We’re Glad You’re Here: Youth Suicide Prevention and the September Resiliency Roundtable
As we honor Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month this September, the Resiliency Roundtable is dedicated to proactively spotlighting resources, educating communities, and reducing the stigma around youth suicide. National research highlights a stark reality: suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescents. But there is hope. Evidence also shows that communities play a vital role in preventing youth suicide.
This September, at the beginning of the school year, we are “returning” to this important topic, drawing on the High Holidays’ theme of returning and renewal. We invite you to join us at our next virtual roundtable to explore effective prevention and intervention strategies that can help save young lives in our communities.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 to reach a trained counselor. The service is confidential and free.
Wednesday, September 18th
2:00 – 3:30pm ET
Zoom – Click Here to Register
What is the Resiliency Roundtable?
The Resiliency Roundtable is a virtual, North American network dedicated to promoting youth well-being within the Jewish community. We bring together diverse stakeholders—educators, engagement professionals, clinicians, and others who care about young people aged 12-26—to learn and network on vital topics impacting youth well-being.
If you have questions or need accommodations, please reach out to Kate Greene, Director of the Resiliency Roundtable, at kate.greene@jewishfederations.org. To access resources from past discussions, visit the BeWell website.
Event Agenda: How We’ll Share Our Time
- Welcome & Grounding: BeWell welcomes you to the Resiliency Roundtable and sets the stage for today’s topic.
- Mini Keynotes: Prevention & Partnerships to Save Lives
- Little Changes, Lifesaving Impact: Understanding Your Role in Suicide Prevention
Dr. Amy Grosso, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - You Can Help: Recognize the Signs, Have a Conversation, and Connect to Care
Jeni Beckman, The Jed Foundation - Federation Partnership with the Nation’s First & Largest Suicide Prevention Center
Elle Mendelson, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
- Little Changes, Lifesaving Impact: Understanding Your Role in Suicide Prevention
- Breakouts: Actionable Resources
- National Jewish Support Resources: Explore resources from No Shame on U and The Blue Dove Foundation to share personal narratives, connect caregivers, and access critical support.
- Local Jewish Community Examples: Learn from leaders in Austin and Detroit on effective community prevention, education, and response services.
- Closing: Reflect on key takeaways for your community and the youth you support.
Pre-Session Learning Materials
To help prepare for this conversation, we invite you to explore these resources:
- NAMI – Suicide Prevention Month Resources
- Seize the Awkward – Prompts to Check in with Peers
- Zero Reasons Why – Inspiration from Teen Leaders Starting the Conversation
- CDC – Preventing Suicide Requires a Comprehensive Approach
- International Assoc. for Suicide Prevention – Changing the Narrative Campaign
Meet Our Speakers
- Dr. Amy Grosso: An expert in youth mental health, Amy leads suicide prevention initiatives at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and hosts the podcast “School Safety Today.”
- Jeni Beckman: A seasoned counselor and mental health advocate, Jeni partners with colleges and universities to enhance campus mental health and suicide prevention.
- Elle Mendelson: A leader in community mental health, Elle spearheads innovative mental health programs at the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.
- Wendy Singer: As Executive Director of No Shame On U, Wendy has over two decades of experience in non-profit management and mental health advocacy.
- Carly Coons: Director of Education at The Blue Dove Foundation, Carly integrates Judaism and mental wellness into community resources and programs.
- Alyssa Gilden: A psychologist specializing in child and family mental health, Alyssa oversees youth programs at Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service.
- Hannah Berger: Youth Mental Health Coordinator at Jewish Family Services of Metropolitan Detroit, Hannah is dedicated to empowering youth voices in mental health solutions.
Join us as we open the Jewish year with meaningful discussions and strategies to prevent youth suicide and build a supportive community. Together, every action we take can help save a life.
“Every Deed Counts…”
Reflecting on the words of Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler, “Every deed counts. Everything you do matters… And we never know what act or word will leave an impression or tip the scale.” Let us use this roundtable to learn, connect, and take action toward a safer, healthier future for our youth.
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