‘Find Your Fire‘ is a local nonprofit in Juneau, Alaska that serves youth and the community through direct actions that address mental health. ‘Fire Your Fire’s’ aim is to help lead young adults and teens to find their “fire” (aka what they are passionate about) by supporting life skills, job opportunities, and mental health resources as they transition into adulthood. Their services have included presentations about digital addiction and mental health, and the effects of vaping. Its latest lawn sign campaign has become a notable support to young and old alike in and around Juneau, especially during the global pandemic. 

Growing up, we were taught to be kind to others. Through our childhood experiences, we begin to learn what that means. We don’t steal a friend’s lunch, hurt another’s feelings, or bully another kid on the playground. As we transition into adolescence, we begin to focus on what makes us individuals, what attributes we possess, and what defines us. This, largely is what our society is telling us. We see it in the media, in our technology, even in the expectations that our parents, teachers, and mentors provide us. By the time we reach adulthood, we often begin to get caught up in the staying busy, working hard mentality. We strive to succeed in so many areas – our education, our relationships, our professions, our parenting, the list goes on. Life is tough. There are marriages, kids, divorce, family disagreements, mortgages, bankruptcies, health concerns, and so many stressors that we begin to feel impatient with ourselves – and often with others. Continue reading ‘Find Your Fire: Supporting Youth Mental Health in the Community’ by Melissa McCormick