We’re kicking off the school year with a new YouBeYou blog!

Let’s help both new and returning students and teachers transition with confidence and connection as they navigate their way to a successful year.

Transitions and separation from family can be stressful for many of our youth, and finding a trusted adult in the school environment can provide great support. Be it the band teacher, the social worker or the kind, hard-working custodian, providing a listening ear, a helpful suggestion or even just a head nod to say hello can make all the difference.

According to evidence-based prevention program, Sources of Strength, a trusting adult:

“Acknowledges that reaching out for support is a strength.

Listens and reacts non-judgmentally.

Responds in a calm and reassuring manner

Reflects back the feelings, Strengths and ideas they hear when listening.

Asks how they can be helpful and respond as they are able.

Do what they can to other supports if asked.

Maintain confidentiality and communicate if exceptions exist.”

Who is your trusted adult or mentor, and how do they positively impact your life? Send them a quick text to share your appreciation. (or steal one of the statements from above)

Being a trusted adult in your school community begins with You.

“A truly great Mentor is hard to find…Difficult to part with…And impossible to forget” – Rooky the Adventurer

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you” – Bob Proctor

To learn more about YouBeYou, a program of JFS, visit youbeyou.us​​