examples of additional programs include:
- Botvin Life Skills (teaching youth to avoid drug use and violence)
- Gambling prevention workshops
- Narcan and harm reduction education
- Nurturing Parenting (for parents raising teens)
All of these are part of LAHC’s whole approach to supporting healthy youth and families.
How to participate in youth programs
Programs are free and open to students who live in Wayne County. You can sign up by contacting LAHC directly or checking the website for more details.
For info about enrollment, email [email protected].
Volunteer or support youth programs
You don’t have to be a student to help. You can also:
- Become a volunteer by filling out our form
- Donate or sponsor a program to help it grow
- Share this information with friends, schools, or local groups
Why supporting youth matters
When we invest in young people, we invest in the future. Mental health support, leadership training, and positive activities help teens grow into strong, capable adults.
This Mental Health Awareness Month—and during National Prevention Week—LAHC reminds us that no one is too young to receive the support they need.
Because mental health matters—and so do our youth.
Stay connected with LAHC by donating or following us on Facebook. Your support helps us serve more people every day of the year.