June is a month where we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month!
As demands surge — school, work, college, extracurriculars — young people are increasingly bearing mental health strain especially young men aged 16–24. Among men of color, the pressure is profound: suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for Black males aged 15–24, their death rate more than quadrupling that of Black females in 2021 (Office of Minority Health, 2023). This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a call to action.
“Comwmunity is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis
It is time to band together as a community that cares deeply. That truth often gets buried beneath cultural expectations of stoicism, peer pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success. So how can young men protect their peace and nurture mental resilience?
5 Powerful Tips for Young Men to Protect Their Peace
1. Own Your Story, Not the PressureRecognize that your worth isn’t determined by the GPA, game stats, or job title. Defining what matters most to you — not what society expects — provides clarity and emotional grounding.
2. Talk It Out with Real PeopleSilence can amplify stress. Seek trusted friends, family, mentors, or counselors. Remember: 26% fewer Black and Hispanic men seek mental health treatment compared to white peers — breaking silence is the first step (CDC, 2015).
3. Create Non-Negotiable ‘Me Time’Whether it’s basketball, music, reading a book like Today We Win, or time in nature, carve out moments just for you. These breaks are essential for emotional recalibration.
4. Build Your Resilience ToolboxDevelop healthy coping strategies — set boundaries, practice mindfulness, or log your emotions nightly. Preparing now means fewer cracks later when stress spikes.
5. Connect to a Supportive CommunityJoin a team, mentoring group, or faith circle where you belong. Group accountability isn’t just social — it’s protective. When we uplift each other, we all rise stronger.
“Asking for Help: Courage isn’t just about standing alone; it’s all about reaching out when you need it.”
How We’re Making a Difference
This summer, Committed 2 Win’s Hope for the Underdogs initiative will visit each Texas Juvenile Detention Center and Juvenile Correctional Facility to reach detained and disconnected teens across the state.
For more info visit: http://www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs
Through inspiring talks and literacy — using TODAY… I WIN and both volumes of TODAY WE WIN — and peer-led leadership programming, we provide tools for mental well-being and self-belief. We tackle the cycle of pressure, praise, and placement into support networks that redefine their future.
Your Role: Be the Change
If you’re a parent, educator, coach, or mentor:
- Invite honest conversation: Create safe spaces where young men can share without judgment. Despite their ages and level of responsibility, someone to confide will always be a necessity for young men.
- Be an ally: Model or support men’s mental health care by setting a strong, compassionate example. If you are not a man, then intentionally connect him to a man who leads by example.
- Support initiatives like Hope for the Underdogs: Donate funds, resources, your time, or connections to personal or professional networks.When we invest in young men’s emotional well-being, we uplift families, communities, and our shared future.
- Let’s Connect: I’m Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. — U.S. Marine wartime veteran, leadership mentalist, bestselling author, and founder of Committed 2 Win. I’ve stood with young men facing daunting expectations and watched them step into courage. If you believe in supporting their mental health journey, let’s connect.
Together, we can amplify voices, break stigma, and build platforms for young men to thrive.Join us this summer. Support Hope for the Underdogs and help create safe spaces where mission meets mercy — and where success includes emotional wellness. Because empowering a young man today means inspiring a legacy tomorrow.www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs
www.darrylwthomas.com
Written by: Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.
In the heart of Texas, a transformative movement is taking root—Hope for the Underdogs, a summer initiative by Committed 2 Win. This program is more than a seasonal project; it’s a lifeline for justice-involved youth, aiming to break the cycles of illiteracy and recidivism that have long plagued our communities.
The Literacy-Recidivism Link
In my journey working with justice-involved youth, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the inability to read proficiently can limit a young person’s potential and contribute to a cycle of incarceration. It’s a harsh reality: over 70% of inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth-grade level. Moreover, 85% of juveniles who interact with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate.
In Texas, the situation is equally concerning. The juvenile recidivism rate stands at 46.7%, meaning nearly half of all juvenile offenders are arrested again within three years. These statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent real lives affected by a lack of access to education and resources. They underscore the urgent need for interventions that address literacy as a foundational skill for rehabilitation and reintegration.Through initiatives like Hope for the Underdogs, we’re striving to change this narrative by providing young people with the tools they need to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.
Our Mission: Literacy as Liberation
Hope for the Underdogs is committed to reversing these trends by equipping detained youth with the tools they need to succeed. Central to our initiative are three powerful books:
- TODAY… I WIN: When Tests Go Beyond the Classroom
- TODAY WE WIN: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Test (Volumes 1 and 2)
These Amazon bestsellers are not just reading materials; they are catalysts for change, offering relatable narratives that inspire and empower.
Statewide Impact
This summer, our initiative will reach across Texas, bringing our literacy and leadership programs to juvenile detention centers, schools, and community organizations. By focusing on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and personal development, we aim to reduce recidivism rates and foster a new generation of leaders.
Join the MovementWe invite educators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to support our mission. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Partner with Us: Collaborate to bring our programs to your local institutions.
- Sponsor Books: Provide resources for detained juveniles across the state of Texas.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with your networks to raise awareness.
Together, we can rewrite the narratives of countless young Texans, turning stories of struggle into tales of triumph.For more information, visit www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs.
Note: The statistics and references provided are based on available data and aim to highlight the importance of addressing literacy in efforts to reduce juvenile recidivism.
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves. Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.
A Crisis in the Shadows
As graduation caps soar, a sobering reality grounds us: during the 2020–2021 academic year, over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, according to the Healthy Minds Study, which collects data from 373 campuses nationwide (Lipson et al., 2022). This statistic underscores the urgent need to address mental health as students transition into adulthood.
The Power of Storytelling
At Connally High School in Waco, Texas, students confronted these challenges head-on through the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program. Their experiences culminated in Today We Win: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Tests (Volume 2), an anthology of personal narratives that delve into struggles with bullying, family dynamics, academic pressures, and self-doubt. This project not only provided a therapeutic outlet but also fostered a sense of community and resilience among the participants.
Celebrating Resilience
Special recognition goes to five remarkable students—Isaac, My’Toria, Caleigh, Bryson, and Alaina—who graduated last week. Their contributions to the book exemplify the courage and introspection needed to confront mental health challenges head-on. Their stories serve as beacons of hope for peers facing similar struggles.
Two Strategies for Supporting Student Mental Health
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Create safe spaces where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment.
- Promote Access to Resources: Ensure that students are aware of and have access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups.
An Invitation to Empower
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and the achievements of the Class of 2025, we invite schools and communities to partner with Committed 2 Win. Together, we can create safe spaces, establish support groups, and promote sustained student success for the 2025–26 school year.
References
Lipson, S. K., Lattie, E. G., & Eisenberg, D. (2022). Trends in college student mental health and help-seeking by race/ethnicity: Findings from the national Healthy Minds Study, 2013–2021. Journal of Affective Disorders, 306, 138–147.
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves.Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.Let’s continue this conversation and ensure that every student knows they are not alone on their journey.Follow Darryl at LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
As summer kicks off, kids will be running around in the bleak Texas sun for hours on end. However, when the kiddos get home, they are still seeking entertainment from family and friends. The most vital activity children should engage in this season is reading! Literacy rates in our highly educated country continue to drop as teachers struggle to get students actively and emotionally connected to reading literature. Aiding in a child’s advancing literacy is setting up their future for success. The best way guardians can help kids they interact with is by supplying them with books and reading with them.
This summer, the Waco-McLennan County Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge, running from June 1 through July 31. The free program encourages daily reading throughout the summer, and the more days participants read, the more chances they have to win prizes. Luckily, Waco has a system of fantastic public libraries to visit. These spaces are not only meant for checking out books to read, but they have daily activities for various age ranges, encouraging community play. To sign up for a library card and register today, visit their website!
Waco also has a wonderful commitment to free, accessible literature, with Little Free Libraries placed throughout neighborhoods in the city. To find a Little Free Library near you, visit the official map. As the system works, bring a book that no longer serves you, place it in the Little Free Library, and select a novel that is calling your name! At times, it is hard to give up your precious books, so do not fret. Take a novel, and bring one back when you can. In the meantime, share it with as many people as possible, for the gift of storytelling keeps on giving.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
By Kiera Collins
Y.E.S. (Youth Empowerment Services) is a Medicaid waiver program. The purpose of Y.E.S. is to keep at-risk youth who are in danger of out of home placement or inpatient psychiatric treatment in the home with the family unit. I am a behavior specialist at Klaras Center for Families. As a behavior specialist, I tutor and mentor my assigned clients, many of whom participate in the Y.E.S. program.
The Y.E.S. program is 12 months long. In those 12 months we work on school issues, learning deficits, vital skills, goal setting, seeking natural supports, communication skills, coping mechanisms, safety plans, and many specially designed undertakings that will benefit the family unit as a whole. Our goal is to empower the family and give them a better foundation to build upon.
These goals are accomplished by providing community based services for the child and parent. Some of those services include art therapy, equine therapy, recreational therapy, adaptive aides, community living specialists, and family support specialists.
I have been able to make community contacts with Angie Veracruz from Central Texas Artists Collective (CTAC), Cherie Hudson at The Cutting Edge Salon and Spa, William McKeever at D20 prints, and Brazos Books. Ms. Veracruz provides our clients with bi-weekly art sessions. Ms. Hudson provided four deserving parents with donated services to promote self-care. Mr. McKeever provided wood block t-shirt printing sessions, and Brazos Books offered a discount on the books we purchased. We have also received donated books from Half Price Books and I ran a successful book drive with Usborne books.
We have been able to provide better services, activities, and support to our clients at Klaras Center for Families in part due to the Y.E.S. waiver program and in part due to the community support that we have received. It is important to encourage our clients by showing them that they have a team of people that want them to succeed. In 12 months we can transform a life and give a family hope for the future.
Kiera Collins, born and raised in New Orleans, La., is a behavior specialist at Klaras Center for Families. She is a lover of words and all things weird. She is a writer, poet, and artist that spends her days thinking creatively and outside the box. Follow her blog: www.lessonsattheranch.wordpress.com .
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email ashleyt@actlocallywaco.org for more information.