Leaders for an Equitable Tomorrow (LET)
Visit Middlesex4MentalHealth.org to see what this group is doing! LET created and manages this youth mental health web resource platform.
Leaders for an Equitable Tomorrow (LET) is a program dedicated to youth mental health, with an intersectional framework that recognizes how racism, socioeconomic inequality, and other social issues can influence mental health and well-being. LET engages youth peer leaders from the Winchester and Woburn communities to support youth peers by fostering a safe and welcoming space, providing resources, hosting workshops, and organizing events.
Through ongoing conversations about individual and shared challenges, these initiatives allow youth to create a network of support, be equipped with tools to navigate obstacles, and, overall, promote awareness and understanding to destigmatize the notions surrounding mental health.
The LET program is a joint initiative of Social Capital Inc. and the Network for Social Justice (NFSJ). The initial funding for the LET program came through CHNA 15 DoN funds from Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Current funding for LET is provided by Winchester Hospital Community Benefits. Major funding for SCI Woburn and NFSJ is provided by Cummings Properties.
About LET
The LET program began in the summer of 2021 where participating teens explored the intersection of racism and mental health through a series of workshops and needs assessment gathering processes. A core group of the initial LET participants met during the spring of 2022 and established the development of the Middlesex4MentalHealth resource platform as the summer 2022 LET project.
How to Get Involved
The LET team plans events and activities throughout the year. To stay up-to-date with upcoming workshops, activities, and events, follow LET on Instagram and check out their website, Middlesex4MentalHealth.org. In addition to featuring LET events, the M4MH website also provides mental health resources, a calendar with local and national mental health-related events or activities, and showcases articles written by the LET student interns.
“We, as in youth and teenagers, can help each other and the community at our age…. Teenagers can also make a difference and can make a significant difference in our communities.” –Kafui: Her experience with the LET Program
Upcoming Events
Embracing a Mindful Summer with LET
LET Videos & Event Recordings
Kafui is an LET alum who shared her experience in the let program! Learn more about Kafui here.
On March 25, 2024, the LET program hosted a panel moderated by Crystal Haynes and featured four panelists – Brian Shea, Jemima Verdier, Loren Baccari, and Michael DeMaesschalck – who shared their valuable insights on how teens can navigate their post-graduation options.
On March 13th, 2022, panelists Ariana Contreras, Brian Kibler, Liora Norwich, and Samuel Gebru shared information about how they got interested in working in the nonprofit sector, what working in this field is like, and what education and experience students might pursue if this line of work may be of interest to them.
On February 13th, 2022, SCI and the Network for Social Justice hosted a virtual career panel for middle and high school students through LET. The panel focused on youth activism, and our panelists were: Sam Gerry (WMHS ‘20) – Mental health advocate and co-founder of Kick It for a Cause, Sophia Ichizawa – Housing Equity VISTA AmeriCorps Member at The Neighborhood Developers, Philmore Philip – Activist and Founding Director of CATO:The Coalition of Us in Reading, and Sam Wilson – Director of Youth Ministries at Winchester Unitarian Society.