Lived Experience
Story Slams
for Youth and Adults
Share your story
and life experiences in creative ways to feel a sense of belonging and connection!
Loneliness is a major epidemic, especially after the pandemic, and contributor to the taboo surrounding mental wellness and our suicide crisis.
Let's create more connection to:
-
enhance our quality of life
-
build our sense of belongingness
-
create more community
TOGETHER we can make an impact!
SUICIDE is the leading cause of death among Colorado youth between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Teens ages 15-19 in Colorado are almost twice as likely to take their own lives as the
national average
Why Colorado’s suicide rate among all ages is so high is not easy to pinpoint. Advocates point to social media pressures, isolation, mental wellness discrimination, bullying, substance abuse, inadequate mental health resources and LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Our new report suggests that 36% of all Americans—including 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers with young children—feel “serious loneliness.” Not surprisingly, loneliness appears to have increased substantially since the outbreak of the global pandemic.
February 2021 / Making Caring Common Project
Come and express your
story in whatever creative way you feel comfortable with or....just listen to others!
It promotes true connection and healing.
*Above are some examples of previous events
(Lived Experience Story Slams) and groups
Cheryl has helped create.
Youth & Adult Lived Experience
Story Slams are back!!!
Are you ready to be empowered and allow yourself to freely express your personal experiences while navigating this life AND be supported in a unique way? Storytelling is a powerful tool that creates a sense of belonging while on your mental/physical/spiritual journey. Vulnerability builds courage and resilience. When you are supported, heard, and understood by others who can relate - transformation is possible!
I want to provide you the opportunity to connect with others by sharing your experiences through several expressive avenues such as poetry, music, acting, singing/rap, talking, art, dancing, and group activities. We will have a theme during each monthly slam that you can choose to use or choose a topic of your own. Whatever works best for you! Our group activities allow for brainstorming and connection to help build your confidence. Before you know it, you will feel the burning in your heart to release the pain or share the joy inside you in a creative way!
You are NOT alone and this is the time for us to come together and support one another more than ever. Give it a chance and be sure to bring a friend! :)
Cost is $5.00 to help cover the costs of snacks, rental space, and advertising. You are also free to donate as well if your heart desires. I appreciate you!
ADULTS SLAMS for 18 and up will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month
YOUTH SLAMS for ages 15-17 will meet on the 4th Thursday of each month
LOCATION: Harrington Arts Alliance (Footloose Room)
575 N. Denver Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537
*if it falls on a holiday or space isn't available, there will be no slam that month
I can't wait to meet you!
Love & Light,
- Cheryl
Youth Testimonials
MABRI BLISS -
young adult
2019-20
I highly recommend working with Cheryl Mlcoch. I had the absolute pleasure of partnering up with her for over a year to help prevent suicide through different social events and intimate moments with people.
I’ve never met someone so dedicated and full of perseverance in my life. She works, works and works for the mission of helping others. Beyond just the time and energy spent on any cause she chooses, she approaches it with true intuition.
With her self awareness and her lived experience, she is able to penetrate anyone’s barriers and help them get to the other side. She is full of wacky quirks that make her SO unique. I know her heart is full of gold!
My time spent with her has been full of laughter, insight, and purpose. No one matches her true passion for changing the world- it’s truly what she does! I love her with my whole heart and I’m always watching out for what she has next!
Watch out world!
I always had a good time with Cheryl- her activities always had me leaving with being more aware of myself. Whether through my body, my thoughts, etc.
Cheryl is amazing at creating environments where people feel welcomed. She is very good at sensing boundaries and not overstepping. She truly cares about everyone, and checked in. She was honest and open at every meeting and story slam. I am so thankful that I can participate in her activities, and know Cheryl. She’s such a wonderful and accepting person.
Coming soon...
I am looking forward to what is next....
I am grateful to have worked with so many incredible youth!