Health, Wellness and Leadership
Health & Wellness Program (HWP)
Nurturing Mind, Body, and Community
TYA’s Health & Wellness Program (HWP) is a vital initiative designed to help young people from the African diaspora build healthy habits, strengthen emotional well-being, and grow into confident, resilient leaders. Through this program, young people learn how to make positive lifestyle choices, build strong relationships with adults in their lives—including parents, teachers, and mentors—and recognize unhealthy behaviors before they become long-term challenges.
HWP is guided by two of our Board Members—each holding Doctorates in Psychology and Public Health—who are also certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructors. With their expertise, all TYA staff receive training in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), ensuring our young people is supported by a caring, knowledgeable team.
Program Components
Mental & Emotional Health Support
Monthly Health & Wellness workshops on nutrition, mental health, and more
Biweekly Mindfulness sessions to help manage stress and emotions
Annual Youth Wellness & Leadership Retreat
Family counseling and support when needed
Therapeutic referrals and educational assessments facilitated by our psychologists
Youth Empowerment & Leadership Development
In partnership with our Leadership Program, HWP also explores important topics such as:
How media and music influence identity
Healthy emotional expression and anger management
Coping with peer pressure, anxiety, and depression
Building strong communication and leadership skills
College & Academic Prep
The HWP also supports academic and college readiness through:
Résumé writing & college essay development
Application and portal navigation support
Access to tutoring and academic coaching
Why It Matters
Research shows that youth involved in the arts and structured development programs experience:
Stronger family communication
Fewer psychological challenges
Lower risk-taking behaviors
Greater self-esteem and emotional resilience
Enhanced life skills like leadership, responsibility, and decision-making
(Scales & Leffert, 1999)
The Health & Wellness Program is a vital part of TYA’s mission — creating a safe space where young professionals know they are seen, supported, and set up for success—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. That is our commitment to every family we serve.
"We believe the arts come from the soul and providing the young people with tools to expand their capacity of living as a healthy human being allows their artistic expressions to manifest not only on stage but in their lives."
~ Arla Little Victory, Director
Program Benefits
Self-Efficacy - Belief in their ability to achieve goals and overcome challenges.
Belonging - A strong sense of connection, identity, and purpose within a supportive community.
Confidence - The courage to express themselves and take initiative.
Optimistic Thinking - The mindset to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Generosity - A spirit of giving back and supporting others in their journey.
Teamwork & Relationship Skills - Collaboration, empathy, and communication in both creative and real-world settings.
Decision-Making Skills - Learning to make thoughtful, values-based choices.
🌍 We're Published!
TYA Featured in International Mental Health Journal
We’re thrilled to share that TYA’s executive leadership has been featured in Perspectives in Infant Mental Health (Vol. 33, No. 2 | Summer 2025)—a respected global journal focused on the mental health and well-being of children and families.
This international recognition highlights TYA’s commitment to supporting youth of the African diaspora through wellness, cultural identity, emotional resilience, and meaningful community connections.
We are proud to see our work acknowledged on a global platform—and even prouder of the young people and families who make this work possible.
Read the full article: