As conversations surrounding youth mental health continue to grow across the nation, one Ruston nonprofit is working to ensure families in north Louisiana have access to education, resources and support before the start of the new school year.
The Mt. Zion Community Faith Healing Restoration Project will host Behind the Scenes of Mental Health from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Zion Traveler Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive in Ruston.
The free event is designed for Pre-K through college students, along with parents and teachers, and will feature age-specific breakout sessions led by educators, counselors and community leaders. Organizers say the goal is to equip attendees with practical tools to recognize and address mental health challenges while reducing the stigma often associated with seeking help.
Participants who register by July 20 will be eligible to receive free school supplies, and a sack lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the program.
Executive Director E.C. Morgan said the Mt. Zion Community Faith Healing Restoration Project views the seminar as another step in its mission to improve mental health awareness and support throughout rural north Louisiana.
“The Mt. Zion Faith Healing Restoration Project continues to be intentional in its commitment to meet the challenge as a nonprofit community agency and strengthen its role as a trusted resource for addressing the mental health crisis in our rural communities,” Morgan said. “Our purpose is to address the life-altering and complex issues surrounding mental health, particularly in rural and other underserved communities. This seminar will bring together youth, parents, teachers and mental health professionals to equip students and families with the support and resources they need as they prepare for the upcoming school year.”
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all presentation, organizers have designed the event around age-appropriate breakout sessions that focus on the unique emotional and mental health challenges participants are likely to face.
Children in Pre-K through third grade will participate in sessions centered on Learning About Feelings and Friendships. Mike Smith (Assistant District Attorney, 3rd Judicial Court) will present “Awakening Awareness: Starting the Conversation,” while Jamie Arthurlee (LCSW) will lead discussions designed to help young children recognize emotions, build healthy friendships and develop positive social skills.
Students in grades 4 and 5 will focus on Bullying and Exercises to Help With Anxiety during a presentation led by Minister Darrius Stewart. The session is intended to provide practical strategies for responding to bullying while teaching simple techniques students can use to manage anxiety and build confidence.
Middle school students in grades 6 through 8 will participate in Stress Management, Emotional Resilience and Social Media, led by Roddric Johnson (LPC). The presentation will address the increasing pressures faced by adolescents, including the effects of social media, while emphasizing healthy coping skills and emotional resilience.
High school and college students will hear from Dr. Tiffany Bates (PhD, LPC), who will present Stress Management and Academic Burnout. The session will focus on helping older students recognize the signs of overwhelming stress and develop strategies to balance academic demands while maintaining their mental well-being.
Parents and teachers will participate in a separate session, Bridging Home, School and Community, presented by Dr. Stephanie Bundle (PhD, LMSW, RSW). That discussion will emphasize collaboration among families, schools and community organizations to better support children’s emotional health and academic success.
The Mt. Zion Community Faith Healing Restoration Project said the event reflects its ongoing mission to address the growing need for mental health resources in rural communities.
The organization works to support young adults, children, parents, veterans and their families by providing education, referrals, telehealth access and resources related to depression, anxiety, trauma and family stress. Organizers hope programs such as Behind the Scenes of Mental Health will encourage open conversations about emotional well-being while connecting families with available support services.
Registration is now open. Organizers encourage students, parents, teachers and community members to register by July 29 to be eligible to receive free school supplies. A sack lunch will be provided following the program.
To register or obtain additional information, email mtzfaithhealingproject@outlook.com.
This is an advertorial.
