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Dear Friends:
The Stay Strong Foundation (SSF) in collaboration with the Ad Council, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and Grey Worldwide Group launched a national public service advertising PSA campaign entitled "Share Ourselves...Healing Starts With Us." The launch was held at Howard University on February 23 as part of the HBCU's first annual National Mental Health Awareness Day--It was a huge success and we were proud to be a part of it! To view the ads please visit www.storiesthatheal.samhsa.gov.
The SSF team have been working tirelessly to motivate a change toward social acceptance about depression and to decrease the negative attitudes and stigma that surround it through our Healing Starts With Us campaign.
The SSF in association with NINE Recording Label successfully launched the “Used 2 Be Me…Our Stories Through Music” movement in January. The “Used 2 Be Me” movement serves as a creative outlet for our young people to artistically tell their stories. At the helm of this movement is Xavier Artis, co-founder of SSF and CEO of NINE. Xavier stated that “this movement is “Prevention Music” and is a conduit for young people to express their deepest feelings. Through “Prevention Music” we are giving our youth an alternative to pain and violence.” The SSF team strongly believes that sharing stories and challenging experiences will help those listening to make conscience decisions. The targeted population for this movement is individuals within the age group of 18-25 who have a history of physical, mental or sexual abuse—and would like to share their stories via song, poetry, etc. The movement is designed to encourage this targeted group to open up and tell their stories of struggle, of perseverance, and resilience through music and original writings. The “Used 2 Be Me” movement consists of the release of a CD single, a series of compilation CDs and books, DVD, a national music talent search and a website.
On February 8, 2010, NINE recording artists D’Artis made their national debut on BET’s “The Mo’Nique Show performing the campaign's anthem “Used 2 Be Me.” D’Artis is a hip-hop/R&B group and they are spearheading this movement with their introduction of their style of Prevention Music. Please be encouraged to continue sharing your story with others because your message supports youth and empowerment that come from "naming our pain." It is the most Stay strong, Terrie M. Williams
The Stay Strong Foundation is a National Movement to Support, Educate and Inspire Our Youth and Minority Communities. “If We Don't Give Our Kids Time…The System Will”
The Foundation encourages corporate and individual responsibility; develops educational resources for youth and youth organizations; provides and coordinates internships; sets up mentoring opportunities; and facilitates visits by prominent individuals and business professionals to schools, libraries, youth organizations and group homes. Contact Us: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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The Stay Strong Foundation (SSF) works to support, educate and inspire America’s youth through a series of programs and events that are designed to raise awareness of teen issues, promote the personal well-being of young people, and enhance their educational and professional development.