The following training opportunities are provided by Great Rivers United Way staff to support the community in learning more about mental health, mental wellness, and resilience-building strategies in support of Great Rivers United Way’s focus on improving Mental Wellbeing throughout the region.
Mental Wellness Strategies
Length: 60-90 minutes
Audience: General public
Cost: No charge
Equips participants with practical tools to manage stress and support mental well-being. Participants learn simple, evidence-
based strategies to improve health, reduce burnout, and foster a healthier, more supportive culture.
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Resilience
Length: 60-90 minutes
Audience: General public
Cost: No charge
Introduces the science behind ACEs and the key components of resilience. Participants will explore practical stress-busters and strategies for incorporating resilience-building and trauma-informed perspectives into their personal and professional lives.
Foundation of Adverse Childhood Experiences & Resilience
Length: 4 hours
Audience: Direct care of support staff
Cost: No charge
Expands on the Introduction to ACEs training, allowing for more in-depth interaction and activities for deeper understanding of the concepts. The training will also allow teams to have discussions about how to apply within their organization.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Length: 8 hours
Audience: General public ages 18+
Cost: Please contact Diana DiazGranados (ddiazgranados@gruw.org) or Lindsey Purl (lpurl@gruw.org) for cost information
A course for parents, caregivers, and any adult who supports youth ages 12 to 18. Participants will learn how to identify signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
Adult Mental Health First Aid
Length: 8 hours
Audience: General public ages 18+
Cost: Please contact Diana DiazGranados (ddiazgranados@gruw.org) or Lindsey Purl (lpurl@gruw.org) for cost information
Teaches how to help someone who may be struggling with a mental health challenge. Participants learn how to recognize, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges — and offer the first level of support.
Youth Vaping Prevention & Supports
Length: 60-90 minutes
Audience: General public, can be tailored to adults or youth
Cost: No charge
Increases understanding of why young people vape and provides practical tools for prevention, early intervention, and supportive conversations. Participants learn how to address vaping with empathy, consistency, and effectiveness.
Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
Length: 2 hours
Audience: General public ages 15+
Cost: No charge
A suicide prevention training that teaches how to recognize warning signs, start caring conversations, and connect someone who may be struggling to help.
Empathy, Coping Skills & the Power of Connection
Length: 60 minutes
Audience: High school age youth
Cost: No charge
Youth will build emotional awareness, skills for stronger relationships, and resilient responses to stress. The session also explores healthy coping skills and guides participants in building their own personalized coping toolkit.
In addition to offering any of the above trainings privately, just for your workforce, Great Rivers United Way can present on a variety of topics as convenient Lunch & Learns.
Mental Wellness Lunch & Learns
Length: Flexible
Audience: Employees
Cost: No charge
A short session for organizations to introduce employees to any of the following topics: Mental Health 101, vaping prevention, or workplace wellness strategies.
If you’re interested in any of these trainings, please contact the following Great Rivers United Way staff.
Diana DiazGranados
Community Wellbeing Director
ddiazgranados@gruw.org
Lindsey Purl
Community Health Director
lpurl@gruw.org