Recently, Rea Reynolds, Bethel-Tate Middle School Counselor, Andrea Egbert, Bethel-Tate High School Counselor, and Shelley Keller, District Nurse, had the privilege of attending the Sources of Strength conference in Columbus. All three women serve as advisors for the Bethel-Tate School District's Sources of Strength Program.
During the conference, they actively networked and expanded their understanding of how to effectively address student needs through the Sources of Strength framework. The program is in its second year at both Bethel-Tate High School and Middle School replacing Hope Squad. Each school has 20 peer leaders.
The Sources of Strength program is a more encompassing program than was Hope Squad, not only focusing on suicide prevention but also bullying prevention. And, the Sources of Strength curriculum is compliant with state guidelines.
Sources of Strength is recognized as a best practice youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention initiative. It is designed to leverage the influence of peer social networks to foster healthy norms and culture, thereby deterring suicide, violence, bullying, and substance misuse.
Sources of Strength extends beyond merely addressing risk factors; it aims to enhance well-being, promote help-seeking behaviors, foster resilience, encourage healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate a sense of belonging among students. By adopting an upstream approach, the program strengthens various sources of support and protective factors for young people. Consequently, when faced with challenges, students possess a reservoir of strengths to draw upon.