One Student’s Mission to Bring Mental Health Resources to Her School

Sylvia Nisky is a busy junior at Oberlin High School in Northeast Ohio, balancing a full schedule of extracurriculars that include tennis, marching band, yearbook, and drama. Even with so many opportunities to participate in clubs and activities, she felt something important was missing.

“At the beginning of my sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to start some sort of mental health program at our school,” Sylvia said. “After participating in several training courses with the Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County and the Lorain County Urban League, I became passionate about mental health and wanted to bring more resources and awareness to Oberlin.”

Her search for the right program led her to Sources of Strength after she joined the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council in 2025. She immediately recognized it as the perfect match for her vision.

Sources of Strength is a youth-focused suicide prevention program serving students in grades K–12. The evidence-based model has been implemented across the United States, and in parts of Canada and Australia. In Ohio, OSPF leads Sources of Strength Ohio (SourcesOH), bringing the program to more than 200,000 students in more than 400 elementary and secondary schools statewide.

Armed with information about the benefits of its evidence-based, youth-led suicide prevention programming, Sylvia approached her principal to propose bringing Sources to Oberlin High School.

“My school’s administration was readily on board, and there were a lot of kids who had an interest in being a part of the program,” she said.

Thanks to Sylvia’s leadership, Sources was added this school year. Adult advisors and Peer Leaders have completed training and are preparing to formally introduce the program to the student body.

Reflecting on the experience, Sylvia said, “I loved the end of the training when everyone was sharing their hopes and thoughts about the program. It was moving to hear how many people were excited about Sources being at the school and their joy at the opportunity to participate. To me, it showed how there are a lot of people who want to participate in things and make change; they just need the opportunity.”

Sylvia sees the experience as only the beginning. After graduation, she plans to attend college, though she is still exploring potential careers. Law, mental health, and advocacy are among the areas that most interest her.

“I think that the Sources program will help me to become a better leader and public speaker, as well as help me learn a lot of skills and gain awareness about the world,” she added.

The impact of Sources of Strength is backed by research. A 2024 peer-reviewed study found that Sources reduces youth suicide attempts by 29%, and additional studies show the program can also reduce bullying, violence, substance misuse, and other mental health challenges.

For Sylvia, bringing Sources of Strength to her school is more than an extracurricular achievement; it’s a step toward building a stronger, more connected community where students feel supported and empowered to create change.

More information about Sources is available at SourcesofStrengthOhio.org.