Teen Health Connection is Needed Now More Than Ever
Dear Friend of Teen Health Connection,
It’s my second day in the role of Executive Director for Teen Health Connection, and already I’m encouraged by the support and commitment of our donors, partners, and teammates for this organization and the work we do for adolescents and families each day. As I have been transitioning from my previous position as Chief Psychologist with Teen Health Connection to this new leadership role, I’ve been reminiscing about my first day on the job eight years ago and how we have grown and expanded to meet the current needs of our adolescents. I am convinced that Teen Health Connection is needed now more than ever.
Being a teenager today is tough. Our adolescents face a myriad of challenges that are unique to this time. The pressures from peers, social media, and the world in general can be daunting. But I continue to be impressed with the resilience, creativity, and insight of our adolescents. I recently participated in a meeting of our Teen Advisory Board (TAB), and I walked away feeling even more hopeful about our future. I am inspired by their high expectations for themselves, their friends, and the adults who are guiding, teaching, and leading them.
This month is “Adolescent Appreciation Month” at Teen Health Connection, and we have so much to celebrate. I hope you’ll take time to read about some of our teen leaders and changemakers highlighted in this newsletter. I think you’ll be uplifted and encouraged by their stories.
I’m so proud to be leading an organization that empowers adolescents to be healthy, safe, and successful. And I’m excited to partner with you on this journey.
With Gratitude and Anticipation for the Great Work Ahead, Dr. Jennifer Thomas
P.S. – Today is Giving Tuesday – a day that promotes generosity and encourages people to give back to their communities. Thank you to all who have given their time, talent, and treasure to Teen Health Connection over the years. Your support truly makes a difference for the adolescents and families we serve. In this newsletter, you’ll learn about ways you can still give back in 2025.
Check out this Q&A with our New Executive Director and Learn More about Dr. Jennifer Thomas
Recently, we sat down with Dr. Jennifer Thomas, the new Executive Director with Teen Health Connection, to learn more about the organization, her vision, and what drives her to make a difference in the lives of adolescents and this community.
Q: What excites you about being the new leader of Teen Health Connection?
A: Teen Health Connection is truly needed now more than ever. Over our 33-year history, we’ve seen the challenges and pressures facing adolescents change and increase. Today, our teens and young adults are surrounded by even bigger challenges.
I believe we have a huge role to play in empowering our adolescents to be healthy, safe, and successful, and I’m proud to lead an incredibly talented and committed team that is dedicated to serving our adolescents through our integrated care model. I’m excited to dream big for our adolescents!
Q: What does it mean to be in this role following Libby Safrit?
A: The first word I would say is “Wow.” I’m in awe of the legacy Libby is leaving behind. Her 27 years with Teen Health Connection will always be remembered. Libby has made an indelible mark on this organization, and we will forever be grateful for her passion, commitment, and dedicated service to Teen Health Connection.
I’m looking forward to building on her work and leading this incredible team we have in place. Teen Health Connection has been a part of my life and my family’s life for more than 10 years. I’m grateful that Libby hired me to join the Teen Health Connection family, and I’m equally grateful that our board recognized my readiness and commitment to lead and become the fourth Executive Director in its history.
Q: What are one or two words you would use to describe Teen Health Connection?
A: Safe space. Every teen belongs and has a place at Teen Health Connection.
Q: What drew you to become part of Teen Health Connection?
A: I grew up in a small, rural community in North Carolina and resources specific to teens were somewhat limited. I believe that having a Teen Health Connection in my hometown would have made such a difference for our teens and young adults. Teen Health Connection stood out to me, and I continue to be extremely impressed with our work and the impact
Q: How do you plan to build on the foundation of Teen Health Connection?
A: Pillar I of our Strategic Plan says – Teen Health Connection is locally and nationally recognized as a thought leader and primary organization serving adolescents (ages 11-25), parents, and the community through adolescent medicine and behavioral health services, health education and prevention programs, and applied research.
I truly want us to be locally and nationally recognized as a thought leader and primary organization – not for the recognition but because our teens and families deserve that level of care and our community needs top quality medical and behavioral health services for adolescents. I also want us to share our model with others across the region, state, and nationally so that other teens can benefit from our work.
I want our donors and partners to continue to be proud of what they have invested in through Teen Health Connection. I want them to see the impact their dollars are making and feel good about partnering with us, and I want them to join with us in telling our story more in the community.
I foresee us building on our research and evaluation work and sharing our outcomes regularly at conferences, in journal submissions, and publications. I envision us building on our health education services and expanding our reach in the community and in our schools. I anticipate strengthening our adolescent leadership program and supporting our teens to use their voice to carry the Teen Health Connection message to their areas of influence. I look forward to us leveraging The Big Picture videos even more in our own community and in other communities across the state and country. At the same time, I expect us to strengthen our exclusive community collaboration with Atrium Health and build on our first class medical and behavioral health services including our assessment services program that will always be near and dear to my heart.
And I can’t wait to see “alums” of Teen Health Connection return with their own teenagers for services – because that’s the seal of approval when families trust us to partner with them in serving their teens.
Q: What is your “why”?
A: My “why” is reflected every day in the work of Teen Health Connection. As a mother of two approaching their teenage years, I know firsthand how critical these years are. It’s so inspiring to watch them grow and mature. I believe that our teens need a village of supportive adults around them, and that’s what I commit to offer the adolescents and families we serve in the years ahead.
