TEEN PROGRAMS & Resources

The Blue Dove Foundation provides invaluable resources for teens, parents, and families, focusing on the connection between Judaism and mental health. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in Jewish communities, they offer education, support, and advocacy to foster awareness and well-being.

Learn more here.

1. TeenTalk  – Provides a free, anonymous safe space for teens to request support from trained peers and learn from others with similar experiences.
2. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline –  Call or text 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
3. Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741. Provides access to free, round-the-clock support and information via text.
4. OK2Talk  – 800-273-TALK (8255). A safe, moderated online community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle, or hope.
5. Never a Bother – Resources for you, a friend, or a loved one in your care. Hear stories. Start the convo. Learn how to help.

1. Keshet – Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. We strengthen Jewish communities. We equip Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities; create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued; and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
2. Trevor Project Trevor Lifeline – 1-866-488-7386 / Text START to 678-678. Provides LGBTQ youth with 24/7 crisis counseling via phone, text, and chat. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.
3. Out Youth – Out Youth promotes the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of sexual and gender minority youth so that they can openly and safely explore and affirm their identities.
4. JQ Helpline  – Call or text 855-JQI-HLPS (855-574-4577). The Jewish Queer International Helpline provides inclusive support and resources for LGBTQ+ Jews, their families, and allies.

1. National Drug Helpline – 1-844-289-0879. A free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline that can help you start your journey towards a better future. The helpline is open to everyone. You can call the hotline to get information for yourself or a friend or family member.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, free, 24/7 information service providing referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Also send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service. SAMHSA’s National Helpline HELP4U text messaging service is a confidential treatment referral service.

1. Dougy Center Teen Resources – The Dougy Center is an acclaimed national organization for grief support.
2. Good Grief – Good Grief aims to build resilience in children, strengthen families and empower communities to grow from loss and adversity.
3. Modern Loss – Modern Loss is a place to share the unspeakably taboo, unbelievably hilarious, and unexpectedly beautiful terrain of navigating your life after a death. Beginners welcome.

1. Love Is Respect – Available 24/7. Information, support, and advocacy for young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. Call 866-331-9474. Text “LOVEIS” to 22522.
2. National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) OR Text “START” to 88788. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

1. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – 1-800-931-2237. Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.

Teen Connection and Youth/Teen Summer Programs

Sammy’s House provides local teens who identify as neurodivergent a safe, inclusive space to interact with others through on and off-site social activities.

Learn more about weekend programs and summer programs.

Building Connections at the Hideout Theatre offers programming to a wide range of youth and adults, including: neurodivergent students, at-risk youth, homeless youth and adults, youth and adults with trauma histories/attachment challenges, and youth and adults with mental health issues. Their adaptive programming includes customized class settings and instruction to specific groups, which maximizes accessibility, fun, and therapeutic benefit for all.

Learn more here.

1. Camp Discover – McBeth Therapeutic Summer Camps specialize in providing adaptive programming to individuals with special needs. Camps are staffed at a 1:4 staff to participant ratio. 
2. Inclusive Choir –  Sing and celebrate with McBeth’s inclusive choir offered on Wednesdays from 4-5 PM at South Austin Senior Activity Center. Participants will hone their skills as they get ready for the annual inclusive choir concert in December. Please contact Malorie Solus for more information and to register 
3. McBeth Adaptive Sports – McBeth Adaptive Sports provides individuals of all abilities the opportunity to improve sports skills, build confidence, engage with peers, and participate in Special Olympics Texas area and state competitions. Current sports vary throughout the year with the Special Olympics Texas competition schedule. Go Warriors!  

Learn more here.

One World Martial Arts’ classes are run at the Clay Madsen Rec Center in Round Rock, TX, and the Turner Roberts Rec Center in Austin, TX. 

Modern Classes are specially designed classes for students who find themselves with physical needs that are most often addressed through occupational or physical therapy. The classes are designed to be adaptable to the student’s specific needs and current limitations. The classes focus on building physical fitness, gross and fine motor control, and neural pathway development while working through martial arts concepts, drills, and forms. The students learn real martial arts skills, but progress through the belts (tangible rewards) via participation. 

Learn more here.