MARCH 24, 2020 - LTYF COMMUNITY IMPACT

March 24, 2020 - Atlanta, GA - The LTY Foundation began serving students in 4 Atlanta-area schools during the 2020 Spring semester prior to the COVID-19 crisis. We are working to deliver mental wellness programs virtually. As a result of participating in weekly small-group sessions, students have experienced a decrease in suspensions and behavioral incidents, as well as, healthy coping skills. We partnered with Communities in Schools-Atlanta to identify students who could benefit from the weekly sessions. We have a waitlist of schools for the 2020 Fall semester. We are excited to continue serving families, schools, and communities this Fall.

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GRANT AWARD RECIPIENT

February 27, 2020 - Atlanta, GA - The LTY Foundation received a 2020 grant from the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority (FDHA). The community grant is designed to help the LTY Foundation continue to provide mental health education in Atlanta area schools and communities. We help students with suicide prevention, stress management, communication skills, anger management, coping skills, conflict resolution, and more! The LTY Foundation is honored to be among the 2020 grantees.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 - LTYF WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STEPHANIE E. JOHNSON, M.A.

September 26, 2019 - Alpharetta, GA - Stephanie E. Johnson, M.A. brings to the Lee Thompson Young Foundation a wealth of experience in both private and public sectors of mental health research and intervention. A native of Atlanta, GA, and proud alumna of Benjamin E. Mays High School, she earned her B. A. in Psychology from Dillard University and Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. Although new to the position of Executive Director, Stephanie has worked with the Lee Thompson Young Foundation in the past, through her own organization as a Behavioral Health Consultant and facilitator of workshops in schools across Atlanta. She developed the social-emotional learning resilience-based model, NEICB, which is implemented by the LTYF facilitators. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for increasing awareness of mental health conditions and the improvement of the overall psychological well-being of our society to the Executive Director position. This year, one of her programmatic aims includes increasing the number of schools where the LTYF resilience model is implemented and training school personnel on suicide prevention protective factors. We welcome Mrs. Stephanie Johnson to LTYF!!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 2018 - LTYF AT CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL WITH LADIES OF POWER

October-November, 2018 - Roswell, GA - The LTY Foundation worked with 27 female students at Centennial High School. These students are part of the Ladies of POWER group. Our facilitator, Shanna Jefferson, focused on positive self-identity and self-esteem. The students said the sessions were great. We are already working with the school administration to schedule more sessions for Spring 2019.

MAY 25, 2018 - LTYF COMMUNITY IMPACT

May 25, 2018 - Atlanta, GA - The LTY Foundation served students in 10 Atlanta-area schools during the 2018 Spring semester. As a result of participating in weekly small-group sessions, students have experienced a decrease in suspensions and behavioral incidents, as well as, healthy coping skills. We partnered with Communities in Schools-Atlanta to identify students who could benefit from the weekly sessions. We have a waitlist of 20 schools for the 2018 Fall semester. We are excited to continue serving schools and communities this Fall.

MARCH 7, 2018 - COMMUNITY OUTREACH GRANT AWARD RECIPIENT

March 7, 2018 - Atlanta, GA - The LTY Foundation received a 2018 grant from the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority (FDHA). The community grant is designed to help the LTY Foundation continue to provide mental health education in Atlanta area schools. We help students with stress management, communication skills, anger management, coping skills, conflict resolution, and more! The LTY Foundation is honored to be among the 2018 grantees.

MARCH 1, 2018 - CCS CHARITY GUILD GRANT AWARD RECIPIENT

March 1, 2018 - Atlanta, GA - The LTY Foundation received a 2018 small grant from the Country Club of the South Charity Guild.  The grant is designed to help the LTY Foundation continue to provide youth mental health education in Atlanta area schools, organizations, and communities.  We conducted weekly small group sessions with students in 10 schools during the Spring semester and plan to work with more schools this Fall.  The LTY Foundation is honored to be among the 2018 grantees.

January 29, 2018 - LTYF Announces New Executive Director

January 29, 2018 - LTY Foundation (LTYF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Carson as LTYF’s new Executive Director.  Lauren brings a unique set of qualifications with her background in mental health initiatives, non-profit entrepreneurship, and operations. In her new role, she is responsible for directing and overseeing the daily operations of LTYF, including fundraising initiatives, and the development and administration of the organization’s annual operating budget.
Lauren has most recently served as Executive Director & Founder of Black Girls Smile in New York, based on the gaps she experienced throughout her mental health journey as a young African American female with clinical depression. On returning to her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia she wanted to continue her work with mental wellness. “I am committed to providing education, support, and resources necessary for young people to lead more positive mentally healthy lives.”  Tamu Lewis, former President of LTYF, is now serving as Board Chair.  The LTYF team, including our volunteers and organization partners, are excited to work with Lauren to move the organization into the future.

Evolving Chair podcasT: knowledge is key with lauren carson

2017 - Listen to Lauren Carson, Mental Health First Aid Facilitator, on The Evolving Chair Podcast with Lakiesha Russell, as she shares her own mental health challenges and what she is doing now to help others.

October 31, 2017 - LTYF Gold Seal on Guidestar

October 31, 2017 - LTY Foundation was recently recognized for our transparency with a Gold Seal on our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile!  GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. More than 8 million visitors per year and a network of 200+ partners use GuideStar data to grow support for nonprofits.  In order to get the Gold Seal, LTY Foundation shared important information with the public using our profile on www.guidestar.org. Now our community members and potential donors can find in-depth information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. We’re shining a spotlight on the difference we help make in the world.  Check out our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile and tell us what you think: Click here.

July 26, 2017 - Communities In Schools - Atlanta

July 26, 2017 - Atlanta, GA - The LTY Foundation is delighted to continue our partnership with Communities In Schools of Atlanta.  We provide mental health education sessions in CIS - Atlanta member schools for elementary, middle and high school students.  Topics covered include: stress management, anger management, coping skills, communication skills, five signs of emotional pain, and many more.

March 8, 2017 - Community Outreach Grant Award Recipient

March 8, 2017 - Atlanta, GA - The LTY Foundation received a 2017 grant from the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority (FDHA).  The grant is designed to help the LTY Foundation continue to provide mental health education in Atlanta area schools, organizations and communities.  We conducted multiple sessions with high school students during the Spring semester and will continue working with schools in Fulton and Dekalb counties this Fall.  The LTY Foundation is honored to be among the 2017 grantees. 

FEBRUARY 8-9, 2017 - 17TH ANNUAL CTAA FAMILY SUPPORT CONFERENCE

February 8-9, 2017 – Austin, TX – The 17th Annual Central Texas African American Family Support Conference will be held at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas. The mission of the conference is to strengthen family and individual awareness of available behavioral and physical health care services through culturally sensitive education, supports and partnerships.  LTYF Co-Founder and President, Tamu Lewis, will conduct a mental health workshop and deliver the keynote address during the Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, February 8th at 12:15 pm.  Click here for more information.

Sometimes First Aid is You

LTY Foundation was excited to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid certification training sessions to Atlanta metro communities on September 24, November 12, and December 11, 2016.  Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour certification course for caring adults who want to help youth (ages 12-18) who may be in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.  This training was offered free of charge to participants.  Due to the overwhelming positive feedback received, additional community training sessions will be scheduled.  Please contact us if you are interested in attending an upcoming class.

Connecting With Your Teen/Tween

October 27, 2016 - Atlanta, GA - LTY Foundation presented a parent session on "Connecting With Your Teen/Tween" at Haynes Bridge Middle School.  The presentation included information on communicating effectively with teens/tweens and how to keep the lines of communication open. This encourages healthy conversations that allow teens/tweens to express their feelings and may help avoid emotional crisis situations.  Contact us to schedule a session for your school or organization.

Addressing Teen Depression With 100 Black Men North Metro

October 8, 2016 - Atlanta, GA - LTY Foundation presented "A Parent's Guide to Teen Depression" at the 100 Black Men North Metro Chapter's Super Saturday Symposium.  The parents and mentors learned important information on dealing with teens and depression.  The participants were engaged in the presentation and there was meaningful discussion during the Question and Answer session. Each participant received the following information:  Know The Five Signs, Crisis Text Line, LTY Foundation brochure and links to other helpful mental health resources.

Welcome New LTY Foundation Board Members

September 23, 2016 - Atlanta, GA - LTY Foundation welcomes four new Board members and one new Advisory Board member to our team.  Michele Dock, Dr. Nilaja Green, Kaylyn Hibbs, Shay Lawson, Esq. and Malenka Warner display a passion for mental health.  The entire Board of Directors is committed to the LTY Foundation mission of erasing the stigma associated with mental illness, advancing holistic health treatments and improving the lives of all those impacted. 

LTY Foundation With College of Charleston

July 1, 2016 - Charleston, SC - LTY Foundation's Community Outreach Coordinator, Lydia Bailey, presented mental health and wellness information to College of Charleston students in the SPECTRA program on July 1st and July 6th.  Lydia and the students had an open dialogue about mental health, mental illness on the college campus and the importance of knowing how to access assistance in the community and on campus.  Each participant received the following information:  Know The Five Signs, Crisis Text Line, LTY Foundation information sheet, and links to other helpful emotional wellness resources.   

LTY Foundation - FDHA Health Community Grant Recipient

January 12, 2016 - Atlanta, GA - LTY Foundation is honored to be a recipient of the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority (FDHA) Healthy Community Grant.  Each year FDHA awards grants to organizations that help meet the healthcare needs of the community. FDHA funding is supporting the LTY Foundation's Needs, Emotional Intelligence, Cognitive Behavior (NEICB) mental health education program.   NEICB is an empowerment and resilience training series delivered to high school students during school.