(InvestigateTV) — The teen years can be an exciting time, but they come with a whirlwind of body changes and emotional highs and lows.
In Michigan, a woman has found a way to help adolescents navigate their new challenges by inspiring optimism.
Positive Packs
When Jenny Metzmaker walks into the Biggby Coffee shop in Haslett, leaving with a cup of coffee takes a backseat to leaving behind a counter full of Positive Packs.
Metzmaker calls them coping kits for teens.
“It has a journal, journal writing activities, it’s got a breathing stone, breathing activity,” Metzmaker said.
The packs also contain important advice about nutrition, hydration and sleep.
“I think they liked the sleeping and eating habits the most,” said store manager Mahra Duncan.
Duncan said being involved with the effort is important.
“Here at Biggby, we don’t just pour coffee, we pour love as well, so it’s important to love our community,” Duncan said.
“Mahra’s really great in the Haslett community, bringing awareness was really important to her,” Metzmaker said.
Raising awareness about teen mental health and offering some positive support is the goal.
“So the journal and the positive pack is a good way to get your feelings out onto paper instead of keeping it bottled up inside,” Duncan said.
Growing demand
Duncan first learned of the Positive Packs from her little sister who goes to Haslett High School.
It’s just one of the many mid-Michigan schools benefiting from Metzmaker’s mission.
Over the past five years, Metzmaker has donated thousands of Positive Packs and teaches students mental health coping skills.
“So we go into schools, and we do journal writing activities, we do breathing activities,” Metzmaker said.
Because her Positive Somebody message has been so successful in schools, Metzmaker developed a plan to now get businesses on board.
“Actually why not a coffee shop, that’s like the perfect place,” Metzmaker said.
“We have a lot of middle schoolers come in after school with all their friends,” Duncan said.
“So that’s how we’re going to reach more people, is by partnering with businesses and community members,” Metzmaker said.
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