Mental Health Support & Suicide PreventionÂ
You Are Not Alone Here
A Deeply Personal Commitment to Mental Health
At DFYC, we believe wellness is the heart of a bright future. We are here to help youth and families find their way through tough times with simple, kind support that builds lasting strength and a sense of belonging.Â
Why We Care
The York County 2025 WellSpan Community Health Needs Assessment found that 73% of residents experienced at least one day with depressive symptoms, and 51% reported at least one day of poor mental health. The 2026 Youth Survey revealed that 36.6% of students felt sad or depressed most days in the past year. Even more concerning, 16.5% of students had seriously considered attempting suicide—higher than the state average of 13.9%. Between 2020 and 2024, York County lost 363 residents to suicide, including 22 young people aged 10 to 19.
Fortunately, our community now benefits from comprehensive, community-based suicide prevention initiatives. These efforts shape policies, programs, and services that not only reduce suicide but also strengthen the well-being of individuals, families, and our community as a whole. Samantha, the owner, has a profound personal motivation for bringing these resources here. After losing her son Shay, she has dedicated her life to suicide prevention.
I often wonder if Shay would still be here today if our community had more programs raising awareness and supporting mental health. While I cannot change the past, I am committed to ensuring our community has access to evidence-based resources. The Blues Program is one such vital resource.
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— Samantha Hammond, Owner, RN
Crisis Hotline
TALK TO SOMEONE
A safe space for anyone feeling overwhelmed or needing a kind person to talk to right now.
988
Immediate Crisis Support Links
Reach out anytime. These services are free, private, and available every hour of every day for you.
Crisis Texting
TEXT FOR HELP
Private and quick text support if you prefer typing over talking during a crisis.
HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project
LGBTQ+ SAFETY
Specialized support created specifically to help LGBTQ+ youth feel safe and understood.
(866) 488-7386
Seeing the Changes
Noticing changes early can make a big difference. We help friends and families spot when someone might be struggling so they can reach out with a listening ear and a warm heart.
01
Acting Different
Keep an eye out for sleeping much more or less, changes in eating, or pulling away from friends and hobbies.
03
What is Said
Listen for mentions of being a burden or saying goodbye. These are important signals that someone needs care.
02
Heavy Feelings
Watch for sudden moods, feeling very irritable, or talking about feeling trapped and without hope.
04
Taking a Step
Simply asking 'Are you okay?' and really listening is the most helpful first step you can take today.
Growing Stronger Together
We offer a gentle space for young people and families to heal. Our groups are all about sharing stories and learning from one another, ensuring that through every challenge, our community stays connected and whole.
Our resources use simple language for parents and teachers to help bridge the gap between worry and wellness. We focus on creating a calm environment where prevention happens naturally through care and presence.
By working together through mentoring and creative workshops, we help the next generation stay healthy and drug-free. We invite you to be part of a community where every young person is seen, heard, and deeply valued.
Help Us Help Others
Your kindness helps us provide these vital resources and safe spaces for local youth. Consider helping us as a community volunteer or a kind donor.