Icanhelp Building Bridges for Needham Youth

While working as a Biology teacher several years ago, Michelle Muffett-Lipinski had a student who was often staying after class working. Eventually, that student opened up, telling a story of abuse by a family member. At the time, she did not know what to do for that student.

"I was her person. I didn't know that," Lipinski said. "I should have gone to somebody, but I didn't."

This student went on to become a teacher, and this story--and others like it--inspired Icanhelp, a mental health program which aims to create safe spaces for struggling students and act as a conduit to resources around town. The program was created by Lipinski, who is now Northshore Recovery High School Principal and research psychologist, Barbara Bruhns Frey.

You can learn more at the Icanhelp website, their Facebook Page, or by Following @icanhelpme on Twitter.

At the introduction session on Feb. 26, representatives from the Needham Youth Services department, the High School and middle schools, some faith-based organizations, parents and others came together to learn more about this program, and about how it could be used in town. 

"We can be safe places, no matter where we are," Lipinski said. 

The Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention is sponsoring the program, which will kick off with a training session on March 20, 4-8 p.m. at Needham Town Hall. Those interested should contact NeedhamICH@gmail.com and leave a name and contact information.

Through the program's five stages, volunteers are encouraged to engage with teens, and connect them to resources around town. They are also taught how to follow-up with students, and how to build bridges to these services.

See also the Needham Channel's video (right).

[Clarification: March 11] The Icanhelp program is sponsored by the Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention (NCYSAP). The group's focus is reducing underage substance use throught community-level change. A previous version of the article may not have been clear about the sponsorship. For more information on NCYSAP, see PDFs.