Programs & Events

Where community
becomes healing.

From youth workshops to community wellness events, every program we run is designed to bring people together, reduce stigma, and build the skills to save lives.

What We Offer

Programs built for real people.

Youth & Family

Lyte the Way Youth Program

An age-appropriate mental wellness curriculum for young people ages 10–18. We teach emotional literacy, healthy coping strategies, how to recognize warning signs in themselves and peers, and how to ask for help without shame.

Ages 10–18School & community settings6-week curriculum
Community Wellness

Community Wellness Circles

Monthly safe-space gatherings where community members can share, listen, and support one another. Facilitated by trained wellness advocates, these circles are open to all — no experience or diagnosis required.

Monthly gatheringsOpen to all agesFree to attend
Education

Mental Health First Aid Training

A certified training program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Equip yourself to be the person who shows up.

8-hour certificationAdults & teensCertificate provided
Awareness

Shining Light Awareness Campaigns

Community-wide campaigns during Mental Health Awareness Month (May), Suicide Prevention Month (September), and other key moments. We use storytelling, social media, and community events to break stigma and start conversations.

May & September focusCommunity-wideStorytelling-driven
Family Support

Survivor & Family Support Groups

A compassionate space for those who have lost someone to suicide and for families navigating a loved one's mental health journey. You are not alone. We walk this road together.

Bi-weekly meetingsPeer-led supportConfidential space
Professional Development

Educator & Community Leader Workshops

Specialized training for teachers, coaches, faith leaders, and community workers on how to recognize distress, have supportive conversations, and connect people to resources — because gatekeepers save lives.

Half-day workshopsCEU credits availableCustomizable content
Upcoming Events

Join us in the community.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Bring a friend — the more lights, the brighter.

SEP06
Community EventFree

Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk

Join us for our annual community walk to honor those we've lost and stand together in prevention. Music, speakers, resources, and community.

TBD — Chicago, IL9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
SEP13
TrainingFree

Mental Health First Aid Training

Get certified in Mental Health First Aid. Space is limited — register early to secure your spot.

Community Center — Chicago, IL9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
OCT04
Youth ProgramFree

Lyte the Way Youth Workshop

A one-day workshop for teens focused on emotional wellness, peer support, and building resilience. Lunch provided.

TBD — Chicago, IL10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
NOV01
Support GroupFree

Community Wellness Circle

Our monthly open gathering. Come as you are. Share what you can. Leave knowing you are not alone.

Virtual & In-Person6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Want to bring a program to your community?

We partner with schools, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations to bring our programs where they're needed most.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential support — call or text 988, available 24/7

Call or Text 988
Black Lyte'N Initiative

Turning Pain Into Purpose. Bringing Light Into the Darkness.

Our Purpose

Educate. Connect. Support. Advocate. Prevent. Bring Hope.

"When darkness shows up, we bring the Lyte."

© 2026 Black Lyte'N Initiative. All rights reserved.

If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 immediately.