On September 13, the Levy-Hughes Clubhouse Boys & Girls Club on Amelia Street in the Parramore neighborhood, hosted a transformative Mental Health Youth Summit. The event brought together 107 middle and high school students and three key partners – Shepherd’s Hope, OUC and the Boys & Girls Club. The summit provided students with a safe space to explore mental health challenges and learn essential coping strategies. In addition to the mental health summit, OUC sponsored Shepherd’s Hope’s classes throughout the community and promoted free healthcare services.

Khadesia Brown, Shepherd’s Hope’s Community Programs and Outreach director, emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “Our aim was to create a safe environment where youth could engage in learning and have open discussions about mental health issues that may be impacting them. Tackling mental health is not easy, but when you are standing next to a partner like OUC, it makes things seem possible. This is just the beginning… the sky is the limit!”

A Day of Wellness and Reflection

The day began with a yoga session, led by Julie Sanchez, certified instructor, helping Levy-Hughes Clubhouse participants center their minds. They were later joined by Walt Disney World Clubhouse participants, which created an atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose. Eight members of OUC’s Empowerment Zone Taskforce also volunteered at the event.

Attendees learned about Shepherd’s Hope’s H.E.A.L. Program, designed to address mental health awareness among youth. Corey Johnson, OUC Water Operations Manager, discussed the utility’s work in the Empowerment Zone, which focuses on education, health and wellness, and sustainable housing. And, the Boys & Girls Club emphasized its mission to support young people in all aspects of life.

Tailored Sessions for Boys and Girls

The boys participated in a session led by Pernell M.J. Bush, from No Limit Counseling and Education, who equipped them with tools to manage stress, build resilience, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Caleb Thomas, from Boys & Girls Club, also discussed the significance of community and its role in mental health.

The girls were split into middle school and high school groups. One group learned about anxiety and depression with licensed mental health counselor Jamye Manigault, while the other explored the effects of social media and suicide with Jean-Anne Moses, LMHC. Groups later switched rooms to ensure all students benefited from both discussions.

Empowering Conversations and Takeaways

Attendees reunited to recite a “Positivity Pledge” together with all the event staff, symbolizing their commitment to mental wellness. This was followed by an open mic session, where students bravely shared their thoughts and takeaways from the sessions.

Some of their reflections included:

  • “I heard it’s okay to be vulnerable to get solutions for your problems.”
  • “To not crash out.”
  • “I learned that it’s okay to be unique.”
  • “Learned to always be true to yourself.”
  • “It’s okay to not be okay.”
  • “Control your emotions.”

These responses highlighted the impact of the summit, leaving students feeling heard, understood, and empowered.

 

Closing Celebration and Prizes

As the day concluded, students participated in a raffle for exciting prizes like tablets and laptops donated by the AERAS Foundation. They also received gift cards, OUC tote bags, and Mental Health Youth Summit shirts as a reminder of the day’s lessons.

The final speaker, Dr. Trent Marsh, UCF Assistant Professor of Urban Education and Founder of HOPE, delivered an inspiring address on the importance of mental health in youth, underscoring the message that mental health care is an ongoing journey.

The event wrapped up with dinner, music, and an uplifting atmosphere, sending students home with a sense of empowerment and the tools to tackle their mental health challenges.

As Khadesia Brown so aptly put it, “None of us can do all of it, but all of us can do some of it.” The Mental Health Youth Summit was a shining example of community collaboration and a hopeful first step in the journey toward mental wellness for all.