Erika's Lighthouse
Program Model
Four Pillars
The Four Pillars promote an inclusive school culture and builds shared values and vocabulary across every demographic in a building: students, staff and families. Every school should integrate the Four Pillars into their MTSS Tier-1 mental health programming.
Wraparound Supports
Wraparound Supports enhance the Four Pillars by offering additional opportunities to establish an inclusive school culture, evaluate effectiveness, build values and vocabulary and identify complementary programs that work well within the MTSS framework.
School connectedness is the answer.
And for young people, school connectedness is community connectedness. Our pillars are designed to impact every stakeholder in the community to ensure everyone is addressing mental health.
Building a foundation of values and vocabulary is key.
Everyone needs to be speaking the same language. Shared values and vocabulary promote good mental health, normalize conversations and encourage help-seeking.
Classroom education sets the standard for students.
By offering education, an opportunity to seek help and a way to engage with trusted adults builds on the foundation and culture of a school. Once students know a school is ready and prepared, they will be more comfortable engaging and taking advantage of opportunities.
Empowerment Clubs offer students a voice.
Young people can change the world. Empowerment Clubs are an opportunity for them to share their perspectives and influence staff, families and their peers to create generational change.
Family Engagement involves families to support them at home.
Schools are part of a larger community and families play a vital role in their child’s development. We must ensure that families are educated and prepared to address their child’s mental health.
School Policy & Staff Development demonstrates values in action.
Once schools put programs in place, they must be supported by putting values in action. Schools promoting help-seeking should ensure trusted adults are educated and ready to support them once they come forward.
The Four Pillar Philosophy ensures every partner in a school community is ready.
Educators, families and students all have a role in addressing the youth mental health crisis. Our young people are ready to learn and discuss it.
