Spreading Wellness Around Town
SWAT (Spreading Wellness Around Town) is a youth group that meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month and is lead by the SWAT Youth Council, a smaller, core group of youth.
SWAT is unique
It's an organized group of youth who have experience in one or more of the public systems - mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare, education - who come together to learn from eachother, from community leaders and other professionals and more importantly, give our voice to these systems so we can influence change.
The change we're seeking is to improve the services and supports these systems and community agencies provide us and our families.
SWAT youth relate to what's going on in your life
We're not saying we "know how you feel" but you can be sure we understand where you're coming from... and that's a good thing because knowing you're not alone helps you to keep moving forward, giving you hope in reaching your goals.
When you come to a meeting, you can start by taking it all in and just listen. But, SWAT isn't just a "talk at you" kind of group. We're a "get things done" youth group. So, if you're looking to learn, voice your experience and opinion and, of course, have fun while doing it then you'll want to stick around.
Contact Jerard Johnson at jerjohnson@monroecounty.gov with any questions or to let him know you're coming to one of our monthly meetings. (It's always good to confirm the meeting is taking place ahead of time.)
Our Mission
To provide youth a chance to have a system of care that supports, empowers, and develops youth and families through leadership and advocacy.
Our Vision
To be a county-wide council that advocates for, supports, and empowers youth with emotional and behavioral challenges who are in the child-serving systems - mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare and education.
Our Goals
- To increase youth voice at the practice, organizational and system levels.
- To support adults in developing their ability to be real and genuine with youth in all interactions and listen without judgment.
- To support adults in learning the value of inspiring hope and seeing future opportunities for young people.
- To ensure that youth and families have ready access to information regarding services and supports that helps them to make informed choices.
- To ensure that SWAT is sustainable (has a future).
