This activity is supported by funds from the Center of Family Well-Being.
Protecting Our Future: A Community Approach to Youth Suicide Prevention
Friday, October 02, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: John D. Fuller Recreational Center
6627 Old Bunce Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Target Audience
This program is intended for individuals and groups who work with, support, or interact with youth, including law enforcement personnel; school personnel (administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff); youth-serving organizations and community-based providers; families and caregivers; mental health and human service professionals; military personnel and those serving military-connected youth and families; graduate students in helping professions; community members and advocates; and anyone working directly with children, adolescents, or young adults
Program Description
Protecting Our Future: A Community Approach to Youth Suicide Prevention is a comprehensive, community-focused initiative designed to increase awareness, prevention, and early intervention related to youth suicide. The program emphasizes collaboration across systems to reduce risk and strengthen protective factors for children, adolescents, and young adults throughout Cumberland County. The program provides education and practical strategies to help participants recognize warning signs of suicide, respond effectively to youth in distress, and connect individuals and families to appropriate local resources. Using a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate framework, the training acknowledges the diverse experiences of youth and families, including those connected to military service. By promoting shared responsibility and cross-sector engagement, the program aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, enhance community readiness, and foster a coordinated, sustainable approach to supporting youth well-being and safety.
Registration Fee
Registration Fee: No Cost to attend. Registration is required.
Agenda
8 a.m. Registration
8:45 a.m. Welcome
8:55 a.m. Sponsor Highlight
9 a.m. Land Acknowledgement
9:15 a.m. Morning Plenary
It Takes a Village: Reimagining Suicide Prevention Through Community Partnership and Care for Black Youth
Dr. Sonyia Richardson
10:15 a.m. BREAK
10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Academic/Professional Track:
Talks Saves Lives
Maureen (Mo) Gould Bolger
Faith Leaders for Life
Kenya Proctor
Community-Based Track:
Parental Discretion Advised
Kevin Brooks
Empowering Youth Through Collaborative Problem Solving
Kyle Coleman
Community Talking Circle
Kaya/Makayla Littleturtle
Hope, Belonging, and Resilience: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
TBD
12 p.m. LUNCH
12:45 p.m. Networking BINGO/Vendor Visit
1:15 p.m. Panel Discussion - Let Us Speak: Perspectives on Mental Health, Belonging, and Suicide Prevention
Moderator: Zoe Brannon
Panelists: Anastasia Sellars-Thompson, Layla Baggett, Isis Davis
2:15 p.m. BREAK
2:30 p.m. Closing Speaker
Voices of Resilience: Suicide Prevention For Native American Youth
Alicia Freeman
Speakers
Sonyia Richardson, PhD, LCSW Sonyia Richardson, PhD, LCSW, is an Assistant Professor at the UNC School of Social Work and holds a secondary appointment with the UNC Department of Psychiatry. She is also the founder and CEO of Another Level Counseling and Consultation in Charlotte, North Carolina, which provides counseling services, corporate wellness workshops, and organizational consultation. Dr. Richardson is a nationally recognized speaker and thought leader who helps audiences move beyond barriers and step boldly into healing, growth, and purpose. With over 20 years of experience as a clinician and wellness advocate, she brings a rare blend of professional expertise, cultural insight, and authentic storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.
Dr. Richardson is a dedicated health equity scholar whose research focuses on identifying and removing barriers to mental health treatment for Black youth and adult populations and developing interventions to support their persistence in mental health treatment. As a community-engaged researcher, she has extensive expertise in generating knowledge to enhance wellness among diverse populations and in creating interventions that address their specific cultural needs.
Dr. Richardson is the author of Experiencing Greater: An Intimate Journey with God, a powerful book that guides readers through 31 transformative lessons designed to dismantle spiritual roadblocks and embrace a life of alignment, clarity, and faith. Her voice challenges, empowers, and inspires audiences to seek deeper meaning while equipping them with practical tools for personal and collective change.
Maureen Gould Bolger, Area Director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, North Carolina Chapter. Maureen Gould Bolger, results-driven leader and suicide loss survivor, is dedicated to creating safe spaces for conversation & hope that lead to awareness, action and suicide prevention. Currently serving as the Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), North Carolina chapter, Maureen oversees the implementation of community-based evidence informed programs, manages volunteer engagement, and leads fundraising initiatives to support suicide prevention efforts across North Carolina.
Maureen's expertise in strategic planning, team coaching, and cross-functional collaboration have been instrumental in driving the foundation's mission forward. Known for her high emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal communication skills, Maureen excels in fostering relationships and navigating challenging situations. She is passionate about mental health & suicide prevention advocacy and continues to make substantial impact in the community through the chapter's work.
Kevin Brooks is the Founder and Executive Director of The Group Theory, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to individual and community development. With more than 35 years of experience mentoring and serving youth and young adults, Kevin has been a passionate advocate for education, workforce development, and community engagement. A retired barber-stylist of over 25 years, he now focuses on leadership development, policy advocacy, and volunteer service through numerous community initiatives. His contributions have been recognized through honors including the Driving Force Award and Humanitarian Award, and he serves on the Board of Visitors at Fayetteville State University.
Kyle Coleman, MSW, is the Regional Supervisor for Youth Villages in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A graduate of the University of Denver, Kyle brings over a decade of clinical experience to his leadership, including six years of specialized Eco-Systemic Family Based Therapy. In addition to his work at Youth Villages, Kyle serves as a community thought leader through his role as Chairman of the Cumberland County Community Collaborative, where he works to foster a more integrated and effective network of care. At the helm of the Fayetteville office, he oversees the implementation of Youth Villages’ Intercept, LifeSet, and High Fidelity Wraparound models—evidence-based programs designed to strengthen families, prevent foster care placement, and provide a bridge to adulthood for transition-age youth. As a credentialed High Fidelity Wraparound professional, Kyle is deeply committed to the Youth Villages mission of helping children and families live successfully by dismantling systemic barriers and prioritizing sustainable, community-based solutions.
Alicia Freeman, LCMHC, LCAS, is the Mental Health First Aid Program Manager at the UNC-CH School of Social Work. Ms. Freeman also owns Ascend Counseling, PLLC, where she provides counseling, coaching, and consultation services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – Associate. Her research interests include Racial Trauma and Resilience. She participates in various committees and coalitions dedicated to Mental Health, Substance Prevention, Suicide Prevention, and Health Equity.
Objectives
- Identify key risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs associated with youth suicide, including considerations relevant to military-connected families.
- Apply evidence-informed prevention and early intervention strategies to effectively engage and support youth who may be experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation.
- Demonstrate appropriate crisis response skills, including safe de-escalation techniques and accurate referral to local mental health, crisis, and community resources.
- Strengthen cross-sector collaboration by understanding the roles of families, schools, law enforcement, youth-serving organizations, military systems, and community stakeholders in suicide prevention, stigma reduction, and resilience-building.
Credit
Contact Hours: 4.5
CEUs: .45
Substitutes/Refunds/Transfers
• Cancellations must be in writing (email or mail).
• Registrants cancelling between two weeks and five full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a minimum $25 cancellation fee.
• No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations received less than five full business days prior to the event.
• No refunds or credit will be given for no-shows.
• No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund.
• Transfers/substitute(s) welcome (notify in advance of the program).
Attendance at this activity grants permission for Southern Regional AHEC to use any photographs, audio, video, or other images from this activity for promotional or educational purposes. Please notify an AHEC staff member if you have concerns.
ADA Services
Americans with Disabilities Act Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA coordinator at least five days prior to the event at (910) 678-7305 or mariah.williams@sr-ahec.org.
Contact Us
Jasmine Harris, Director of CPD, Behavioral Health, 910-678-7218, jasmine.harris@sr-ahec.org
Mariah Williams, Project Specialist, 910-678-7305, mariah.williams@sr-ahec.org