The Girls Dig Deeper Initiative (GDDI) is teaming up with Macon Mental Health Matters to hold another Mental Health Check-In for teenagers, a time for teenagers to come forward and learn more about their mental state.
The second session is happening Wednesday, May 24 at Rosa Jackson Recreation Center (1211 Maynard Street) from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. This is free and open to all teenagers, their parents, and friends. Food and beverages will also be available. If you would like to sign up, click here.
“The first part of Mental Health Check-In for Teens was a success in April,” says GDDI Founder Najiva Timothee. “Teens and their families were engaged and ready to learn. This makes me happy because I want our teens to understand that their mental health impacts their overall quality of life and it’s important to know how to handle situations that life may throw at you in a healthy, positive way.”
MMHM will provide information about resolving conflict, meditation, relaxation, and grounding techniques for anxiety prevention. Teens will also learn about signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to cope with them.
The first session was held on April 26, and was a big success with about 20 people who attended, including teens and their parents. You can read about it here.
About Macon Mental Health Matters
The Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) initiative services include mental health counseling for both individuals and families, financial counseling, conflict resolution, non-traditional mental health activities (yoga, pop-up gyms, training, parenting/IECMH, etc.) and these services are offered in the community at no cost to the client, increasing the opportunity for access to care.
This program incorporates a holistic approach for reducing recidivism, resolving conflict without using violence, and increasing access to mental health care within the Macon-Bibb County area.
This program also serves to raise awareness, and inform the people within the community about therapy in general. This will lead to destigmatizing mental health as well as increasing access to mental health care.
About Girls Dig Deeper Initiative
Girls Dig Deeper Initiative is a girls group mentoring and youth development program in Central Georgia which serve youth in schools, communities, and incarcerated youth ages 13-17. They provide 1:1, group, and a team model mentoring approach within the organization.
Their mission is to foster guidance, support, and encouragement to all youth girls to dig deep within themselves to access their inner potential and expand their capacity to be a positive influence to themselves and others.
Girls Dig Deeper Initiative launched its leadership development program in January,. The Winners’ Mindset which teaches youth girls to rise up and win regardless of the challenges they face.
About the Macon Violence Prevention Program
Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) is an evidence-based, multifaceted program created to address public safety in Macon-Bibb County. Supported and funded by the consolidated government, MVP is a community-wide effort that brings together elected officials, community leaders, agencies, organizations, and departments.
The second round of MVP grants is currently under review and will be announced soon by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Up to $600,000 will be awarded to organizations to continue or start programs focused on violent crime prevention. These programs and efforts are to be aligned with the goals of the community-generated MVP Strategic Plan that were set by nearly 2,000 people through forums and surveys on what our neighborhoods need.
“The solution to violent crime in our community will be found in all of us working together on the same team,” explained Mayor Lester Miller. “The fact that more than 50 organizations came to the table with good ideas and applied for MVP grants shows that the people of our community are committed to this historic effort. If we continue to work together, we will create a safer, stronger community now and for future generations.”