Letters To Strangers @ Columbia University
WHO WE ARE
Letters to Strangers is a community-centered organization aimed at demystifying mental illness and improving access to affordable care for the youth. At the Columbia University and New York chapter, we spearhead mental health advocacy and awareness by writing and distributing heartfelt letters to individuals struggling with mental health.
Sylvester Benson
Founder
Columbia & New York Chapter
Letters To Strangers
Sylvester@letterstostrangers.org
WHAT WE DO
Letter Writing
Peer Education
Write and distribute anonymous heartfelt letters with reflections, guidance, and support for individuals going through difficult times. Letters are distributed within the home chapters, other Chapters, and community organizations - including hospitals and prisons
Create partnerships with schools and organizations to provide training and talks to empower and educate youth on mental health. In addition, we provide resources tailored to college students
Advocacy
We work with our headquarters to publicize mental health-related policies. We also aim to work with college administrators to facilitate optimum mental health policies to support students struggling with mental health. In collaboration with H2SQ, we provide opportunities for advocates and affiliated clinicians to earn annual scholarships