Empowered Youth of Washington
About Us
Empowered Youth of Washington (EYW) is a grant-funded initiative that was recently introduced by a group of clinicians at Cascade Community Healthcare whose goal is to promote awareness about mental health, social issues, and to empower youth in Lewis County and across Washington state. At present, we operate social media pages on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram where we post relevant information, resources, and interactive questions to engage area youth. We also provide in-class psychoeducation and leadership skills seminars at local schools.
Background
The online EYW program began in response to COVID-19 when we could no longer dialogue with students in the schools. Perhaps now, more than ever, social media proves itself to be a significant place of community by allowing us to stay connected and serve as a source of information. We acknowledge the importance of social media in the cultural landscape and want to provide a safe and positive environment for people to disseminate information, learn about behavioral health, and develop leadership skills.
Goals
Our goal with EYW is to reach a wide audience of young people who want a space in which to contribute their own voices and share with one another about their experiences as they develop skills for leadership within themselves and their communities. We invite those who are interested in learning about mental health, leadership, social justice, life skills, and current issues to join us and participate in the project. As the group grows, we will be able to design videos, influencer campaigns, youth ambassador initiatives, reading groups, fun events, and activities.
Vision
One theme that we reiterate is the message that success looks different for everyone and that achieving your own vision of happiness or success comes through persistence and belief in yourself while accepting the hardships and barriers that are inevitable in pursuing goals and ideals. Sometimes it can be difficult for young people to think in terms of a future—indeed, for many, it can be impossible. So often, negativity in present circumstances may inhibit their desire or ability to imaginatively explore a future life for themselves. Part of our role as adults and mentors is to listen and empathize with their situation while also modeling how to draw strength from within to carry on.
To that end, if you are a youth interested in participating, we invite you to engage with other participants through our social media accounts and events.
Local and National resources for Crisis and Suicide Prevention
Lewis Co. Crisis Mobile Team
360-807-2440 OR 1-800-803-8833
Trevor Project LGBTQ
TrevorLifeline
1-866-488-7386 (24/7)
-Text START 678-678
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255 (24/7)
Online chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat (24/7)
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
The Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 and press 1 (24/7)
Text 838255 (24/7)
EYW project contributors
Sonya Wohletz
Founder
Grant Writer
Angelina Bowen MA, LMFT, CMHS
Founder
WISe Program Manager
Sheryl Hill MA, MHP, CMHS, AAC
Founder
Clinician II
Child and Adolescent Program
Alexzander Isenhower
Clinician I
Adult Services
Sierra Smith
CCBHC Grant Administrative Assistant
Cascade Community Healthcare
Mindy Greenwood
Director, Substance Use and Supportive Employment Services
Want more information? Please contact us at: [email protected]