At FBSMV, we start with relationships. We do everything we can to foster healthy relationships with youth, their parents, children, family members, teachers, counselors and the community we serve. But as we are entering our 20th year we are seeing the need for connection growing.
One of today’s most vulnerable and vital populations is our youth. And one of the most important factors that help youth develop resiliency is the care of an adult outside of the family. This resonated with me since that is part of my story. In my teenage and young adult years, there were adults in my life who invested their time and care to help me as I became my own person.
The Surgeon General reported that there is a loneliness epidemic:
For youth ages 15-24, time spent in-person with friends has reduced by nearly 70% over almost two decades, from roughly 150 minutes per day in 2003 to 40 minutes per day in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated trends in declining social participation. The number of close friendships has also declined over several decades.
Among people not reporting loneliness or social isolation, nearly 90% have three or more confidants.
Almost half of Americans (49%) in 2021 reported having three or fewer close friends —only about a quarter (27%) reported the same in 1990.
Social connection continued to decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with one study finding a 16% decrease in network size from June 2019 to June 2020 among participants.
As I enter in my tenth year as executive director, I will continue to lead the charge. We really do need each other. That the beginning of success is the relationships we have with each other.
In order to help someone we have to first know them and they need to trust us. This can’t happen unless we show up as our genuine selves, with our hearts open and a willingness to understand.
Sincerely,
