KU Chabad is addressing the increased mental health struggles of college students by launching the “ReJOYvination 360” program, an initiative aiming to create a full spectrum of emotional support for Jewish students at KU.
The program has grown during the pandemic, with a variety of safety net support services and programs available to students. The most recent addition has been the 24-hour texting helpline “Joel’s Help Line”. Students can text things like “food,” “scared,” or “lonely” and receive the help they need.
Building on its mental health programming, Chabad hosted the first ever “Mental Health & Wellbeing Retreat”, where close to 40 students joined a full day retreat at the Circle S Ranch just outside of Lawrence, Kansas. The venue offered stress-relieving and relaxing activities like wagon rides, ATV trails, horse grooming, canvas painting, nature walks, and a relaxation lounge.
The students also participated in mental health workshops led by Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel and Melissa Hoffman APRN, DNP, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric nurse and mental health advocate. The workshops covered topics ranging from methods to manage stress to a candid conversation about body image and self-perception. There was a panel discussion about finding and maintaining healthy relationships, and a facilitated nature walk about emotional wellness. Students explored the kabbalistic approach to serenity, learning about mystical Jewish meditation.
“I learned so much from the workshops,” said junior Briana Kruger. “I learned how healthy relationships impact my mental health and that I need to take time for myself to get away every so often and engage in self care.”
“So many students today feel lost and alone,” Rabbi Tiechtel said. “We feel fortunate to be able to help them tread the murky waters of stressful college life and show that they have someone to support them.”
“It was really great to just disconnect from college and come up here to be one with nature,” said sophomore Sammi Grosfky.
This mental health retreat is another step in Chabad of KU’s ongoing efforts to provide support and an embracing community for students at KU. These safety net programs have been supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and other area supporters.
“Today I learned that I am not alone,” said freshman Rachel Marcus. “There is a whole community around me who feels the same things and I know I’m supported.”
