Natural Helpers are students at LYSD high schools that make positive differences in their schools and communities.  These students are selected by fellow students as friends that they would go to if they had a problem.  After selection, these "natural" friends receive specialty training in listening and helping skills.  The Helpers attend weekend retreats filled with fun and challenging workshops and  activities.  After training, the Helpers return to their school sites energized and motivated to help students and improve their schools. They sponsor two activities each month.

Natural Helpers primary function is to help students in need of assistance and they do it well!  Since its inception, every year we have seen a decrease in suicides and suicide attempts and Helpers report increases of interventions.

Last year  we had 123 intevention of suicide by natural helpers.

The natural helpers leadership trip to Honolulu Hawaii August 2009 with the training at the Journey foundation. This picture was taken at the Polynesian Culture Center.