OCF Blog

Youth mental health challenges continue to impact young people at staggering rates. Increasing numbers of youth report experiencing anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, and other mental health struggles. In fact, nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a significant increase compared to a decade ago (Jenco, M. 2024, August 6). Recent data also shows that about two in five teens experience symptoms of depression each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2026, January 28).  

"What do you need to feel supported?"  This can be a tough question for adults to answer, let alone youth. Two years ago, in response to requests from our OCF community for a resource to support youth facing adversity, OCF created All Together Rising: Sessions for Youth in Adversity, a collection of supplemental Circle sessions that "address the complexities of eight different adverse childhood experiences." 

Walking into Jacquelyn Smith-Edwards’ Sister Circle felt less like attending an event and more like being welcomed into a space that you already knew. Jacquelyn, a board member of One Circle Foundation, is someone who truly lives the work. She is deeply involved in her community and has been a trained facilitator of our Girls Circle model since 2019. She has been using our models and curricula for years, creating safe Circle spaces. This Women’s Circle was no exception. It was thoughtful, intentional, and full of care. 

The lived experiences of fellow Circle facilitators remind us that we’re not alone in this work. Today, we’re spotlighting Kevin Anthony Green, Chief Visionary & CEO of Seeds of a Father. His reflections illuminate the power of presence, connection, and the life-changing impact of Circles. 

As we wrap up the year, many people working in youth-serving spaces are doing what they always do: giving energy, care, and presence to the youth who count on them. It’s meaningful work, but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. Before stepping into a new year full of goals, Circles, and fresh possibilities, it’s important for facilitators to pause and refill our own cups. 

This season, the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped; they’re felt in the connections we help create.

At the Fairfield PAL Teen Center, youth mentor Fatima Adeboye is using creativity, compassion, and the Girls Circle model to inspire transformation. By blending fun, themed activities, like her “Defying the Drama: A Wicked-Themed Girls Circle” with meaningful dialogue, Fatima creates a safe and engaging space where girls feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Her work at the PAL Teen Center highlights how creativity in Circle can spark connection, confidence, and lasting change for youth in the Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis communities.

Facilitating a Circle in just 45 minutes can feel like a challenge—but it’s absolutely possible with a few thoughtful adjustments. In this blog, we share strategies to help you stay true to One Circle Foundation’s model while keeping every essential step intact. From concise check-ins to choosing just one activity per session, these tips will help you create a meaningful, connected experience without feeling rushed.

One Circle Foundation’s community partner, Oliver Spring (he/him), is a Prevention Specialist with the Delaware County Prevention Education Program (PEP) at Child and Family Focus, Inc. (CFF). Growing up in Delaware County, PA, Oliver is passionate about giving back to his community by educating youth and families about substance use prevention. 

For today’s youth, raised on fast, scrollable content, long talks in circles or slow activities can feel like watching a movie on 1% battery. Research shows the average attention span has dropped to just 47 seconds today. Circles don’t offer the quick bursts of entertainment youth get from TikTok and other social media, so keeping them engaged takes extra skill. In our Advanced Facilitator Skills Training, you’ll learn how to turn that challenge into an opportunity, creating dynamic, interactive experiences that spark participation, build connection, and hold attention, even with today’s shrinking attention spans.