IYT Wellness Day Recap:

Fostering Conversations on Mental Health, Wellness, and Manhood

Members from San Juan, Natomas, and Elk Grove School Districts came together to learn and talk about mental health and wellness.

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent IYT Wellness Day, which took place at our headquarters. This event was a significant opportunity for brothers to engage in meaningful conversations surrounding mental health, wellness, and manhood. It was inspiring to see brothers from different school sites come together, learn from each other, and develop new perspectives.

IYT's Wellness Day aimed to create a safe and supportive environment where participants could explore and discuss important topics related to their mental and emotional well-being. The goal was to provide resources, insights, and practical tools to help our brothers navigate the complexities of life and personal growth. Throughout the day, participants engaged in various activities designed to promote self-reflection and open dialogue through interactive sessions, group discussions, and personal storytelling.

We had an incredible turnout, with brothers from Mira Loma, Valley, Encina, Del Campo, Florin, Sylvan Middle, and Inderkum joining us for the event. The diversity of experiences and backgrounds contributed to rich, multifaceted discussions, allowing participants to gain new insights and understandings from their peers. The workshops were facilitated by Diondra Perry, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Charles Lawerence Jr., a high school counselor at Discovery High School.

Diondra Perry’s workshop, "Navigating Homelife through Self-Care", provided valuable strategies for maintaining mental and emotional health amidst the challenges of home life. Participants learned practical self-care techniques that can be integrated into their daily routines. Charles Lawerence Jr.’s "Masculinity and Mental Health Stigma" tackled the often-taboo subject of men's mental health, particularly in the context of masculinity. The workshop encouraged open discussions and helped participants recognize and dismantle harmful narratives and stereotypes.

Reflecting on the day, Varney Naeem Parker, a 12th grader at Mira Loma stated, "My perspective changed after this event. I loved how raw and authentic the speakers were. It really reaffirmed my understanding of mental health and wellness. Hearing about what it means to be a man, and allowing yourself to feel your emotions has really inspired me to be better for my family, and for myself too." 

Overall, Wellness Day was a tremendous success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our brothers, the expertise of our facilitators, and the dedicated efforts of our organizers. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event so memorable. And while events like these can be impactful, we ensure wellness works its way into each and every bit of programming we provide at IYT. From our mentorship sessions to activities, goal setting, and classroom discussions, our team focuses on improving confidence and social emotional learning.