03/24/2026
art credit:
How does Barrow County Young Life and relationships with its leaders impact teens’ long-term mental health?
Researchers at Johns Hopkins identified seven Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) that build resilience, improve mental health, and strengthen social connection, even for those who have faced trauma.
Young Life helps create several of these experiences (3, 4, 5, & 6) for teens in our community:
3) Anticipated annual events like Cakeball, Tacky Prom, and weekend camp trips become meaningful traditions students look forward to each year.
4) YL gatherings are designed so every student feels seen and included - from name tags that help every name be remembered, to making friends from all 3 schools which promotes unity, to creating spaces where teens can truly be teenagers, each aspect is intentional.
5) YL Leaders show up consistently for our teenagers. They show up physically at games, performances, and when kids need us the most. They provide emotional support and serve as mentors to all students, regardless of beliefs. We do this so all of our friends know they have a support system in us.
6) Leaders partner with parents, coaches, teachers, pastors, and other adults, offering vital non-parent relationships that research shows are key to healthy development. In a word where kids are more connected digitally, but less so relationally, YL leaders seek to serve as non-parent adults who truly care about students.
While we can’t control every hardship our teenagers face, Young Life creates positive experiences that help shape resilient, connected, and mentally healthy adults, who are the future of our community.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can partner with Young Life in Barrow County to continue this work, please email us at [email protected].
