Today I am Thankful, Overwhelmed and Excited.
I am Thankful because yesterday I attended Treehouse Support Groups in Pennsbury Middle Schools.
I recently finished the Treehouse training and joined three amazing Youth Leaders as they led support groups for middle school kids. I am so thankful for the opportunity to follow their lead.
I am thankful for the opportunity to go into the same schools I've been attending basketball games, volleyball matches, track meets, wrestling matches and so much more for 21 years.
This time, in addition to cheering on "our youth", we get to show with all young people they are Lovable, Capable, Worthwhile.
I am overwhelmed because the need is so great! As I drove to Bohem, I called Nancy, our office administrator. She shared a statistic that just came out: "Among children 5-19yrs old, ER visits for suicidal ideation increased 59% from 2016-2017 to 2019-2021" This is a generation defined by hopelessness and a generation of Parents, Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors and more just exhausted from this increase of need and lack of resources.
The need is great. And I believe God is leading us and opening doors to allow us to serve.
I am excited because we are just a few steps away from being "Treehouse at Yardley UMC" and running support groups on Wednesdays!
In the past 8 years, YUMC has become a place where teens show up and feel seen and known.
I am so excited to be taking steps towards meeting the needs of this generation on a level that gives voice to their feelings and never stops telling them they are Lovable, Capable, Worthwhile.
