Together for Resilient Youth - TRY

08/25/2026

AGES 14-17 TRY's Health Ambassadors are co-leading a community gathering on August 29, 2026, 1:00-4:00 PM, focused on su***de prevention, opioid safety, and naloxone awareness. Stories, naloxone training, youth Strong Friends, food, and community! International Overdose Awareness will be acknowledged as well. This is part of a 3-part series: 1. August 29, 2026 (in person) 2. A 1-hour Community Resiliency Model session with Kevin McLeod, online via Zoom, Sunday, September 13, 7-8 PM 3. A closing gathering, Sunday, September 27, 6-7 PM, in person Open to the first 5 youth. Each youth receives $50. One parent or guardian per family receives $75, even if more than one of your children attend.

08/11/2026

Before we planned anything, we listened.
This is what youth in Durham told us safety actually means to them: being able to learn, being able to be themselves, being able to sleep without worry, having people who know their story over time.
They also told us what they want to see: stronger systems, real community support, and healthy places to thrive.
This is the foundation the Youth Summit on Saving Lives is being built on. Not adults deciding for youth. Youth telling us first, and us listening.
Together we can build safer, stronger communities.

08/11/2026

Youth Summit on Saving Lives
It's in the works. Something Durham hasn't done quite this way, on this scale, before, and youth are leading it.
This isn't about looking back at what youth have told us before. It isn't about adults deciding what youth want. Youth will be at the center of the planning and the implementation, from the first conversation to the summit itself.
Join us.
Not on the planning team? There are other ways to take part. Reach out to learn how. Inbox me.
Summit on Saving Lives planning team, working together, not alone: Quillie Coathe, Regina Mays, Crystal Graves, Alexandra Valladares, Dr. Wanda Boone

07/23/2026

TRY’s Naloxone Distribution Initiative is making a difference!

07/14/2026

TRY Impact Series - Issue No. 003
The Song Behind the Story
“LET ME”
Today, we are honored to share "Let Me," an original song created through Together for Resilient Youth - TRY LIFT Youth Coalition organized in 2007
Written by Emani, one of TRY's Founding Youth Creators, “Let Me” was born from a powerful belief: No one should have to face any of life's struggles alone.
Emani, through music reminds us that when we check on a friend, listen without judging and offering hope can make a difference that lasts far beyond the moment.
The artwork featured with this song, by fellow Founding Youth Creator Kristiana, shows how youth voices, music, and art come together to inspire resilience.
Listen, reflect, and share this message with someone who may need it today.
After listening to "Let Me,"
What message of hope might you share with a young person today?
Watch "Let Me"
https://youtu.be/soVMdUHGvUY?si=a7H9AqdP7n_dA5Cr
T.R.Y. Founding Youth Creators
Songwriter: Emani
Cover Artist: Kristiana
The T.R.Y. Story Continues...
, ,
LIFT - Lead • Inspire • Flourish • Thrive

“Let Me” was written by us — the youth of LIFT, which stands for Le...

07/13/2026

This original cover artwork for the song “Let Me” was created by Kristiana B. one of TRY’s Founding Youth Creators.
Her design opens to the heart of the song:
Compassion
Hope
Courage..to boldly and confidently reach out to someone that may need to hear:
Are you okay?
I’m here for you.
You are stronger than you think!
Kristiana, thank you for helping give the message a powerful visual voice!💖

Tomorrow we will reveal the song behind the artwork.

Lead, Inspire, Flourish, Thrive

07/13/2026

Alcohol Access & Related Harms in Durham County
Remember: Prevention works.
The newest NC data tells us something important:
Durham's deaths related to alcohol is one of the lowest in NC and even better news, it continues to decrease.
BUT
The story about alcohol outlet density is different. Durham has one of the highest rates, 730 alcohol outlets, and an estimated 1,495 emergency department visits each year due to acute alcohol intoxication.
Our work is not finished it: We will continue to focus on: Youth leadership (LIFT), Family engagement, Safe Homes, Community education, Systems change and more.
Consider joining us as a Champion of Change!
https://try4resilience.org/try-coalition

06/05/2026