Mission:Youth Wellness

As students return to school in a few weeks, it's crucial to remember the unique challenges minority youth face. Recent events like the tragic murder of Sonya Massey and divisive political campaigns weigh heavily on their mental health. They’re constantly reminded that they are overlooked and forgotten.

This July, for Minority Youth Mental Health Month, let's commit to creating safe and supportive school environments. When minority students walk into your classroom this fall, make space for them, show them they are safe, supported, and valued. Create and encourage an atmosphere of respect, integrity, and fairness. 💙 💛

As someone who was bullied and picked on for the color of my skin, I know firsthand the deep scars these "jokes" can leave. Now, as a mother watching my boys endure racial jokes and slurs, and as a middle school teacher hearing kids proudly boast these racial jokes daily, the impact on minority youth mental health is undeniable.

Racial jokes aren't harmless. They damage self-esteem, create anxiety, and contribute to a hostile environment. Our kids deserve better.

BE THE CYCLE BREAKER in your home and in your classroom. Speak up & speak out against racial jokes and slurs. Support our minority youth by creating an inclusive, respectful environment.

💔 "Jokes" hurt. Let's protect our youth's mental health and stand up for what's right. 💙 💛

Visit missionyouthwellness.org to learn more about our bully prevention program NOW OFFERING for the 24-25 school year for grades K through 8 💙💛

I used to teach 4&5 yr olds 🥴

They did not know how to read, write, or count 🫤

When they graduated from VPK they could read, write, and do math equations on or above a kindergarten level🤓

These kids didn't know what hit them bc my program was too lit😎🥳 (we had a LOT of fun)

So I figured I would put my reading strategies into a fun workbook families can use at home.

If you're not having fun teaching it they are definitely not having fun learning it.

Perfect for ages 3-6 😊 or children with Exceptionalities
Get your copy here: The Easy Peasy Pre-K Sight Words Activity Book

The Easy Peasy Pre-K Sight Words Activity Book This book has been designed to take the successful strategies that have worked in M. R. Martin’s classrooms for years and condense them into fun “at home” activities for you and your child. Why should the learning stop when the school bell rings at the end of the day? When you use M. R. Martin...

For the month of July, Mission Youth Wellness has been focusing on .

There is nothing "minor" about our children or our families; however, our numbers in the arena of mental health wellness are concerning. Here are some things our families can begin/continue to do to help support the mental well-being of our families 💙 💛
& follow on IG @ missionyouthwellness to get more information on each month's focus on all things youth!

🔵 1️⃣ Don't Force Your Child to Be Something They Are Not: Celebrate their individuality and support their unique interests and talents.
🟡 2️⃣ Emotions Are Important: Teach your child how to handle emotions healthily instead of ignoring them. Let them see your emotions and how you deal with them. Showing is always better than telling.
🔵 3️⃣ Strengthen Your Child Mentally: Provide them with personalized affirmations about themselves. Practice these affirmations together to boost their self-esteem.
🟡 4️⃣ Encourage Communication: It's not disrespectful to communicate feelings. Create a space where your child can come to you and speak openly about how they feel, sharing their thoughts and suggestions.
🔵 5️⃣ Treat Them Like Their Dreams, Not Your Limitations: Don't discourage your child from chasing their goals just because you faced limitations. Help them achieve their dreams, recognizing they are a new and improved version of you!

Mission YOUTH WELLNESS is 👀 for Youth Speakers this upcoming school year that can talk about "bullying". Their own personal experiences with it from either side, or share how they feel about it- THIS IS the platform!
(In state or out of state- it does not matter, we'd love to have them join our roster 💙💛)
Head over to MissionYouthWellness.org to complete a "nominate a youth speaker" form.

The speaker can be in:
✔️ Elementary School
✔️Middle School
✔️ Highschool
✔️ College

(Pictured below, youth speakers from the 23-24 school year)

Racial slurs and jokes should not be the norm in school classrooms. Minority students often feel pressured to join in to avoid being targeted even more.

Here’s how schools can crack down on this issue:

1️⃣ Zero Tolerance Policy: Implement and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for racial slurs and jokes. Make sure everyone knows the rules and the consequences.

2️⃣ Cultural Sensitivity Training:Provide regular training for both teachers and students on cultural sensitivity and the harmful impact of racial slurs and jokes. Contact Mission Youth Wellness Inc. immediately to bring a program to your school 💙 💛

3️⃣ Support Systems:Establish support systems for minority students, like counseling services and peer support groups. Create safe spaces where students can speak up and seek help.

Work with your school to create a school environment where EVERY student feels safe, respected, and valued.

💙 💛 Mission Youth Wellness is recognizing as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. 💙 💛

We’re highlighting a group of students within our schools who often don't receive the attention and support they need, face harsher consequences, and are sometimes ignored in the classroom. Read my previous post to see how this has impacted minority youth and their

This post is about how can do better in the classroom. "Healthy minds make healthy choices." And that starts with the "leader" of the classroom – the educator.

Here are 5 ways teachers can support minority youth mental wellness:

1️⃣ Make a safe space for minority students to talk if they need to.
2️⃣ Do not allow students to make racial jokes in your classroom. This includes using racial slurs.
3️⃣ Include diverse cultures in the lessons.
4️⃣ Incorporate mental health strategies into the curriculum.
5️⃣ Provide resources that students can use and are effective.

for all students! 💙 💛

🚨 🚨 🚨 Minority youth face unique and significant mental health challenges, often under-recognized and under-treated.
Let's break the silence together – share your thoughts or personal experiences to help shine a light on this crucial issue and drive change in our communities. 💙 💛 for all

💙 💛 The mission continues!
If you would like to donate or volunteer please visit the link in my bio

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in action 💙 💛