TC STRONG is a Transylvania County nonprofit founded in 2022 in response to growing concerns about teen mental health and suicide. Their mission is to nurture mental wellness and emotional resilience among local youth — not by creating programs for young people, but by creating spaces with them. TC STRONG’s youth-driven, community-connected approach empowers young people to use their voices, build leadership skills, and support one another, while simultaneously equipping trusted adults with the tools to recognize warning signs and respond effectively.

In a rural county where youth face increasing mental health challenges, isolation, and limited access to resources, TC STRONG works to reduce stigma, foster connection, and build a community-wide safety net around every young person.

Lake Toxaway Charities is proud to support TC STRONG’s efforts to expand access to prevention and early intervention resources across Transylvania County. Grant funding will support three interconnected initiatives: a pilot Peer-to-Peer Support Group giving youth a structured space to build connections and coping skills; the Peace in Schools Mindfulness Program, an evidence-based curriculum teaching emotional regulation and self-awareness; and Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for educators and coaches, with a focus on reaching adults in the Rosman and TC Henderson communities. Together, these programs strengthen the network of support surrounding Transylvania County’s young people — helping ensure no youth faces a mental health crisis alone.