IYT Bay Area Hosts Secretary of Health & Human Services
Secretary Kim Johnson meets with IYT Brothers to discuss “The Cure for Crashing Out.”
Recently our IYT Brothers at Jesse Bethel High School in Vallejo had a visit from Secretary of Health & Human Services, Kim Johnson. Joined by Superintendent Ruben Aurelio, Brian Kaplun (Deputy Secretary for Policy and Strategic Planning), Heather Topacio (Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services), and Rasheena Bell (Principal of Jesse Bethel), they came together for a roundtable called “The Cure for Crashing Out.”
The discussion was led by IYT’s CEO Michael Lynch and IYT Bay Area’s Executive Director, Dr. Erica Conners, and as the day unfolded, the students shared their insights into what factors cause them “crash out,” how they show up for each other in those moments, and what actions the adults in their life can take to prevent it in the future.
“When our young men talk about ‘crashing out,’ they’re talking about the boiling point; where stress, pressure, and a lack of resources collide. By sharing their lived experiences, they provided the Secretary and our partners with a roadmap for the mental health support and community safety initiatives they need.” ”
Conversations like this are important, as they not only serve as a way for IYT Brothers to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment, but they provide an opportunity for people like the Secretary and representatives from the school district to get a first-hand view into why programs like IYT are so vital.
We’d like to share a huge thank you to:
Kim Johnson, Secretary of Health and Human Services for listening with empathy and prioritizing the voices of our youth.
Our school and district partners for your unwavering commitment to seeing our Brothers thrive, not just survive.
Our IYT Brothers for their courage. Vulnerability is a superpower.
