What is Sources of Strength?

An evidence-based suicide prevention program that is rooted in hope, help, and strength. This program moves beyond focusing on risk factors/warning signs and helps young people and adult identify their strengths (supports) that are all around them. Sources of Strength increases help-seeking behaviors and connections to peers and adults through youth led campaigns and activities.

Want to learn more? Fill out an interest form below and someone from Matchstick Consulting will reach out to you.

Training for Trainers (T4T) Opportunities

We are pleased to partner with the NW Portland Area Indian Health Board, Washington, and Idaho to host our 2nd Sources of Strength Tribal Training for Trainers (T4T).  

When: September 30th - October 1st, 2024

Where: Portland, OR

Registration for this training is paid for with funding from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Interested in attending or learning more? Please reach out to Liz Thorne at liz@matchstickpdx.com, if you have interest or questions about the training.  Sign up on our Interest Form HERE

Registration for attendance at this training is provided by funding from the Oregon Health Authority. Travel and lodging must be paid by participant/organization. Upon completion of the 4-day training, participants will be Provisional Trainers. 

Want info about how to attend a T4T in the future? Fill out an interest form or check out our T4T flyer!

Secondary Learning Collaboratives

Once a month throughout the school year, Matchstick will host virtual Learning Collaboratives for those currently implementing Sources of Strength. We welcome all Adult Advisors and local trainers to join us in sharing ideas, resources, and to build community with those implementing throughout Oregon. We hope to have folks join as often as they can!

Secondary model (MS, HS, and Higher Ed) : Join us and register for one of our upcoming Secondary Learning Collaboratives.

Peer Leader Collaboratives

Once a month, we offer space for our incredible Peer Leaders around the state of Oregon, to connect, collaborate, celebrate and troubleshoot. This is a structured meeting time to offer resources, talk about campaign ideas and share what is working or not working while implementing Sources of Strength at their school or organization. Join us and register for our next Peer Leader Learning Collaborative!

Matchstick Resources

Sources of Strength resources and some of our favorite worksheets for supporting strengths from home. Check the Sources of Strength Resource page for more!

In the Matchstick Resources folder you will find:

  • Campaign planning resources - meeting and campaign planning templates, sample campaigns

  • Recruitment resources - paper and google forms ready to use

  • Class resources - sample lessons, sharing prompts, resources on how to build a high school course

  • LGBTQ+ Affirming resources - gender support plans and best practices