Sunshine From Darkness, Herrera Psychology present Youth Resiliency Coping Skills Workshop

This summer, 50 youths involved in the Sarasota Teen Court program participated in a powerful Youth Resiliency Coping Skills Workshop designed to help them better understand their emotions, build confidence, and strengthen their mental wellness.

With collaborator Herrera Psychology, Sarasota-based mental health nonprofit Sunshine From Darkness embedded its Youth Resiliency Coping Skills Program into the Teen Court Summer Camp, which took place in June. Each afternoon, participants explored emotional literacy, healthy coping strategies, and resilience through creative activities and evidence based practices.

“One of the greatest strengths of Teen Court Summer Camp is the opportunity for our campers to learn from outstanding community partners,” said Teen Court CEO Heather Todd. “Sunshine from Darkness brings valuable expertise in youth resiliency and healthy coping skills, giving our campers practical strategies they can use long after camp ends. Their partnership helps us provide a well-rounded experience that supports both personal growth and leadership development.”

Many of today’s youth face significant academic and social pressures and are striving to find their place and identity. Recent data (2025) reveals that nearly one in five Florida high school students have seriously considered attempting suicide. One in three reports feeling persistently sad or hopeless. Additionally, 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and children with serious cases of mental health conditions could have their lifespan shortened by as many as 25 years.

“Young people today are navigating complex personal and social pressures — and our Youth Resiliency Coping Skills Workshop gives them a safe, supportive space to learn, grow, and feel seen,” said Dr. Stacie Herrera, founder/CEO of Herrera Psychology. “Together, we are helping them build courage, connection, and lifelong tools for mental wellness.”

The Sunshine From Darkness Youth Resiliency Coping Skills Program equips young people with practical tools to understand their emotions, manage stress, build confidence, and strengthen their overall mental wellness. Designed to “meet youth where they are,” the program integrates seamlessly into existing summer camps and youth programs, creating a safe, supportive environment for learning and connection.

The youth workshops – which are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals alongside program staff members – are designed to: strengthen emotional regulation and healthy coping skills; create a safe, supportive space for peer connection and resilience building; provide practical tools that support personal, social and academic growth; build communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; increase confidence in self expression and teamwork; and equip parents with resources to better support their children’s wellbeing.

After a successful test run of its Youth Resiliency pilot program in collaboration with Herrera Psychology in 2024, benefiting middle school-age participants at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties summer camps, Sunshine From Darkness officially launched its Youth Resiliency Program in 2025. Additional partners were added, including Innovation Academy SRQ, Margwine Organization’s “Flourishing” program, and USF Sarasota-Manatee.

Additional program partners are being sought for future workshop opportunities; contact Marlene Hauck at marlene@sunshinefromdarkness.org for more details. For more about Sunshine From Darkness, visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.

Sunshine From Darkness
Founded as a subsidiary of the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation, Sunshine From Darkness is dedicated to supporting mental health wellness through programming, education, collaboration, and advocacy, as well as fundraising for impactful research and effective community engagement. Sunshine from Darkness committed to creating a community where mental health challenges are met with understanding, support, and resilience. Its mission is to enhance and promote mental health wellness in our community. Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.

About Herrera Psychology
At Herrera Psychology, our mission is to improve access to youth mental health services by removing barriers, reducing stigma, and creating innovative pathways for support. We collaborate with parents, caregivers, educators, mentors, and community members to build a ripple effect of care—ensuring that every young person is surrounded by adults who reinforce their growth, resilience, and wellbeing. Visit herrerapsychology.com.