Lead The Way & Groveport Madison Host Meaningful Family Workshop on Coping and Connection

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Amber Harris with workshop participates

On March 20th, Lead The Way partnered with Groveport Madison High School to host an engaging and impactful workshop for students and their families titled:"Real Students. Real Problems. Real Solutions."This event focused on equipping families with the tools to understand and support youth navigating the complex emotional landscape of today’s world.

Addressing Real-Life Challenges Through Social Emotional Learning

The evening’s conversation was led by Amber Harris, a licensed social worker and advocate for mental health and youth wellness. Amber brought her professional expertise to the forefront, facilitating powerful dialogue around Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and real-world coping strategies. She was joined by a thoughtful panel of students and parents, who courageously shared personal perspectives on how stress and societal expectations affect their daily lives.

Their open and honest conversations helped highlight one key message: everyone experiences stress—adults and youth alike—but with the right tools, we can manage it together.

An Eye-Opening Experience for Families

For many families in attendance, the workshop served as a wake-up call. Parents expressed surprise at the depth and complexity of the stressors today’s students face. Several noted how different today’s world is compared to the one they grew up in, and how important it is to meet their children where they are.

“This gave me a new lens to see what my child is going through,” one parent shared. Others left feeling more equipped, hopeful, and motivated to apply what they learned at home.

Hands-On Healing: Aromatherapy, Art, and Grounding Techniques

The evening wasn’t just about conversation—it was also about actionable tools. Families participated in several hands-on activities designed to promote emotional regulation and mindfulness. Highlights included:

• Aromatherapy Roll-On Stations: Each participant created a personalized stress-relief roll-on using essential oils, learning how scents like lavender or citrus can evoke calming or energizing emotions.

• Creative Expression: Coloring, doodling, and other sensory-based activities helped attendees explore ways to stay grounded and reduce anxiety.

• Interactive Stations: Families rotated through SEL-based activities and stress management exercises they could recreate at home.

Building Community Through Shared Experience

The evening concluded with a community dinner and a round of giveaways, leaving everyone nourished—both physically and emotionally. Laughter, connection, and a sense of togetherness filled the space. Families left not only with new tools, but also a deeper appreciation for the importance of mental well-being and emotional support at home.

This event was just one of many that reflect Lead The Way’s ongoing commitment to uplifting families, empowering youth, and building stronger communities through education and engagement.

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