Touchstone Foundation

🌱 Meet the 2026 Rise Above Summer Session Facilitators

Starting Monday, Lancaster County high school students will learn from an incredible group of licensed mental health professionals, social workers, artists, poets, educators, filmmakers, wellness practitioners, advocates, and community leaders who are dedicating their time, talents, and lived experiences to help young people grow.

Through workshops centered on creativity, wellness, storytelling, advocacy, identity, leadership, mindfulness, social justice, career exploration, and self-expression, students will engage with facilitators whose professional backgrounds span counseling, art therapy, social work, education, behavioral health, documentary filmmaking, poetry, yoga, and community organizing.

Each workshop is intentionally aligned with the Rise Above curriculum, helping students explore:

💙 Identity & Self-Awareness
Building resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of self.

💙 Relationships & Community
Strengthening connection, belonging, and healthy support systems.

💙 Advocacy & Leadership
Learning how to use your voice to create meaningful change.

💙 Future Pathways
Exploring careers, service opportunities, and possibilities for the future.

At its heart, Rise Above is about mentorship. It is about connecting young people with trusted adults who can share knowledge, encouragement, and real-world experiences while helping students discover their own strengths and potential.

We are deeply grateful to every facilitator who is helping create safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces for our students this summer.

Interested in joining this growing community of mentors?

We welcome licensed mental health professionals, community artists, educators, advocates, and leaders who are passionate about supporting youth wellness and development to explore future facilitator opportunities with Rise Above.

Visit: https://touchstonefound.org/rise-above/ to learn more.

Together, we are building the next generation of resilient leaders, advocates, creators, and changemakers.

🎨📹 Now Hiring | Summer Communications Assistant Intern

Touchstone Foundation is seeking a college-level student intern who is passionate about creative storytelling and ready to build a professional portfolio while supporting youth mental wellness in Lancaster County.

We are especially interested in students with strong skills focused in:
✨ Graphic Design
✨ Video Production & Editing
✨ Print Design & Publications
✨ Digital Content Creation
✨ Brand & Visual Communications

Upcoming projects include program marketing campaigns, print collateral, social media content, event materials, video storytelling, and community outreach initiatives.

Majors encouraged to apply include:
Graphic Design, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Multimedia Production, Digital Media, Information Technology, English, Business, Psychology, Social Work, or related fields.

Skills You'll Gain:
• Strategic content planning
• Multimedia storytelling
• Brand development and design
• CRM and email marketing
• Program promotion and community engagement
• Social media analytics
• Cross-functional collaboration in a nonprofit setting

📅 Flexible Summer 2026 start date

To Apply:
Email your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio/writing samples to:
Casey Flores
Communications & Development Manager
[email protected]

If you're looking for an opportunity to create meaningful work, grow your creative skillset, and make a lasting impact in the community, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Touchstone Foundation and other community partners at Culliton Park for an afternoon of connection, advocacy, and community action.

The event will feature:
• Community organizations and resources
• Speakers sharing messages of hope and anti-gun violence awareness
• Live music and entertainment
• Open mic performances
• Opportunities to connect with neighbors and local leaders

📍 Culliton Park
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

We believe strong communities are built through connection, conversation, and creating safe spaces where every voice matters. Stop by our table to learn more about youth mental wellness resources, upcoming programs, and ways to get involved.

We hope to see you there.

As we recognize Pride Month, we honor the generations of individuals who advocated for dignity, visibility, safety, and the freedom to live authentically.

Pride began as a movement for equality and belonging. Today, it remains a reminder that every person deserves to feel accepted, respected, and supported within their community.

While progress has been made, the work of creating spaces where all people feel safe, valued, and connected continues. For many LGBTQ+ youth, belonging and supportive relationships remain powerful protective factors for mental well-being.

This month, we celebrate not only how far we have come, but also the hope that the future will continue to grow into a place where every young person can find acceptance, community, and the freedom to be themselves.

At Touchstone Foundation, we believe that connection, compassion, and understanding help build stronger communities and brighter futures for all.

Happy Pride Month.

The Rise Above Summer Session starts next week!

Over the next few weeks, Lancaster County students will come together to have real conversations about mental health, identity, resilience, belonging, and hope.

Through creative workshops lead by local safe space facilitators we we will dive into workshops like:
When Silence Is Spoken Through Music, Create a Map of Belonging, Healing Through Empowerment, Listening Inward: Sound as a Tool for Self-Regulation, and more!
Students will explore new ways to express themselves, build coping skills, and connect with others.

Rise Above is more than a program—it's a safe space to be heard, build confidence, connect with mentors, and discover that you're not alone.

We can't wait to see the growth, friendships, and leadership that emerge from this year's summer session.

💙 World Eating Disorders Action Day

Today, we want young people struggling with an eating disorder—or difficult thoughts about food, weight, exercise, or body image—to know this:

You are not alone, and you do not have to carry this by yourself.

Eating disorders affect people of all backgrounds, identities, and body types. They are not a choice, a phase, or a reflection of someone's worth. They are real mental health conditions that deserve understanding, support, and care.

Recovery is not always a straight path, but healing is possible. Every conversation, every appointment, every moment of asking for help is a step forward.

If you are struggling, consider reaching out to a trusted adult, school counselor, healthcare provider, or mental health professional. Support is available through resources such as the

National Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/find-treatment/
SRT Behavioral Health Lancaster: https://strbehavioralhealth.com/location/lancaster-outpatient/

At Touchstone Foundation, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued exactly as they are.

Today, we stand with those in recovery, those supporting loved ones, and those who may be taking their first step toward healing.

🧠 Mental Health Monday | National Say Something Nice Day

Summer is here, let's be NICE....
It sounds simple, but kindness has power.

A kind word can help someone feel seen. An encouraging message can change the direction of someone's day. A moment of inclusion can remind a young person that they belong.

As we recognize National Say Something Nice Day, we also acknowledge the very real impact that bullying, exclusion, and negative online interactions can have on mental health.

Today, we encourage our community to:
💛 Choose kindness
💛 Speak up when you see bullying
💛 Include someone who may feel left out
💛 Use your words to build others up

At Touchstone Foundation, our Mental Health Monday conversations remind us that creating a culture of kindness is also creating a culture of mental wellness.

You never know who might need to hear something positive today.

What is one nice thing you can say to someone today?

Jam out to (feat. Snoop Dogg) "Be Nice": https://youtu.be/gHN-EhL8x3g?si=qWxxJDf5-DVHd9PU