We offer a variety of programs to both elementary and high school populations. Our mental health literacy curriculums follow a primary prevention health model, which aims to support populations of youth that are not generally at risk (secondary prevention), or suffering from mental illness (tertiary prevention). Rather, we provide all grade students with access to age appropriate lessons under the umbrella of social-emotional learning and mental health literacy. It is our belief that early education and opportunities for interpersonal connection are the greatest prevention tool against the development of maladaptive behaviours and negative mental health outcomes.
At the “core” of our foundation is the Apple Program, operating in 30 locations across the Lower Mainland. Apple Bowls are filled daily and students are encouraged to “take two” – one for themselves, and one for a friend, and share a healthy snack and a healthy conversation. This simple concept facilitates face-to-face connection in a tech-driven world where youth are more disconnected than evers. According to psychiatrist and Adam’s Apples Board Member Dr. Muffy Greenaway, “although it may seem simple, the impact of one apple, leading to one connection, can be a turning point for one student who is struggling”.
The Core Connectors Initiative is a mental health literacy program developed in partnership with Adam’s Apples Foundation and the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Education: Centre for Group Counselling and Trauma.
This module-based curriculum was built for high school students, grade 9-12. The program is available via Zoom, free of charge, facilitated by mental health professionals, or provided as an in-school curriculum, where teachers and school counsellors are adequately trained to facilitate sessions to their students. The Core Connectors Initiative is designed to help youth gain peer support competencies and mental health knowledge.
The Seedlings Initiative is a Social-Emotional-Learning program developed for elementary level students. The program was developed in 2021 by psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers, and students in response to the social-emotional consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. The program is an adaptation of the CASEL Framework, condensed into 20 minute homeroom sessions on topics under the umbrella of self awareness, social responsibility, and executive functioning.
Self-awareness is guided by introspective practices of self-appreciation, emotion recognition, and managing emotions.