StillMakers & Riley’s Way

I created StillMakers as an innovative community initiative that aims to teach middle children about mental well-being through DIY projects that ease stress and anxiety. My project targets students in grades 6-8th in the period of their lives when most teens are exposed to anxiety for the first time but fail to seek help out of fear of being judged or not knowing where to turn.

Through collaborations with local youth organizations, I will take mental health education directly to children in a practical, accessible, and fun manner. They will be taught about the value of mental health, emotional wellbeing, and coping skills in each session. They will participate in making activities that are aimed at giving them comfort and support, such as creating affirmation bracelets, stress balls, and self-care affirmation jars.

One of the distinguishing features of StillMakers is its give-back feature. For every project made, a duplicate will be placed in a wellness kit that will be sent to schools within the community. The kits are used as a resource for students who are anxious during school time, and they have something concrete to use to self-soothe and regulate their emotions.

Beyond crafting, StillMakers offers a safe and supportive space in which youth can discover self-expression, learn to understand their emotions, and connect with others. Kindness, both to oneself and to other members of society, is encouraged in my program. Not only do students learn to care for their own mental health through these exercises, they also become educated and empowered to help others who are struggling.