Touchstone Foundation has announced the expansion of its mental health mentorship programming. The summer Rise Above program will be offered as a new after-school program or student club for Lancaster County high school students during the school year, expanding pathways for students to become youth mental health advocates.The Rise Above program connects Lancaster County high school students with trusted adult mentors, including mental health professionals, teaching artists, and local leaders. The program aims to foster safe spaces for students to explore their identity, strengthen coping skills, and gain confidence through community, creativity, and conversation.With grant funding from the Lancaster County Community Foundation's Next Generation Grant, the Touchstone Foundation has developed a new curriculum for Rise Above after-school programs. The curriculum is built around three key modules: discovering yourself, interacting with others, and looking to the future. Students will participate in guided sessions on sound healing, poetry, journaling, racial equity, safe teen dating, and more.  

In response to a need for youth mentorship, Touchstone Foundation is funding additional mentorship and youth wellness partnerships with organizations including City Limits Foundation Grant, Welcoming Connections, YWCA Lancaster, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA, The Hood Hippie Love Yourself, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Community Wellness, Community Services Group, Bench Mark Program, 415 East Recording, and Soliman Photography & Videography.

Touchstone Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has focused on elevating the mental well-being of youths and children in Lancaster County for 25 years. For more information, visit https://touchstonefound.org.