Suicide, depression, anxiety, isolation and self-destructive behavior are all on the rise. Without support, students can move down a negative spiral as biological changes, negative social interactions, erratic sleep and technology overloads lead to problematic behavior and emotional patterns. This keeps the spiral going in a negative direction. LIFT Youth Center will be a positive anchor in a sea of negatives, an option where they can learn, grow and explore — even fail — all while being supported and encouraged. In this positive spiral, biological changes increase their tendencies to explore healthy versions of risk-taking which leads to taking on responsibility and improving self-confidence as their risk is rewarded. Students have so much potential to go positive OR negative, especially if…
- They are isolated or ostracized because they are unique in some way.
- They are raised by relatives, in foster care or have experienced some trauma.
- They are exposed to poverty, addiction, insecurity and unhealthy choices. BUT they are still GREAT kids! They just need more!