The CAFÉ TA Center hosted a free webinar on the role of Recovery High Schools in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of transition-age youth on Wednesday, April 26th at 3:00 EDT.
The challenges faced by young people today are well-known and readily visible in the media. Increased suicide rates, incidences of bullying, overdoses, and gun violence are realities for youth, families, communities, and school systems.
Consistent with peer-run alternatives, school-based alternatives that are firmly rooted in recovery values are generating traction. Currently, there are at least 45 Recovery High Schools in the US, designed to balance experiential and tailored learning in a safe space where opportunities for healing, resilience, and recovery are visible; mental health and substance use supports are embedded; and peer-to-peer connections, creativity, and empowerment are fostered.
During this webinar, you will meet Mary Ferreri, ED and founder of Emerald School of Excellence (ESE), the first Recovery High School in North Carolina. She will be joined by ESE students for a discussion about the Recovery High School experience, what makes it unique, what common myths get wrong, and the impact of this recovery-based alternative in students’ lives.
This webinar is the first in a yearlong series of monthly conversations about innovative peer-centered, recovery-focused practices in mental health facilitated by national peer leader, CEO of Promise Resource Network, and 2022 Bazelon Center Innovator of the Year Cherene Caraco.
Throughout the series, Cherene and CAFÉ TAC will introduce attendees to leaders with lived experience who have launched alternative ways to advance recovery, voice, and healing in their communities. Join us as we learn about innovative approaches, concepts, models and programs throughout the US and become inspired to perhaps launch your own!