The Power of Connection: Youth peer Support in Texas is a 5 min documentary that explores the role of Youth Peer Support Specialists (YPSS) as they draw upon their lived experience of behavioral health challenges and service use to connect, support, and inspire hope in a young person who is experiencing similar struggles. This documentary tells an uplifting story of 15-year old Gabby from Houston, Texas who faced mental health issues and has since been on a path of recovery with the help of her YPSS Arianna Mellinger.

Funded by Texas System of Care to advance the integration of youth peer support in Texas, this documentary would not have been possible without the support of Gabby and her mom, Candy, for sharing their stories to inspire others, to Arianna for sharing about youth peer support, Eisenhower High School in Houston, and to The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD.

Crew:

Director: Devon Foster
Producer: Shuja Uddin
Cinematographer: Tori Rice
Sound Recordist: Matt Rifley
Camera Assistant: Abril Ramirez
PA/Grip: Tom Santos
Editor + Colorist: Devon Foster