Programs: Trusted Adults

Building Stronger Connections Between Adults and Youth

Over the last three years, NAMI Yakima has proudly partnered with local organizations to host the Trusted Adult Training—a dynamic, research-based social-emotional learning program designed to equip adults with the skills they need to support the mental health and well-being of young people.

This training is built for anyone who shows up for youth—educators, school staff, counselors, nonprofit leaders, youth mentors, parents, caregivers, and community members. Whether you’re on the frontlines or working behind the scenes, if you care about helping youth thrive, this training is for you.

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What the Training Covers:

Through five interactive modules, participants explore key skills grounded in trauma-informed care, neuroscience, and the science of hope.

These include:

  • How to build authentic, trusting relationships with youth
  • How to hold space for hard conversations with compassion and clarity
  • How to talk about anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges in age-appropriate ways
  • How to respond (not react) to youth who are struggling
  • How to create safe, inclusive environments where all young people feel a sense of belonging

Participants leave the training with practical tools, a deeper understanding of themselves and the youth they serve, and a renewed sense of purpose in their role as a Trusted Adult.

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Proven Impact in Yakima County

To date, we’ve trained over 400 Trusted Adults across Yakima County. Each training helps grow a network of emotionally-equipped adults who are ready to show up for youth in real, meaningful ways. This work is building community-wide capacity for healing, resilience, and belonging—one relationship at a time.

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Want to get involved?

We’re actively scheduling upcoming sessions and would love to connect with you or your organization. Whether you’re interested in attending a training or hosting one for your team or community, we’re here to support you.

Reach out to us today to learn more, get your questions answered, or reserve a spot in an upcoming session. Together, we can create a stronger, more supportive future for youth.

Learn about all the ways you can help youth cope with the challenges of mental health and visit Calm and Connected Toolkit to learn more.

Testimonials

“I felt very safe in the environment of this workshop. It can be difficult to share feelings but in this group, they are very kind and empathetic. I would definitely recommend this workshop to others. We need more resources in our community.”

“In all the training I have received this has been the most informative, enlightening and engaging training. I appreciate the focus on how to provide services and how to ensure we ourselves are practicing the process of modeling and benefiting youth.”

“This was by far the most amazing training. There is a simple way to do things to make a huge impact by being a trusted adult.“