A Strength-Based Approach
Using an active learning model and incorporating art, storytelling, small group sharing and games, Sources of Strength explores eight protective factors depicted in the wheel of strength to develop resiliency.
Secondary Program
Sources of Strength for middle and high school youth populations utilizes a team of Adult Advisors and youth Peer Leaders to promote help-seeking behaviors and develop connectivity. These teams create campaigns that leverage individual and collective strengths to build resiliency in the school. The Sources Secondary Program is also listed as an approved program under the SAVE Students Act by the Ohio Department of Education.
Upstream Prevention
Most prevention work is actually crisis driven. Our mission is to move upstream in the prevention cycle and raise awareness of protective factors that empower youth and build resiliency. We are not just committed to keeping people alive, but to helping them live healthy and full lives.
Youth Peer-Led Programming
The program is based on a relational connections model that uses teams of Youth Peer Leaders, mentored by Adult Advisors, to change peer social norms about help seeking and encourages students to individually assess and develop strengths in their life.
Evidence-Based Results
Sources of Strength is one of the most rigorously evaluated upstream prevention programs in the world. Research partnerships have qualified Sources of Strength on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) since 2012.
Secondary Implementation Cycle
1
Join the Movement
Identify a Coordinator to manage the implementation of the program
Locate a certified trainer in your area or attend an upcoming training
Obtain administrative Letter of Commitment from school or key community entity
Review current intervention and referral protocols and update if necessary
2
Build Your Team
Identify and recruit caring, connected and positive Adult Advisors.
Nominate and recruit diverse Peer Leaders.
Hold Adult Advisor and Peer Leader trainings
3
Empower Our Youth
Collaborate to prepare a schedule of meeting times for implementation of program
Select and implement school wide campaign to empower students and embrace differences