WhyTry

WhyTry is designed to teach youth the value of putting effort into challenges at home, at school, and with peers. The goal of the program is to answer the question “WhyTry in life when frustrated with, confused by, or angry about life’s pressures and challenges?”

The program uses a multi-sensory approach, including journaling, music, and physical activity, to enhance social skills. Facilitated by Youth First Mental Health Professionals, the program is designed to motivate students to make good decisions and overcome challenges through a series of sessions for small groups or classrooms.

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Get in touch with Youth First staff for more information about this program.

  • Kent Leslie, Director of Programs | 812-421-8336 ext 111

By presenting ten visual analogies and corresponding questions for discussion, the WhyTry program communicates to students that, although it may be difficult to make good decisions, doing so results in more opportunity, freedom, and self-respect.

By presenting ten visual analogies and corresponding questions for discussion, the WhyTry program communicates to students that, although it may be difficult to make good decisions, doing so results in more opportunity, freedom, and self-respect.

72%

of students agree

Their decisions and actions today will affect their future

67%

of students agree

They have the skills they need to solve their problems.

72%

of students agree

That they see their future as positive and full of potential.

80%

of students agree

That they are doing pretty well.

57%

of students agree

They can come up with lots of ways to solve problems when they have one.

55%

of students agree

They are able to clam down when they are mad.

56%

of students agree

They stop to think about all the things that may happen as a result of their decision.

68%

of students agree

They feel good about themselves.

87%

of students agree

They try to do their best in school.

Testimonials

“WhyTry helps me with my anger and how to change in a good way.”

“I found the jumping hurdles [lesson] to be the most helpful, because I have problems at school and I see me in the future looking back to this lesson and jumping over my hurdle/problem.”

“I liked that WhyTry helped me see the potential in me.”

“WhyTry taught me that people shouldn’t be judged by their cover.”

“We were taught how to overcome challenges in life.”

“What I found most helpful about the program was learning ways to be respectful and more patient with problems that occur. I can’t believe I’m saying this…it helped me be kinder to my family.”

“WhyTry gave me self-confidence because now I can motivate myself to do things that are hard.”

“WhyTry helped me when it talked about ways to not speak back but to try to walk away and to stay away from people that will bring you down.”

“WhyTry was helpful because of the lessons and the sense of opportunity, self-respect, and freedom.”

“I like WhyTry because it taught me about peeling off labels. I always have been told I’m annoying or overweight. I have learned to not be affected by the labels anymore.”

“WhyTry was helpful because it taught me I’m not the only one stuck in a situation I’m in and also told me to think positive things about myself.”

“Being with my friends and being able to open up to them was my favorite part of WhyTry.”

“My favorite part of WhyTry was being with new people.”

“My favorite part of WhyTry was getting along with other group members and the activities in each session.”