4 days ago
Triad foundation prioritizes mental health for young girls
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Marginalized groups of young people in our community are often overlooked when it comes to developing critical life skills, but that's about to change in one city thanks to a grant from the Women's Fund of Winston-Salem.
'This was a necessary program for me,' says Sumiya Carter. She is a student ambassador for the Superintendent's Institute at Parkland High School. 'There were a lot of problems we couldn't help happening at Parkland,' she says. 'It was a very needed program at that time just because of the emotional turmoil.'
Carter joined in her junior year. That's a tough time for high school students who are dealing with school, friends, extra-curricular activities, and prepping for the SATs. It can be a bit much and lead to trouble for some, and that's where the Superintendent's Institute, run by The Feelings Company, comes in.
'What we found was that due to pushout phenomena, black girls were being disciplined, and more black girls were having more problems in school,' says Karen Keithel, the Chief Emotions Officer for The Feelings Company. 'They felt voiceless, so we decided to do this program right here to give them leadership skills and the emotional intelligence skills that they need.'
The Winston-Salem Foundation saw a need as well and is helping the program with a $15,000 grant from the Women's Fund of Winston-Salem. Keithel says the money will provide mental health literacy and mentorship for up to 25 black high school girls as well as give them the skills they need to be ready for college or a job after graduation.
Jada Richardson, administrator for the Superintendent's Institute and Parkland High class president, says the program is a real success story. 'TSI made a difference in my life. I'm definitely more confident….more well-spoken, and I'm very in tune with how I feel and why I feel that way,' she says. 'When I was a child, I wasn't able to tell you why I was crying or what was wrong, but now I'm able to say, 'I don't like the way you treated me, or I don't like the way you said what you said to me.' I'm very confident and outspoken about the way I feel and why I feel that way.'
In the end, emotional intelligence really does lead to success.
If you know someone who might want to join the Feeling Friends or want to help, just email Karen Keithel at: karen@
Learn more about The Feelings Company at:
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