What is L;VE?

Mission: To unify all members of our community in creating conditions that foster resilience, reduce substance misuse, and promote mental health and well-being. We are dedicated to preventing substance misuse and suicide through community-wide collaboration, education, and the strengthening of supportive networks for all residents.

Vision: A community free from stigma and the generational impact of substance misuse, where every individual feels supported on their journey toward a healthier, brighter future.

Recognizing Our Schools: Henry County’s Commitment to Education

LIVE is excited to launch a new series highlighting the outstanding school districts of Henry County. Each article will celebrate the unique history, accomplishments, and successes that make these schools so special. As a coalition, we are proud to partner with every district and remain committed to strengthening these relationships in the years ahead. By spotlighting our schools, we not only recognize their achievements but also reaffirm LIVE’s dedication to supporting the students, families, and educators who shape the future of our community. We begin with the South Henry School Corporation, better known as Tri.

South Henry School Corporation

Rooted in Tradition, Growing in Opportunity

The South Henry School Corporation, located in the southeast corner of Henry County, is home to both Tri Elementary and Tri Jr./Sr. High School, which share a single campus. This unique setting fosters accessibility and convenience for students, families, staff, and the community. The shared campus not only brings the school community together but also provides a strong foundation for the wide range of academic, extracurricular, and leadership opportunities offered at both the elementary and high school levels.

At Tri Elementary, students experience the best of a small-school environment: close connections, strong community support, and opportunities to grow both inside and outside the classroom. Families also enjoy meaningful advantages, as there are no costs for textbooks, fees, or technology, and every student receives an iPad for school and home use. Students participate in activities that build school spirit and lifelong memories, from Math Bowl and Spell Bowl competitions to traditions like the Spring Olympics and the much-loved Titan 500 Big Wheel Race. Seasonal events such as Santa’s Shop, organized by the PTO, ensure every child can take part in holiday giving. Additional opportunities like cheer camps, athletics, and the fall festival round out a vibrant student experience. (https://www.shenry.k12.in.us)

Tri Jr./Sr. High School serves grades 6–12 and blends the close-knit feel of a small school with the wide-ranging opportunities of a larger district. Students thrive through strong academic opportunities, including a tradition of excellence in competition with six Indiana Academic Competition state championships. They also benefit from four levels of American Sign Language, supported by one of only two active ASL National Honor Society chapters in Indiana, and a thriving Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter that helps students explore leadership and agriculture. Athletics are equally strong, with school-sponsored and club teams competing successfully at both regional and state levels. Through a partnership with the New Castle Area Career Center, students gain access to skills-based vocational training while still being able to pursue an Academic Honors Diploma. Tri Jr./Sr. High School is truly a place where students are supported, challenged, and prepared to succeed, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the community. https://www.shenry.k12.in.us

For alum Susan Lightfoot, Tri has always felt like home. She and her husband both graduated from Tri, their children attended, and now their grandchildren will continue the legacy. Susan values the small, supportive environment where parents are engaged, and students have opportunities in academics, band, choir, athletics, and agriculture and more. She highlights unique qualities such as staff training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), which emphasizes building strong relationships and supporting children who have experienced trauma, as well as traditions like the annual “Drive Your Tractor to School Day,” a celebration of both the agriculture program and the school’s rural roots. To her, Tri is more than a school, it is a place where community, opportunity, and tradition come together for every generation of Titans.

Fellow alum Dana Weaver shares this sentiment. She recalls feeling connected and cared for during her years at Tri, receiving meaningful one-on-one attention from teachers. As an adult, Dana appreciates even more the unique balance Tri provides: the close-knit relationships of a small school paired with impactful academic and extracurricular programming.

That same spirit is echoed by staff. Tri Elementary Social Worker Jordan Kendall describes Tri as “small but mighty,” praising the individualized attention students receive and the collaborative spirit of the teaching staff. Tri Junior/Senior High Principal Kelly Dungan adds that teachers often go beyond the classroom by volunteering with extracurriculars to build meaningful relationships with students. While Tri is small, she emphasizes that it offers “big school opportunities,” including career coaching and partnerships with Indiana College Core (ICC) that allow students to earn college credits before graduation. She underscores that the ultimate goal is always to prepare students for the future, whatever path they choose.

Tri Schools continue to stand as a proud example of how a small, close-knit district can deliver big opportunities. With dedicated educators, engaged families, and a community that treasures tradition while preparing students for the future, South Henry School Corporation truly embodies what it means to be a Titan. The Henry County LIVE Coalition is proud to partner with South Henry School Corporation to create a better Henry County.

September is Suicide

Prevention Awareness Month

Each September, we come together to shine a light on suicide prevention, spread hope, and remind one another that it’s always okay to ask for help. Suicide impacts millions of lives every year, yet far too many people carry their struggles alone.

This month is about changing that, by learning the warning signs, speaking openly about mental health, and sharing resources that can make a life-saving difference. Whether you’re facing challenges yourself, supporting a friend, or simply wanting to help, your voice matters.

Together, with courage and compassion, we can create a community of hope and healing. Suicide is preventable, and recovery is possible.

You Don’t Need All of the Answers—Just Be Present

One of the most powerful ways to prevent suicide is also one of the simplest: showing up for someone. Research shows that social connection is a protective factor against suicide, while isolation increases risk (CDC, 2023). You don’t need to have the perfect words, expert knowledge, or immediate solutions, what matters most is being there.

Studies have found that people who feel supported and connected to others are less likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors (HHS, 2023). Listening without judgment, checking in regularly, and offering a safe space to talk can make a life-saving difference. In fact, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention emphasizes that active listening and compassion often provide more comfort than advice.

When someone is struggling, presence communicates: You are not alone. You matter. Your life has value. Even small actions, sending a text, sitting together in silence, or asking “How are you?” really can offer hope.

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, remember, you don’t need to have all the answers to help. By simply being present, you can be part of the support that saves lives.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Clear the Haze Town Hall Series:

A Strong Start with Behind the Buzz

Key Takeaways from LIVE Coalition Town Hall: Why Youth Use Drugs?

On August 18, the LIVE Coalition hosted a community roundtable exploring the question, “Why do youth use drugs?” The discussion highlighted several contributing factors, including mental health challenges, ADHD, family culture, peer pressure, and the influence of adult behavior. A lack of accessible activities and financial barriers to programs like sports or the YMCA leave some youth without healthy outlets, while others struggle without the support of a parent or guardian.

Participants noted that 14% of Henry County youth are considered “disconnected,” meaning they are not in school or employed. Isolation during the pandemic, the rise of social media and bullying, and limited digital literacy have increased vulnerability among young people. Some students skip school to avoid negative interactions; while vaping and marijuana use remain pressing concerns due to misconceptions about their risks.

Panelist and participants discussed the importance of positive adult connections for every child. Building trust with parents and guardians, creating safe opportunities for youth engagement, and exploring new resources, such as a potential Boys & Girls Club, were identified as key steps forward. The Catch My Breath program, set to launch for 5th graders this year, was also highlighted as a proactive prevention effort.

LIVE would like to give a special thank you to our community volunteers who provided their expertise on the panel. The panelist included: Tiffany Byers, Juvenile Probation Officer, Cari Conwell, Meridian-Practice Manager, Jody Heim, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Jamie Owens, Therapist, Director Jail Recovery Assistance Program

The next town hall will be held on Monday, September 15 at 6 p.m. at REMC.

CLEAR THE HAZE: A Community Call to Action on Youth Substance Use

Part 1: Behind the Buzz: Understanding Why Youth Use

Dive into the root causes of youth alcohol and vaping use, peer pressure, mental health, accessibility, and media influence. Discuss local data and trends to help families and community members understand the “why” behind the behavior.

Part 2: Breaking the Cycle: The Role of Family, School, and Community

Explore how trusted adults, schools, and support systems can intervene and make a lasting impact. Focus on prevention strategies, boundary-setting, and fostering resilience.

Part 3: Clearing the Path: Solutions, Support & Taking Action

Highlight available resources, youth-led solutions, and what the community can do next. Feature local programs, student voices, and action steps to keep the momentum going.

Partner Spotlight:  

The Guest House

Since 2012, The Guest House has been a vital resource in Henry County, serving as a place of refuge and renewal for men facing some of life’s toughest challenges. What began as a homeless shelter has grown into a Transitional Sober Living Facility, meeting the evolving needs of our community while continuing to provide compassion and care.

Over the years, The Guest House has supported more than 1,300 men, offering food, shelter, and guidance to individuals experiencing homelessness or battling addiction. Their mission extends beyond providing a safe place to stay, they work to teach life skills, build a foundation for long-term stability, and share the life-changing message of hope and faith.

The Guest House and the LIVE Coalition share a common vision: improving the health and well-being of Henry County residents and addressing the root causes of substance use and misuse. While our focus at LIVE is youth prevention, and The Guest House serves men in recovery, our missions intersect in meaningful ways. Together, we strengthen the supports that help individuals and families live healthier lives.

This partnership is further reflected in the people who connect our work. Guest House Director Jeff Passow and board member Wayne Lawson are active members of LIVE, while LIVE Director Shay Bex also serves on The Guest House board. These connections highlight how community collaboration is essential to lasting change.

On September 11, The Guest House will host its annual fundraising banquet, an opportunity to share their programs, highlight successes, and engage the community in their mission. Sheriff John Sproles will serve as keynote speaker for this important event.

The Guest House reminds us that when a community comes together, lives can be transformed. Their work is a powerful example of service, faith, and second chances.

LIVE Needs You!

Volunteer!

As always, LIVE is looking for volunteers. If you are interested in helping out in any of our events, please click on the link below to see what is available. Also, if there are a any events that would be a good fit for LIVE’s participation, please contact Miranda Wright at: [email protected].