Empowering Youth
The DLC Wellness Institute offers programs to children and teens that focus on skill building and development to prioritize mental health and prevent the potential for challenges.
Youth programs include:
A proactive, strengths-based program for elementary age youth that fosters empathy, respect, and positive peer relationships. Through age-appropriate activities and discussions, students build relational skills, learn constructive ways to handle conflict, and practice everyday acts of kindness that support a safe, inclusive community.
A positive, skill-building program for middle school age youth that supports healthy decision-making, emotional awareness, and positive peer relationships. Through engaging, age-appropriate activities and guided discussion, students build emotional intelligence, practice respectful conflict resolution, and develop confidence in resisting negative peer pressure while making decisions that support their well-being and long-term success.
A forward-looking program for high school youth and young adults preparing for the transition to college and increased independence. The program emphasizes practical skills for managing stress and responsibilities, setting healthy boundaries, navigating personal safety, and recognizing when and how to seek support, empowering participants to move into their next chapter with confidence and resilience.
No-Cost Services Provided
Contact the DLC Wellness Institute
Please complete the form below, and a member of the Wellness Institute will be in touch shortly.
Empowering Families
The DLC Wellness Institute’s parent education programs provide practical, strengths-based tools to support healthy child development from infancy through adolescence. Parents gain age-appropriate strategies that promote positive communication, emotional skill-building, effective discipline, and strong, resilient family connections. With generous support from the state and local community, these programs are offered at no cost.
Active Parenting Now
Active Parenting Now is an evidence-based curriculum for parents of children ages 5–12 that builds skills in positive communication, responsibility, and emotional well-being. Parents learn effective, non-punitive discipline strategies, ways to redirect misbehavior without power struggles, and practical tools to support self-esteem, school success, and strong family relationships.
*Active Parenting programs are facilitated in six, weekly sessions offered virtually.
Active Parenting of Teens
Active Parenting of Teens is an evidence-based curriculum that helps parents of teenagers navigate the developmental and emotional challenges of adolescence. Parents strengthen communication, encourage responsibility through clear choices and consequences, and gain tools to manage conflict, build self-esteem, and engage in preventive conversations that support safer, more confident decision-making.
*Active Parenting programs are facilitated in six, weekly sessions offered virtually.
Single-session, or multi-session, presentations are also available on a variety of topics and can be discussed with the Wellness Institute team. Examples include:
Building the Foundation
Building the Foundation is a supportive program for new and expectant families that highlights infant mental health and early brain development. Families gain practical strategies to strengthen emotional and relational skills in children from birth to age five, while also supporting caregiver self-care, healthy boundaries, and secure attachment.
The Impact of Social Media on Youth
The Impact of Social Media on Youth explores how social media influences young people’s mental health, well-being, and development. This presentation addresses topics such as digital addiction, privacy and safety concerns, and exposure to harmful content, while offering practical guidance for establishing healthy, balanced social media habits.
Shining the Light on Youth Mental Health
Shining the Light on Youth Mental Health will enhance your understanding of the youth mental health crisis both nationally and locally, helping you recognize key signs and risk factors, including substance use, social media influence, and exposure to violence. Participants will gain practical, prevention-focused strategies to support youth and explore opportunities for meaningful conversations. Resources from the DLC for education, guidance, and ongoing support will also be highlighted.
Presentations are facilitated in a group setting and are scheduled upon request.
To request a presentation for your school, group, or community event, please contact the Wellness Institute today
Empowering Communities
The DLC Wellness Institute is dedicated to building a healthy community and promoting wellness for all. Its programs provide community members with the knowledge and skills to foster empathy and compassion, recognize and respond to behavioral health challenges, prevent and manage crises, and connect with available support resources.
Compassion in Action
A two-hour, in-person training provided to anyone interested in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of mental health and how to support loved ones. Attendees will learn wellness tips, basics of mental health (including common challenges and warning signs), ways to address concerns with others, and the resources available to help.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
A globally recognized, evidence-based program that teaches participants to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use concerns. Through interactive, scenario-based training, attendees learn to recognize signs and risk factors, build confidence in starting conversations, and practice essential skills to support individuals in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Preventing Overdose:
Awareness & Intervention Training
A one-hour training that provides essential knowledge on opioid overdose, including who is at risk, the signs and stages of an overdose, and how Naloxone (Narcan) can be used to intervene. Participants will learn step-by-step response techniques and gain insight into how the DLC supports individuals and communities in preventing and responding to overdose situations.
Wellness Institute Training Interest Form
Additional Resources
DLC Advocates
Advocates come from all walks of life and contribute in ways that align with their interests-through education, outreach, events, and advocacy.
Speakers Bureau
The DLC Wellness Institute offers a range of speaking engagements through its Speaker’s Bureau, connecting experts with organizations and communities. Topics include mental health awareness, suicide prevention, overdose response, and wellness promotion, providing tailored presentations that educate, inspire, and empower audiences.
To learn more about DLC’s programs and services and how to access care, request a presentation or meeting by contacting the DLC Wellness Institute.
Workplace Wellness Trainings
Investing in Workplace Wellness Trainings leads to significant improvement in employee well-being. For every dollar spent on mental health prevention and care, companies report a $4 return on investment. This includes direct savings from reduced healthcare costs and indirect savings from improved productivity and decreased absenteeism.
To find out how the DLC Wellness Institue can customize a wellness training for your workplace, contact us today.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here to help.
Call (239) 455-8500 to speak with a mental health professional today.