Proceeds generated by the 1831 Gala will be used by EMERGE Family Therapy Center and Teaching Clinic to expand an existing high school program, Mental Wellness Resources Group, into another high school in our area. This program has been in place at Byrnes High School for four years, and is highly recommended by teachers and students alike. It provides students in need the opportunity to learn life skills and to participate in therapeutic exercises crucial to mental health and wellness. It is implemented by EMERGE Clinical Fellows, who are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Interns in EMERGE’s Post Degree Institute. Lessons occur within the academic setting with teachers present, once a week for one semester. It benefits students who oftentimes do not otherwise have access to mental health services, and provides a safe space for students, therapists, and teachers to engage. The classroom setting is a specialized experience for Clinical Fellows, offering the opportunity to develop expertise in working with teenagers. Many students reported to have acquired skills in “understanding emotions”, “coping and self-control”, “boundaries”, and more. This program parallels their mission to train therapists, provide quality, affordable counseling, and strengthen our community.