16 Strong Project
The Childhood Adversity Resilience Project
16 Strong is Dedicated to
Empowering Resilience
to Adverse Childhood Experiences
16 Strong Co-Founder Honored by L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth
16 Strong Project Co-Founder, Samantha Wettje, was selected as one of ten L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth honorees. Click on the image to learn more!
Our Mission
16 Strong is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering resilience to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through student-led initiatives, educational workshops, school partnerships, and community outreach. 16 Strong strives to continue conversations that help young people recognize and navigate the challenges they are facing as a result of ACEs. We believe that with strong support systems, healthy coping mechanisms, and a positive mindset, the negative impacts of ACEs can be mitigated.
16 Strong delivers programs and resources to both youth and adults that follow their signature 3-step approach:
- Recognize - providing language so that young people can recognize their situation and understand what they are experiencing
- Resist - providing resources and tools that young people can use to develop resilience to ACEs through positive coping skills
- Reveal - providing conversation starters and support system mapping to empower young people to develop strong support systems
Statistics
of youth (16 million kids) live with a family member who struggles with mental health issues or addiction.
children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) by the age of 18.
of chronic mental illness develops by the age of 24, which may include depression, anxiety, among other mental illnesses.
Get Involved with our Program
“Adverse childhood experiences are the single greatest unaddressed public health threat facing our nation today.”
- Dr. Robert Block, former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Resources
Want to learn more about 16 Strong Project?
Disclaimer: 16 Strong Project is not a counseling or therapy service. Our organization is for educational purposes and to provide educational tools and resources.
If you are in need of professional mental health services, please refer to our resources page or search your local school or community.
If you are in crisis or think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time.