Fremont County youth know that in order to stay healthy and happy in today’s world, they must look to their Sources of Strength for help. Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Fremont County are taking on that challenge and giving us a firsthand youth perspective! Kara Hancock runs the Fremont County program and has been tackling Sources of Strength with her bigs and littles for a while now.
“We all have bad days. Days that you just throw yourself on your bed and scream into your pillow. So, what makes you get up and try again? The amazing thing is that we carry the strength to get back up with us every day. It doesn’t matter who we are or where we come from, we all have the strength. Those Sources of Strength are the same that help us get back up after addiction to drugs, or a friend dies of suicide. The youth in our community have been through a lot, and I am excited to share with everyone the sources where they can find their own strength,” stated Kara Hancock, Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Director of Fremont County. “Anyone can use the Sources of Strength. I urge all adults to help encourage youth to find their sources of strength.”
Sources of Strength has 8 spokes. Each spoke represents a strength that youth know they can utilize in times of need or simply to help keep them on the right track.
For each category, BBBS of Fremont County youth offer up examples from their own lives.
Mental Health
“In the world today, we all struggle mentally. Our world has been scrambled up and turned upside down. We all feel trapped as we are unable to do what we used to and get to have the socializing opportunities that we were so easily accustomed to. For even myself, I struggle with depression and feeling caged up and disconnected from the world. Feeling lost, confused, and helpless. But I know that through the strength of others, such as counselors or a well-trusted individual, I can get the help I need. Don’t forget that you have family and friends, you may not be able to be together, but they are only a call away or a written letter away. Draw from that and help others around you also know you are there for them as well. Mental health is just as real as physical pain. It’s okay to ask for help, it’s encouraged that you to ask for help. Use the strengths around you. You are loved and cared for and surrounded by much strength just waiting for you.”
– Lacey Orullian
Healthy Activities
“Wrestling is a healthy activity and so is football.”
– Rylen Gambler
Positive Friends
“Positive friends don’t talk behind our back. They tell you good things like good job you can do this. They won’t tell you things like you’re not going to get it so just give up. When you share an opinion, they don’t say things like “That’s stupid.” They go with it and say OK. Positive friends don’t talk behind your back. Positive friends, you can tell them things that you can’t tell anyone else.”
– Nataleigh Gambler
Mentors
“I think it would be cool to have a mentor because you can’t always talk to your instant family and you need someone to turn to when you need help. If you have a mentor, you know that they’ll be there for you and that you can trust them. Being a mentor would be cool because helping people is awesome. It’s fun to help people. It’s great.”
– Sailor Allred
Family Support
“When I have had a hard day, I like to go out with my Grandpa. I like to sit on the couch with my Mom, or bake cookies with my grandma, or play with my brother.”
– Davanii Wagner
Spirituality
“Spirituality is incredibly important. Now when you first hear the word Spirituality, I’m sure you first think of religion. I know I first did, however, upon further research, the Oxford Dictionary defines spirituality as the quality of focusing on your spirit and your soul and not on the material things around you. One thing I do to strengthen my spirituality is in the summer months almost every single night I go out and look at the stars. By going stargazing and making a habit out of it, I am able to take the time to focus on my soul and focus on how I respond to things and how they affect me. This is an activity that strengthens my spirituality. Strengthened spirituality is important because it helps you understand more of yourself and it gives you something to fall back on and a sense of security of what is inside you and what is around you. Spirituality allows you to take time to relax and focus on what’s inside you. Spirituality is incredibly important, and this is why I urge you to take the time to find something that strengthens your spirituality and allows you to have that time to focus on what is inside you.”
– Liz Pierson
Physical Health
“Physical health is important because a lot of time when you’re having a bad day it can be a problem caused by having a lack of physical health. For instance, you could need more food or water. You might not have had enough exercise that day. You might be cold. Situations like these can affect you in ways in your brain and can affect how your day is going, and how you’re feeling in many ways.”
– TJ Hancock
Generosity
“Generosity is important because when I have a bad day, it helps to think of all the good things I have in my life. It takes my mind out of that tight state and really opens my mind to all the good things I have. It just makes my day a whole lot better.”
– Caterina Hancock
Sources of Strength: Our mission is to provide the highest quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying, and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact their world through the power of connection, hope, help, and strength.
Remember, you don’t have to be involved in BBBS to use this program as a resource. It’s as easy as going to the website and gathering information to use in your daily life. This is an excellent resource for parents and anyone who works with our youth.
For more information on Sources of Strength, click here.
