Connected Conversations - Navigating the Youth Experience Today

Navigating the Youth Experience Today: Screens, Stress, & Substances

Join us for a meaningful evening of connection and conversation designed for middle and high school students and their parents or caregivers. Together, we’ll explore how today’s teens are navigating technology, substances, stress, and other pressures and how understanding these challenges can help families support healthy choices and stronger connections.

Benefits of the program

• Promotes healthy decision-making skills

• Encourages open and effective family communication

• Promotes family and peer connectedness

• Builds resilience and healthy coping strategies

• Increases knowledge and awareness of current youth pressures

• Strengthens family and community support networks

• Provides practical tools and resources for navigating challenges together

Details

Designed for middle school and high school students and their parents or caregivers, this Connected Conversation begins with a complimentary shared meal and incorporates video content from Operation Parent along with facilitated discussion from Johnson County Mental Health staff. There will be opportunities for youth and adults to pause, reflect, and discuss what they are learning together. Participants will leave with practical strategies, resources, and conversation starters they can continue using at home.

Date

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

6  - 8 p.m.

Central Resource Library  - Central Carmack Community Room

9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212

For questions and more information

For more information, contact Jared Avilez, Jared.Avilez@jocogov.org or Tim Kruse, Tim.Kruse@jocogov.org.