BREAKING BARRIERS. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES. BUILDING GENERATIONS.
Support shouldn’t start in crisis.
We equip youth and communities in Cuyahoga County and Allegheny Count, Ohio, with the mental health tools, economic skills, and support they need early—before crisis ever begins.
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
Environments shaped by stress, trauma, and instability
Few opportunities to build confidence, skills, or a clear path forward
Limited access to support systems that meet them where they are
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.
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.
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:
Mental Health Education & Prevention
We provide youth and communities with tools to build emotional wellness, cope with challenges, and seek support early.
Workforce Development & Opportunity
We create access to job readiness training, career pathways, stipends, and hands-on experience that build confidence & stability.
Community Support & Resource Access
We connect individuals and families to trusted services, resources, and support systems so no one has to navigate challenges alone.
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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Breathe Through It Campaign
Mental health outreach that reduces stigma and connects communities to support.
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Hustle & Heal Workforce Development Program
Youth workforce training that builds skills, confidence, and opportunity.
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Mental Health Trainings (MHFA, Teen MHFA, QPR)
Certified trainings that prepare communities to support mental health needs.
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.
Resource Directory
Trusted mental health, family, and community resources in one place.
Video Resource Library
Helpful videos with tools, education, and community support.
Write A Note, Save A Life
Read real messages, and support letters from people who care.
THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE:
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%
A word from our community youth.
Stay plugged into the mission and the movement.
Get updates on community events, helpful resources, new videos, and ways to support the work happening through Legacies Empowered.