The Transformative Power of Play in Suicide Prevention and Foster Youth Support

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and during this time, we’ve been engaging in conversations about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and our work with local foster youth on social media. Today, however, we’re going to shift our focus toward the incredible healing power of play.

Part of our community outreach involves hosting monthly events for Northern Virginia foster youth in the Independent Living or Fostering Futures program - these are young adults ranging in age from 14 to their mid-20s. Whether it’s pool parties, pottery sessions, or this month’s paintball game, providing experiences for this exceptional group has become a source of great joy for all of us here at Vine & Fig Tree.

Foster youth often carry the weight of multiple ACEs, and their journey toward healing and stability is often riddled with challenges. In recent years, play has gained well-deserved recognition for its therapeutic benefits. When we understand the connection between ACEs, suicide prevention, and the significance of play, we discover a vital element of a child’s healthy development.

Play isn’t just a leisurely pastime, it nurtures and encourages creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. For foster youth, these skills can often be underdeveloped due to the traumas they’ve endured. By incorporating play into their lives, which Vine & Fig Tree does through organized events, we make a small but meaningful investment in our local community. The returns are immeasurable – a chance for these resilient young individuals to feel connected, capable, and empowered despite the adversity they’ve faced.

Play is an indispensable tool in the realm of suicide prevention, offering not only hope and healing but also pathways to a brighter and more promising future.

If you’d like to sponsor one of our events for the foster youth we work with, please reach out to our Community Development Director, Jen Pool, at: jpool@vandft.org