What is Sources of Strength?
A best practice suicide prevention project that moves beyond singular risk factors to focus on multiple sources of support (strengths). It increases help seeking behaviors and promotes connections to peers and caring adults.
Attend an Information Session to learn more about Sources of Strength, implementation in Oregon, upcoming trainings, funding opportunities and events.
Visit www.sourcesofstrength.org for more information about Sources of Strength .
The Matchstick team presents an overview of the foundation and philosophy of Sources of Strength; highlights key features of the Elementary Curriculum and Secondary Model; and discusses the human and financial resources available. Recorded on April 8, 2022.
Creating Communities of Strength Across Oregon
Our mission is to help any school or youth-serving organization build and practice a community of strength. Sources of Strength can be implemented in virtual, hybrid and on-site school settings and our statewide team of trainers is working with each school/community to adapt implementation to their particular situation. We have over 30 schools, universities and other sites in the Sources community, with more joining every week. For more information on implementation or to talk about bringing Sources of Strength to your community, please email Liz Thorne at liz@matchstickpdx.com.
Connect with Us!
Building Capacity: Local trainers or coaches by county
July 2021
Upcoming Events
All events are in Pacific Standard Time
Sources of Strength Info Session (both models) - September 15, 8-9
Register HERE
Upcoming Trainings
The following are confirmed trainings and do not reflect training dates that are pending. Each training is meant for that school or organization’s adult advisors and peer leaders to attend. If you are interested in having a training held at your school or organization, please reach out to bianca@matchstickpdx.com to get started.
Adult Advisor Training at Peace Health / EASA Hub in Lane County - August 9
Beaverton YMCA Info Session - August 10
Adult Advisor Training at Fern Ridge MS & Elmira HS - August 22
Hillsboro School District PD (elementary) - August 24
Adult Advisor Training at Jewell MS & HS - August 24
Sources of Strength Elementary Coaches Training (virtual) - August 29-30
Willamette Leadership Academy - August 30
Scappoose School District PD - August 30
Advanced Skills Training: Training for Trainers (T4T)
Our Training for Trainers (T4T) is a four day training held for those hoping to become certified Sources trainers in their school or organization. Upon completion of the 4-day training, participants will be Provisional Trainers. Those interested in and able to move toward full Certification must:
Complete 4 mini trainings;
Co-facilitate at least 2 Adult Advisor and 2 Peer Leader trainings with staff from Matchstick Consulting as a part of our Provisional Trainer support process;
Attend statewide Learning Collaboratives hosted by Matchstick Consulting (as able) to continue building skills and connections statewide.
Folks who are unable to become Certified Trainers are welcome to attend to help strengthen or champion Sources of Strength efforts in their community or region.
Our next T4T is scheduled for February 27 - March 2, 2023 in the Medford area. If you are interested in attending, please fill out an interest form.
Sources of Strength Info Sessions
Join Matchstick Consulting for an overview of Sources of Strength (elementary and secondary), including human and financial supports to bring Sources to any school or community in Oregon. To register, click the date of the info session you’d like to attend.
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 Coaches, 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) :
September 23, 8-9 am
October 20, 12-1 pm
November 16, 3-4 pm
January 13, 8-9 am
February 16, 12-1 pm
April 19, 3-4 pm
Elementary model (K-6) held from 10-11 am :
September 22
October 20
November 17
December 15
January 19
February 16
March 16
April 27
May 18
Mini Grants
$1,000 Mini Grants are available to help support the Sources of Strength Program in your school or community.
Please read the Mini Grant Information below for information on the uses and requirements for each funding amount before submitting an application. Start Here
Ready to apply?
There are two ways to apply. You may download and complete the PDF application and send to bianca@matchstickpdx.com with “Sources Of Strength: Mini-Grant Application” in the subject line. Or, click on the “Apply Now” buttons below to submit an online form.
$1,000 Mini Grant
2022 Sources Showcase
The 2022 Sources Showcase, held on May 26th, celebrated Oregon students, young people and adults working to create belonging and connection in their schools and communities, either through Sources of Strength programming or other youth-led suicide prevention and mental health promotion efforts. They used their words, art, music, influence, activities and collective power to be agents of change, connectors to help and spread messages of hope, help and strength across Oregon. They have demonstrated the power that tapping into strengths can have on individuals and entire communities. Even through the challenges that this past year presented, the honorees met the moment in unique and powerful ways.
This year, the Showcase awarded 10 individual young people (Peer Leaders) with $1,000 scholarships; 1 Peer Leader Honorable Mention with $200; 4 Teams with $1,000 awards; and 7 Adult Advisors received gift cards and recognition.
Video highlights of all of the award categories can be found by clicking the image below.
Creating Engaging Virtual Spaces
Watch the recording from our September Learning Collaborative that outlines principles and strategies for engaging students in virtual meeting platforms. The session focuses on both the approach to virtual engagement and actionable, concrete strategies from Sources of Strength that can be applied to any subject.
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!
