Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification for Adults
This course is a must for any adult who interacts with tweens, teens, and young adults. You will learn how to recognize and respond to emerging mental health and/or substance use challenges and crisis situations. Registration and course fees are underwritten by Mental Health Association New York State.
Certification includes 2 hours of online independent pre-work and an 6-hour, instructor-led, in-person class.
Go You!
8th Annual RYC Rainbow Run
Join us for the 8th Annual Rainbow Run on Wednesday, November 11, at Rye Town Park for the most colorful morning of the year. This mile long course is designed for students in grades K - 7 to walk, skip or jog through Rye Town Park, while getting showered in colorful powder along the route. There will be volunteer opportunities for students in grades 8 - 12. Register a runner or a volunteer -- we're excited to see you there!
Raising Resilience: A Parent Workshop Series (offered in-person and via Zoom)
These monthly workshops are created, and will be run by RYC Restore clinical staff members, Linda Tillmon and Laura Witman and will occur once a month on either Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at Rye Presbyterian Church or Wednesday from 12 - 1 p.m. via Zoom. Feel free to mix and match in-person and zoom workshops, register for what works best with your schedule.
Danger at the Corner Store
Risky substances are hiding in plain sight at neighborhood corner stores and gas stations. Kratom, 7-OH, and increasingly potent cannabis products can be found alongside the candy and drinks our kids buy in town. Parents need to know what is out there and we need to know how to talk to our kids about it. Join us on zoom to learn more!
Back to School Bootcamp
Register your middle schooler for one or both days of RYC’s Back to School Bootcamp, being held on September 1st and 3rd from 10 am - 12 pm.
Through team challenges, games and activities, students will leave with skills to better equip themselves for the upcoming school year.
Register here: https://ryeyouthcouncil.networkforgood.com/events/102943-back-to-school-bootcamp
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Teens ages 14-18 can join RYC for three 90-minute training sessions and become one of only 2,500 New York teens trained in the nationally recognized Teen Mental Health First Aid curriculum, which recently was highlighted by Governor Hochul as "critical training" for teens.
To register, email Regina, rvenditto@ryeyouthcouncil.org
Teen Mental Health First Aid equips teens with skills to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, teaches them the impact of bullying on mental health, how to have impactful conversations with classmates about mental health concerns, when to seek help from an adult, and the importance of self-care.
Research shows that young people with this training have the capacity to both identify and effectively respond to mental health challenges in ways that can improve and even save lives!
This certification course is free of charge, and underwritten by a grant from Mental Health Association New York State.
Strengthening the Athlete’s Mental Mindset
RYC's unique two-day program helps athletes learn the mental tricks and trainings used by professional athletes such as Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams and Michael Phelps. Based on the 7 Pillars of Athletic Performance, this active workshop will make a difference in your upcoming season.
Register here: https://ryeyouthcouncil.networkforgood.com/events/103101-pre-season-sports-prep
College Transition Night
What Incoming College Students Need (Want) to Know!
Hear from a panel of RHS Class of 2025 alumni about their first-year experiences.
Dorm living * Roommates * Dining Halls * Academics * Social Life
Join us to hear the inside scoop on the first few weeks and months at college, shared by members of the RHS Class of 2025. We’ll address the topics most high school seniors think/worry about . . . navigating roommates, dining halls, dorms, athletics, friendships, etc.
The Rise in Youth Gambling
Join us to hear a panel of local mental health professionals discuss the increasing prevalence, risks, and warning signs of gambling and betting in kids, teens, and young adults. Learn key prevention strategies and how to tell if your child is at risk.
June 8th, Two sessions: In-person from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., OR via Zoom from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Inside Scoop to the Middle School Transition
This program is for 5th graders and their parents/guardians to hear all about the transition to middle school as told by . . . middle schoolers! Hear students in 6th-8th grade talk about what they experienced when they started middle school. Topics range from changing friendships, homework worries, and more.
We'll then break out and provide an opportunity for the 5th graders to ask the middle schoolers questions, kid to kid. Parents will remain in the main room to hear from the panel of middle school parents.
From Reacting to Responding: Helping Kids Manage their Emotions (Copy)
Learn the Zones of Regulation framework to help you support your child's emotional regulation and help them gain the ability to manage their strong emotions. This 1-hour parent session is filled with practical, take-home strategies you can begin using immediately.
Join Rye Youth Council and the Rye City School District for this one-hour interactive workshop for parents/guardians of students in grades K-8.
Participants will learn and practice effective techniques to support children's emotional regulation, such as
de-escalating dysregulation
reflective listening
distress tolerance
perspective shifting
Breathwork to regulate the nervous system
TWO SESSIONS OFFERED:
In-person at 9:15 a.m. and online, via ZOOM at noon.
Learn more and register for this free workshop here
From Reacting to Responding: Helping Kids Manage their Emotions
Learn the Zones of Regulation framework to help you support your child's emotional regulation and help them gain the ability to manage their strong emotions. This 1-hour parent session is filled with practical, take-home strategies you can begin using immediately.
Join Rye Youth Council and the Rye City School District for this one-hour interactive workshop for parents/guardians of students in grades K-8.
Participants will learn and practice effective techniques to support children's emotional regulation, such as
de-escalating dysregulation
reflective listening
distress tolerance
perspective shifting
Breathwork to regulate the nervous system
TWO SESSIONS OFFERED:
In-person at 9:15 a.m. and online, via ZOOM at noon.
Learn more and register for this free workshop here
Playing For Keeps - movie showing
Join RyeACT, IRL Rye, Rye Free Reading Room Rye Rec, RYC, and other local organizations to view a free screening of the award winning film, Playing For Keeps, which explores the vital role of play in supporting health & well-being for both adults and kids.
This screening will be held at the Rye Free Reading Room, and there will be games, crafts, and other fun activities for kids while adults watch the film!
YMHFA Certification Course
Become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and learn to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges arising in adolescents and young adults. This course is for ANY caring adult or parent who interacts with young people.
Help Helps Hoedown
Rye Youth Council Help Helps Hoedown - Stompin' Out Stigma is a spin on our annual spring soiree. Trade those dresses, jackets, and heels for denim and cowboy boots!
Join us for a night dedicated to stompin' out the stigma associated with mental health and learning how RYC makes a difference in helping youth thrive.
Our Coffee, Your Questions - Parenting Support
Drop in to RYC offices any Friday from 8 - 11 a.m. to discuss any parenting challenge you are experiencing. No question is too big or too small — we are here to lend a hand and support you!
Contact restore@ryeyouthcouncil.org for questions and more info.
Supporting Teens & Young Adults Facing Mental Health & Substance Challenges
COME JOIN US FOR A TOWN HALL EVENT!
Join us for a parent-focused panel discussion exploring the challenges of mental health and substance use occurring together in adolescents and young adults. Our panel will share practical ways to recognize when a young person might need help, how to offer support at home, and what local resources are available to families. RSVP HERE
RYC 7th Annual Rainbow Run
Purchase your tickets today for the 2025 RYC Rainbow Run!
This year's run takes place on Veterans Day -- which means students from our local private schools can attend, too! We've also added an afternoon fun run JUST for kids in grades 6-8.
Festivities will be held at Rye Town Park. Be sure to register your child for the corresponding run based on their age group: students in grades K-5 will be participating in the morning fun run from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m.; and students in grades 6-8 will be participating in the afternoon run from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification for Adults
This Certification course for adults teaches how to recognize and respond to emerging mental health and substance use challenges in crisis and non-crisis situations, This is for ANY adult who interacts with adolescents and teens.
This course is offered several times each year. Register here for the upcoming session on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025.
Mastering the Transition to Middle School - 6th Grade Group Couseling
6th grade students will meet for six Mondays (9/29 - 11/10) from 3:30 - 4:30 pm at the RYC offices in the Rye YMCA to learn skills supporting their social and emotional transition to middle school. This will be a fun experience and snacks will be provided!
Student Skills-Building Summer Groups
Three different summer Skills-building groups for middle school, high school, and college students. Each group meets weekly for 6 weeks from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Learn more here.
Inside Scoop to the Middle School Transition
Rising 6th graders and parents/guardians: join us to hear from a panel of middle school students who will share their experiences and advice about their transition to middle school. Topics include changing friendships, navigating hallways, homework, and more! Once the student panel is done, the 5th graders will move rooms and meet with the middle schoolers to ask whatever questions they have! Parents of the panelists will take the stage to answer parent to parent questions and concerns about this big transition. Register to attend here.
2025 Help Helps Soiree
Please join us on Thursday, April 24th, from 7:00 - 10:00 pm, for a fun and festive evening to support Rye Youth Council and its mission to promote youth mental health and wellness.
Enjoy bountiful hors d'oeuvres, a buffet dinner and dessert, open bar, music, and opportunities to learn about our programs and support services that elevate youth mental well-being.
In the months before his retirement, we are honored to celebrate Dr. Eric Byrne and his legacy of strengthening the support our children's social, emotional, and mental health.
Unlock the Leader in You
Rye Youth Council Inc - Unlocking the Leader in You
Three mornings of active play, interactive games, and fun to learn key leadership skills and Unlock Your Leadership Potential!
Middle School Students -
Back for the 2nd year!
Students, put your February Break to good use and join us to Unlock Your Leadership Potential! Each day, Tuesday, Feb 18-Thursday, Feb 21 from 10 am-12pm, learn leadership skills like confidence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and more, all through active play, interactive games, and fun!
“The activities we did were both interesting and enjoyable. I learned how to work with others as a team and listen to other people’s ideas. and, it was a lot of fun!” — Walt, 2024 attendee
Managing Your Child's Behavior
This workshop is for any parent who wants to better understand what’s behind their child’s behavior, including:
How to build healthy communication with your child
Developmentally appropriate interventions and consequences
Skills to foster independent decision making
Tips on how to manage common, challenging behaviors
Managing Your Child's Behavior
This workshop is for any parent who wants to better understand what’s behind their child’s behavior, and gain skills and strategies toward better behavior, including:
How to build healthy communication with your child
Developmentally appropriate interventions and consequences
Skills to foster independent decision making
Tips on how to manage common, challenging behaviors
So Now You Have a Cell Phone. . .
Rye Youth Council invites parents/guardians and kids in grades 4-7 to join us for an interactive and informative evening to learn how cell phones affect our brain chemistry. We will discuss the safe and responsible use of cell phones and social media, and will offer family contracts and other suggestions to help parents set their kids up for success . . . and safety. The evening will be facilitated by Lisa Weinman, M.Ed.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Course for Adults
This adult certification course includes 2 hours of online pre-work and an instructor-led 6-hour in-person class. It will help you recognize and respond to a young person who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or disorder, and will teach you how to approach the youth and connect them to appropriate care.
Go You!
Alternative Device Fair
Just in time for Black Friday, this is some of the most important shopping you’ve been meaning to check off your list! Before the holidays (or for down the road when it's time), stop by the Alternative Device Fair to learn about various kid-safe devices before defaulting to an iPhone or Apple Watch.
Talk with representatives who will be on hand to answer your questions and help you determine which device is best for your family among the following phones and watches:
- Gabb
- Pinwheel
- Lightphone
- Wisephone
- Bark
- Troomi
