Sources of Strength provides support to those who need it BY SHEILA HELMBERGER
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here is plenty going on in the lives of high school students today, in school, in their homes and in the world around them. It can be a confusing time and things can seem hopeless. Sources of Strength is a group at Brainerd High School that aims to remind students there are others around who can help them handle some of life’s big things.
While the larger goal of Sources of Strength is to prevent teen suicide among high school students, advisor Jess Wales says it’s also a group that is present among students that can provide a safe place to go with their concerns such as bullying and substance abuse. Active nationwide, there are Sources of Strength chapters in all but a handful of states.
Wales is a special education teacher at Brainerd High School. Her co-advisor is agriculture sciences teacher Magnus Nelson. Students designated as peer leaders and other school staff have had training to help students. The group was supposed to get up and running last year before COVID forced the shut down of area schools. This year, they are ready.
BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 19 | FALL ‘21
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