4 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart was privileged to be chosen as the recipient of a grant from the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation to bring Sources of Strength to our students in 2024 and 2025. Sources of Strength is an evidence-based strategy that has been promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the National Institute for Mental Health. Sources of Strength Peer Leaders are nominated by faculty members and selected to represent the full complement of the student body. Peer Leaders are trained to be connectors of hope. They focus on stories of strength rather than stories of trauma, utilizing the Sources of Strength wheel as a key tool to help students understand the many places from which they can draw strength, and to help shift conversations to focus on positive experiences. Peer Leaders plan and manage several campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness and build community. They kicked off the year by facilitating smallgroup discussions that explored the importance of all the components of the strength wheel. In November, they focused on gratitude by hosting an information table during lunches and challenging each student to identify something she is grateful for. In February, the girls led interactive games to underscore the importance of positive friendships, healthy activities, mentorship, and physical health. Led by SHA’s school social worker, Robyn Stanley Dhand ’09, with support from Maria Michalek Clare ’95 (campus minister and religion department chair) and Lori Bell Hurley ’92 (advancement department data administrator and student council moderator), the program aligns perfectly with Sacred Heart’s Franciscan values. Robyn points out that Sources of Strength reinforces the connections that have always occurred at Sacred Heart, while ensuring that no girl falls through the cracks. She noted, “Because of the thoughtful way Peer Leaders are selected to represent all students, and the intentional focus on all elements that can provide strength to an individual, Sources of Strength tightens the bonds among the girls in a way that is authentic and genuine. The program really helps students see each other’s positive qualities and reflect them back to their peers.” Sources of Strength SHA GIRLS FIND IN EACH OTHER Sources of Strength Peer Leaders hosted kickoff activities in the Athletic Center to introduce the program to their classmates. Each Peer Leader proudly wears her program tee shirt, printed with the phrase, “I am enough.”
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