Having Trouble Seeing this Email? View as Webpage

Leaning on strengths can help people get through tough times. Talking to the youth in your life about their own sources of strength can help them know what to do and where to turn when they need help or support.​ Many schools throughout Jefferson County use the "Sources of Strength" model to help youth use a strength-based approach.

The 8 Sources of Strength are:​

• Generosity includes acts of kindness towards others, big or small, and can actually make an impact on how we feel about ourselves. Being generous can often give us a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. ​​
• Spirituality is experienced in many ways, including practicing gratitude. At its core, we are looking at what things feed and lift our spirit, no matter what our cultural heritage and/or spiritual tradition.​​
• Medical care allows us to take care of our bodies, hearts, and minds and to get help when we need it.
• Mental health is all about getting the support we need and deserve to live life fully. Talking to a trusted person, a counselor, or a doctor can help empower us overcome struggles we might be facing. 
• ​Family support comes from people who support, nurture, and care for us, whether our family is related to us by blood or by choice.
• ​Positive friends lift us up, make us laugh, are honest with us, and are there for us when we need them.
• ​Mentors share their insights and experiences to help guide us to draw on our own strengths to be the best version of ourselves. 
• Healthy activities, whether they are physical, social, or emotional, help us unwind, lift our mood, and gain clarity.



What does your teen consider to be their main strengths? Asking the youth in your life about their own sources of strength can help them know what to do and where to turn when they need help or support.

Jefferson County Teens Participate in Meaningful and Engaging Activities

According to data from the 2024 Youth Town Hall, Jefferson County Teens (aged 11 - 22) participate in meaningful and engaging activities. These include exercise, playing sports, being with friends, and more.

Seeking support, especially when you don't have meaningful and engaging activities, is a sign of strength. If you, or someone you know, is in immediate crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988colorado.com to be connected to a mental health professional to talk over emotional, mental health, or substance use concerns.

988 Colorado offers free, confidential support, no insurance, no judgment.

Video: What is Sources of Strength?

Sources of Strength is a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harnesses the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent suicide by increasing help seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults. Sources of Strength moves beyond a singular focus on risk factors by utilizing an upstream approach for youth suicide prevention. This upstream model strengthens multiple sources of support (protective factors) around young individuals so that when times get hard they have strengths to rely on.

Video is three minutes and ten seconds long (3:10).

For more information visit SourcesofStrength.org

Open Ended Questions about Sources of Strength

Ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

• Where do you get strength when you need it?
• What is your greatest strength?
• Who in your life can you turn to when you need help?
• What strength do you tap into when feeling stress or anxiety?
• What are our family's strengths?
• What are some ways that your friends support you and make you happy?
• What are your spiritual beliefs?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/sources-of-strength/