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<br /> 2. Project Narrative
<br /> A. Assessment of Community Need (16 points, page limit: not to exceed 1 1/2 pages)
<br /> National data reveals a disturbing decline in youth mental health, with alarming increases in
<br /> sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation (CDC, 2024). North Carolina's low ranking (42nd)
<br /> for youth mental health treatment access underscores a critical service gap (Hopeful Futures,
<br /> 2024). Orange County data confirms this: 49% of youth struggle with substance use and 33%
<br /> with mental health issues, yet only 2-14% receive treatment (NC DJJ, 2024). Further, 9% of
<br /> youth have a family member with substance use or mental health treatment needs, 35%have a
<br /> family member with prior justice system involvement, and 29% experience inadequate guardian
<br /> supervision. These statistics highlight systemic inequities and service gaps. RSN emphasizes
<br /> immediate action, especially caregiver support, to mitigate the impact of substance use and
<br /> ensure youth thrive.
<br /> RSN's "Family Resilience Framework" engages families to build crucial support networks to
<br /> help youth develop coping skills, self-worth, and optimism (Surgeon General, 2021). RSN
<br /> prioritizes evidence-based adult-youth relationships to foster social-emotional well-being
<br /> (Surgeon General, 2021) and integrates harm reduction strategies to equip families with
<br /> knowledge and skills to support youth navigating substance use, promoting open communication
<br /> and reducing stigma.A recent Surgeon General's report emphasizes the need for family-focused
<br /> youth programs, given parental stress, financial strain, and isolation, which increase risks for
<br /> children (Surgeon General, 2024). RSN serves as a vital community hub, connecting youth and
<br /> families to resources, building resilient relationships, and fostering healthy development.
<br /> RSN provides individual skill-building utilizing 1:1 mentoring to youth (13-20) in Orange
<br /> County impacted by or at-risk for substance use, and their families and collaborates with other
<br /> mentoring programs matching youth with appropriate programs and sharing resources. RSN's
<br /> one-to-one mentoring approach cultivates a strong sense of belonging, nurtures healthy
<br /> relationships, and activates positive community involvement by fostering supportive adult
<br /> partnerships, collaborative goal setting, and wellness action plans that build on inherent
<br /> resilience. In addition, RSN expands access to enriching opportunities for both participants and
<br /> their caregivers and collaborates with local youth-serving organizations, court counselors, and
<br /> families to provide comprehensive wraparound support that amplifies existing strengths.
<br /> Grounded in SAMHSA best practices, RSN's evidence-based program recognizes and
<br /> empowers youth to identify their aspirations and build upon their existing capabilities through a
<br /> participant-centered approach. Mentors are expertly trained to recognize and nurture youth
<br /> strengths,utilizing: SAMHSA CORE Competencies (recovery-oriented,person-centered,
<br /> voluntary, relationship-focused, and trauma-informed practices), active and compassionate
<br /> listening, SMART goal setting, and motivational interviewing skills that unlock potential
<br /> (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023). Mentors provide at least
<br /> two hours of individualized skill-building based mentorship weekly for up to 16 weeks, focused
<br /> on SAMHSA's 8 Dimensions of Wellness, investing in youth capabilities to achieve their goals
<br /> and further develop their agency. RSN mentors use self-disclosure, empathy, and acceptance,
<br /> drawing on lived experience and community knowledge to build trust and navigate sensitive
<br /> topics, fostering authentic connections and illuminating pathways to successful transformation.
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