Flint business creates program geared towards youth mental health
Flint business creates program geared towards youth mental health
FLINT, Mich. - The focus on health is shifting to metal health awareness primarily in children. That's why a Flint-based nonprofit is teaming up with the Genesee County Health System (GHS) to provide additional services to Flint youth.
"It's about pouring positivity into those youth.."
"We've seen some signs of anxiety, a little depression because we're in a pandemic and the whole nine yards to that and then also we have to remember a lot of our youth have been exposed to the Flint water," LaRosa Patrick said.
LaRosa Patrick is the owner of Employment Networking Solutions (ENS), a Flint-based company dedicated to helping people find jobs. She tells Mid-Michigan NOW just last month, her program expanded giving youth an opportunity to grow and learn.
"We implemented the Positive Vibes Program and I am so excited about the program. We help the youth to get ready to move to the next level in their career pathway," Patrick said.
Employment Networking Solutions' main goal is to get people ready to work and ensure they're able to retain those jobs. However, Patrick says mental health does play a factor in people being able to do that she says that's where the Positive Vibes Program comes in to help.
"What we have done is reached out to Genesee Health Systems and networked with them. They came out to speak with our youth and let them know about different services they have available and how they can just come out and talk to someone if they're experiencing anything and they don't have to hold it in," she said.
Patrick tells Mid-Michigan NOW students learn how to deescalate situations and deal with their emotions and grief during the 6 week program, but the main lesson here according to Patrick she says is them learning to continue to reach out to the services for help.
"It's okay to say I'm not feeling my every best or there's something going on with me, and I need to let it out and speak to someone," Patrick said, "And to find out about the resources that are available to them mentally and emotionally," she finished.
Patrick says communication is also an important lesson students learn during their time there. She tells Mid-Michigan NOW the Positive Vibes Program is only servicing ages 15 to 24, but a program for younger youth is underway.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EMPLOYMENT NETWORKING SOLUTIONS WEBSITE
Patrick says people can sign up for things by going to the site above, or call to register for classes at (810)458-8172.
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