Smoking weed seems part of the "new normal" of teenage and young adult life. Most people say, "Oh, don't worry, it's not addictive," Yet, yesterday's marijuana is nothing like today's marijuana. It varies from vaping to edibles and various methods teens can use. With such a huge surge in teenage marijuana use and addiction, it can wreak havoc on families while impacting the mental health of many of our children.

Kym Whitley shares that the most important and rewarding season in her life is being a loving mother to her beautiful son, Joshua. However, most of us would consider her television and film achievements, her 2022 NAACP Image Award-winning podcast, or her healthy eating journey an inspiration. Kym would likely say that none of it has come easily, and it has taught her a lot about herself.

Are you responsible for raising your own children and caring for your aging parents? Your older sibling? Your grandparents? What about an aunt or an uncle? Do you feel as though you are being pulled in so many directions that you struggle to hold it together? If you answered yes to any of these questions you are likely part of the “sandwich generation”, and potentially in a circle of care.

A recently published study revealed that between 2013 and 2019, the rate of suicide of Black males ages 15-24 increased by 47 percent. That trend has continued over the last two years. Parents must be prepared and empowered to help their sons confront this crisis. Dr. Rick Wallace returns to engage in this critical dialogue with us.

How often have you heard someone say, "Keep your chin up?" or "You are too blessed to be stressed" as you navigate parenting challenges? How often have you felt compelled to say, "Everything is fine." to your friends and loved ones, knowing it isn't?

The world came together to remember the horrific terrorist attacks on the United States. Memories of the thousands of lost lives continue to bring sadness to the families and those who survived. We at The SonRise Project extend our continued sympathy and prayers for all who continue to grieve.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Dr. Sherry Molock, Ph.D., M.Div, is well-known for her expertise in this space and her work supporting and educating young black adults with Mental Illness and HIV.

She will share the risks and protective factors associated with suicidality, the impact of COVID-19 and highlight the effects of racial injustice on the mental health of African American youth.

Attend a coffee chat with two moms and best friends. One is a life coach, and the other is a licensed social worker. Sharon Green and her best friend, Cydne Smith Nash, will discuss mental health and return to school. They will discuss practical strategies for transitioning your child from Zoom to the classroom.

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States. We look forward to hearing from Dr. McGhee and her perspective since we last spoke about current trends and issues that parents face.

Our returning expert Dr. Rick Wallace will bring us together to discuss moving away from the trajectory of trauma and garnering our power as parents, families, and a community. Dr. Wallace is an intellectual giant. You won't want to miss this conversation!

During National PTSD Awareness Month, let's take the time to understand why we react the way we do with our children, especially in light of their mental illness or addiction. Tamiko Ruby J will share the tools to help create a space to navigate healthy Communication and unconditional Love.

As a mom, you may show up as a people pleaser, and you are there to meet the needs of others. But inside, you fight that negative voice, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Being MOM is not easy, but your suffering is optional. Join us to reflect on how you feed into your fatigue and talk through your path to motherhood redefined.

In February, we learned about a tool that can guide parents as they try to speak with their children from a place of love and compassion. It is something that one must practice because, often, our emotions control our conversations. For part two of Sharon Green's session, we will "take the tool out of the box" and use it.

Please join us as we welcome back Dr. Kendall and Kairon Jasper, also known as "The Doc-N-da-Dude." These two will candidly share what is on the minds of young men facing mental illness or addiction.

Learn from the young man's vantage point: What do they feel? What struggles do they talk about amongst their peers? What do they chat about on social media? And how can we as parents be more in tune with their needs to improve our effectiveness?

Tomorrow Parent Coach Sharon Green will conduct an interactive session on effective communication with your children. She will demonstrate an alternative approach when having difficult conversations. When there is a conflict with our children we often approach the conversation from a point of anger, guilt, and shame.

During February, many in society focus on love. Our survey results indicated that some SonRise parents seek ways to foster and enhance the love relationship with their spouse or partner. Sometimes, being a parent or caregiver to a mentally ill or addicted person can cause extra strain on the love relationship.

Linda McGhee, clinical psychologist, and Linda Burke, parenting expert, will use the tools of Conscious Parenting to sort through commonly held parenting myths.

Student-athletes look at their sports as an outlet! When the global pandemic hit, schools canceled spring and fall sports. This cancellation directly impacted student-athletes’ mental health. Join Marcus Alston as he shares his own story about mental health challenges.

We are excited to welcome TV executive Keith Lawson (Kelli's husband) to our next SonRise Call.

Keith and Kelli share the joy and challenge of raising two sons. One is 15, and the other recently transitioned to Adulthood.