Tri-City Mental Health is partnering with Youth Creating Change to support the implementation of the Directing Change mental health and suicide prevention curriculum to schools and youth-serving organizations in Claremont, La Verne, and Pomona —collectively known as the Tri-City area.
This free, arts-based program program empowers young people to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build empathy through film, art, and storytelling, while equipping educators and youth leaders with impactful tools to support student well-being.
About Youth Creating Change and Directing Change
Youth Creating Change is a nonprofit organization that supports youth-led initiatives focused on mental health, suicide prevention, and social justice. Directing Change, a statewide initiative, invites youth aged 12-25 or in grades 6-12 and college to create 60-second short films and art projects that spark conversation and reduce stigma.
These youth-led projects equip young people with critical mental health and substance use knowledge and vital tools for creative self-expression. Participating students learn to recognize warning signs of suicide, apply healthy coping strategies, and take steps toward seeking help—for themselves or peers. Youth can win cash prizes, trophies, and other recognitions, including an invitation to a red carpet awards ceremony in May 2026. Within the Tri‑City region, students have consistently shined in these programs, earning top honors in regional and statewide contests. Their powerful, personal messages echo the impactful stories emerging across California and are helping to normalize mental health conversations and spark change across their communities.
Why This Matters
By integrating Directing Change into local classrooms and programs, educators and youth advocates can help foster safe, creative spaces for students to express themselves, connect with others, and strengthen their mental wellness. Research shows that young people who participate in creative mental health programs are more likely to:
- Recognize the signs of emotional distress
- Support peers experiencing mental health challenges
- Know when and how to reach out for help
- Build empathy and reduce stigma in their communities
Want to Know More? Info Sessions & Drop-in Hours
Join us virtually to learn how you can bring this impactful curriculum to your classroom, campus or program and learn local resources available to support you. These sessions are virtual and open to educators, advisors, school counselors, teachers, youth-serving departments, youth and young adults, and any adults who work with youth in the Tri-City area.
Informational Meetings (Registration Required)
Zoom Drop-in Offie Hours (No Registration Required)
- November 4, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- January 8, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- February 3, 2026 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- February 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
For more information and implementation support, please reach out to Brittany Nguyễn, MPH, Community Capacity Organizer, at (909) 326‑4636 or bnguyen@tricitymhs.org. For more information, visit DirectingChangeCA.org/Tri-City.
About Tri-City Mental Health Authority
Established through a Joint Powers Authority in 1960, Tri-City Mental Health Authority is a government agency dedicated to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive mental health care to the communities of Pomona, Claremont, and La Verne. Our comprehensive continuum of care includes prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services tailored to meet diverse community needs.