Having a mentor can be one of the most fulfilling relationships in a person’s life, but often it’s hard to pin down exactly what qualities make someone a great mentor. That might be because what someone needs most from a mentor/mentee relationship can vary from person...
The past year has been one of the most difficult many of us will ever experience. As I talk to people about what has helped get them through the year, one common theme that has surprised me is reconnecting with family and chosen family. Restrictions on...
“Sometimes the best way to solve your problems is to help someone else.” While that line may sound like timeless words of wisdom, it’s actually from a cartoon. With those words, fan favorite Uncle Iroh was telling the titular hero of Legend of Korra that in...
In recognition of World Kindness Day, the Sources of Strength team at Next Step is recognizing positive friends, and the impact they have on our lives. With Sources we focus on eight strengths to help students build hope, help and strength. Over the next few weeks...
COVID-19 has taken over the world in recent months, and experts are still uncertain as to when the pandemic will end. While the social distancing and shelter-in-place measures are a necessary step for the good of society, they have also placed a heavy burden on...
How to support your teen’s mental health during a pandemic Teens have plenty to be stressed about under even normal circumstances. Unfortunately, the social distancing that is required to deal with the coronavirus pandemic comes with its own set of new stresses, to say nothing of...
While many people may find suicide difficult to understand, it’s not uncommon; according to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death nationally. In 2016, nearly 45,000 people died from suicide, while 9.8 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 2.8...