A group of diverse young adults, including males and females, standing together with their hands stacked in the center, smiling and embracing each other against a vibrant yellow background with color blocks. They wear casual clothing, including denim jackets and ripped jeans.

BREAKING BARRIERS. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES. BUILDING GENERATIONS.

Mental Health support shouldn’t start in crisis.

We equip youth and communities in Cuyahoga County and Allegheny County, Ohio, with the mental health tools, economic skills, and support they need early—before crisis ever begins.

Breathe Through It
About Us

THE REALITY — WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

Too many young people are carrying real challenges without the support they need.

By the time help is introduced, many have been navigating these challenges alone for years.

Across our communities, youth are living with:

Mental health struggles without the language to express what they’re feeling

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Environments shaped by stress, trauma, and instability

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Few opportunities to build confidence, skills, or a clear path forward

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Limited access to support systems that meet them where they are

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1 in 5 youth between the ages of 13–18

experience a serious mental health condition each year. And many are navigating it without consistent support or early intervention.

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More than 100,000 people in the U.S.

die from drug overdoses each year, and many lack access to prevention education, life-saving resources, and early support.

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Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death

of youth and young adults (ages 10–14 and 20–34) in the U.S. A clear indication that support is often coming too late.

OUR RESPONSE

Legacies Empowered was created to address these challenges directly.

We don’t wait for crisis to happen. We focus on prevention, early support, and creating real opportunities for long-term success.

We work to normalize mental health conversations, reduce stigma, and give youth and families practical tools to manage emotions, navigate challenges, and seek support early. We also address economic barriers by creating pathways to employment, skill-building, and financial stability.

Our work focuses on three connected areas:

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Mental Health Education & Prevention

We provide youth and communities with tools to build emotional wellness, cope with challenges, and seek support early.

learn about breathe through it
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Workforce Development & Opportunity

We create access to job readiness training, career pathways, stipends, and hands-on experience that build confidence & stability.

Learn about hustle & Heal
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Community Support & Resource Access

We connect individuals and families to trusted services, resources, and support systems so no one has to navigate challenges alone.

Visit the resource directory

OUR PROGRAMS

What this looks like in action.

Turning support into real, everyday impact.

We provide consistent, practical, and accessible services that meet youth, families, and communities where they are. From prevention and education to career development and community care, each program is designed to address real needs and create lasting change.

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  • A woman with braided hair smiling with eyes closed, outdoors with a blurred cityscape in the background.

    Breathe Through It Campaign

    Mental health outreach that reduces stigma and connects communities to support.

    More about the campaign
  • Two women holding certificates of completion, side by side, in front of a sign with partially visible large text.

    Hustle & Heal Workforce Development Program

    Youth workforce training that builds skills, confidence, and opportunity.

    more about hustle & heal
  • A large indoor conference room filled with people sitting at tables, attending a youth leadership conference presentation on stage. The stage has screens displaying the conference information.

    Mental Health Trainings (MHFA, Teen MHFA, QPR)

    Certified trainings that prepare communities to support mental health needs.

    More about our trainings

SUPPORT SHOULD BE EASY TO FIND

Resources for real life.

Access trusted mental health, crisis, and community resources designed to support you before things reach a breaking point.

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Resource Directory

Trusted mental health, family, and community resources in one place.

Search Directory
A young man wearing an orange beanie, denim vest, and white t-shirt working on a laptop at a black desk.

Video Resource Library

Helpful videos with tools, education, and community support.

View Video Library
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Write A Note, Save A Life

Read real messages, and support letters from people who care.

Read Support messages

THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE:

  • Logo of the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health featuring an outline of Ohio in red with the word 'Ohio' in blue script and 'Department of Behavioral Health' in blue text.
  • Logo of Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation featuring a map of Ohio and two shaking hands with the letters OSPE
  • Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency logo with balanced scales icon.

OUR 2024-2025 IMPACT

When support shows up earlier, outcomes change.

The impact of prevention is real—and measurable.

Reached Through Prevention & Education

Trained in Suicide Prevention

Trained in Overdose Prevention

Hours of Employment Training Delivered

4,913

84,000

4,093

3,155

of participants report increased confidence, awareness, and connection.

This is what happens when people are given the tools they need, before things escalate.

98%

View our impact reports

A word from our community youth.

  • “I like this program because it helps you get through a lot of mental struggles in life. ”

    Like, when you come in as a person, you're not gonna go out as the same person you came in as. It's very helpful, and it gives you a lot of, you know, things to do to distract your mind with. And the teachers are great. Ms. Charde is great. You know, she's a great mentor person to help you. And I just like the program because I feel like it's a good fit for people that's not on the right track. It definitely helped me as a person.

  • “I like how you all make my day better. Like, if I come here, I leave with a better day. I have a great day after. And then I know how to cope.”

    What I like most about this program is you all work well with mental health. You all basically give good advice on how to handle your situations and when to know when something's wrong with you or how to change it up from a bad way. You all give us better ways to cope or just handle situations basically. And what else I like about this program is you all real dope.

Stay plugged into the mission and the movement.

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Get updates on community events, helpful resources, new videos, and ways to support the work happening through Legacies Empowered.