FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HCCF Y.O.U.T.H. Create Stress Kits for Local Schools

Hillsdale, MI, February 11, 2022 –

The Hillsdale County Community Foundation Y.O.U.T.H. Board has once again selected youth mental health as their awareness project for 2021-2022.  Our Y.O.U.T.H. was inspired to imagine a new way to deliver support and connection to those struggling with stress and wanting to maintain their mental health in today’s often impersonal world. The group wanted to provide an all-in-one package that included educational resources, actionable steps and evidence-based tools to help recipients maintain mental health and to foster a feeling of safety and reassurance for those feeling unstable or unequipped to manage their symptoms.

The Y.O.U.T.H. were pleased to provide high school counselors with self-care kits that included: a journal and #youmatter pen, a motivational card, magnets with emergency mental health contact numbers, a Rubik’s cube, tissues, and a stress ball. These kits were designed to remind students of small, tangible activities they can do to help reduce their stress and anxiety.

Each item was specifically chosen by the Y.O.U.T.H.  For example, research shows that journaling boosts your mood and can reduce symptoms of depression/anxiety before an important event (i.e. exam). When a student squeezes a stress ball, their nerves and muscles stimulate and contract which makes them stronger. The strength improves the overall nervous system, which reduces essential hormones and can control your stress levels.

The Youth Advisory Council created 250 stress kits and distributed them to all ten high schools in Hillsdale County. These kits will aid students who experience stress or anxiety at school by providing them with tools that will help them to manage challenges so they might carry on with their day.

The Hillsdale County Community Foundation YOUTH was established in October of 1991. The YOUTH Advisory Council has an ongoing program for studying the assets, needs, and concerns of the young people of Hillsdale County. YOUTH has a special endowment fund, initially made possible by a challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to make available grant dollars to benefit and involve young people in Hillsdale County.

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Contact:

Mindy Eggleston, Program Director

Hillsdale County Community Foundation

(517) 439-5101, m.eggleston@abouthccf.org