YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (YEP)

Supporting youth

wellness

The mission of YEP is to foster a supportive and informed school environment, promote
mental well-being, reduce stigma associated with mental health challenges and equip
students, educators and parents with essential knowledge and skills to identify, address
and prevent mental health crises, including suicide.

YEP provides school-based mental health and suicide prevention and education to K-12 youth across Madera County. Services are provided through WRAP support groups and through general educational presentations and community outreach.

YEP is fully funded by Madera County Behavioral Health Services, which allows for cost-free services to all participants.

What are the

YEP WRAP

groups?

A facilitated peer support and wellness program, centered around the evidence-based Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) curriculum and 5 key concepts. Trained mental health specialists use age-appropriate lessons, activities and games to facilitate groups and provide prevention and early intervention (PEI) mental health education.

This program provides a safe space to learn, share, process and implement the education material. Any student attending a middle or high school where YEP WRAP is offered can be eligible to attend. Students can be referred by school staff, parents or be self-referred by contacting us via phone or email.

How does YEP provide general outreach and education?

YEP Mental Health Specialists provide comprehensive
services aimed at integrating cultural and age-appropriate
mental health and suicide prevention education across all
K-12 Madera County schools.
Information is presented in classroom/auditorium settings
through engaging workshops and activities, including
tabling events during lunch times and other school events
General mental health and suicide prevention information
and resources are also disseminated at community events
geared to provide parents and school staff with the tools to
have open and non-judgmental conversations with youth
Best practices and messaging are also provided through
social media campaigns and material development
focused on reducing the stigma of mental health and
suicide awareness.