What is The LEO Program?
The LEO Program is a state-approved interactive resilience building program for youth ages 14-20 in Wood County, WI. LEO stands
for Learn & Empower Oneself. The mission of The LEO Program is to empower youth to understand their unique brains and quickly
improve resilience, adaptability, and fearlessness in a rapidly changing world.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back during challenging circumstances. Resilience helps individuals recover from setbacks,
adapt well to change and keep going in the face of adversity.
In 8 hours of interactive curriculum, LEO explores how the human brain works and why our brain is not prepared for the challenges
of today’s world. Our lower brain, also known as the survival brain, dominates our day to day life.
Who can participate in the LEO Program?
To be eligible for the LEO program, a youth participant needs to be:
- Age 14—20
- Residing in Wood County or attending school in Wood County
- Not diagnosed with a substance use disorder by a qualified professional
Who operates The LEO Program?
The LEO Program operates as a partnership between CW Solutions and Wood County Human Services. LEO is provided in area schools and
community agencies. LEO is funded by the Brighter Futures Initiative through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
Program curriculum is adapted from the Life Ecology Organization, founded by Dr. Niraj Nijhawan. LEO began operating in Wood County
in January 2019.
LEO Exploration & Mentorship
Youth participants can volunteer to have one-on-one or small group LEO Exploration & Mentorship (LEM) meetings with the program coordinator,
outside of the program sessions. The purpose of LEM activity is to provide support to participants on the application of LEO strategies.
Participants are eligible for LEM until they are no longer eligible for program participation.
Participant Testimonials
“I love LEO the tools I learned in LEO! They are so helpful in times of stress or when I'm freaking out. Before LEO, I used to freak out
and stress all the time about almost everything. Now, I know how to change my thought process when I am freaking out or stressing out, to
see if I should really be worried about what I was worrying about.” – Sarah K., LEO Participant
“I was connected to The LEO Program as it was getting started and knew when I had learned of its focus on building resiliency in youth that it was
something special. This past fall the entire LHS volleyball program participated in LEO. It set a tone for the entire season that was unlike
any other... a common understanding of struggles in each other’s lives and a common understanding of ways to continue to push through those
struggles. LEO empowered our players to really see themselves for what they are capable of handling and then also know they not only had tools
to pull from in times of need but a great LEO team to resource if necessary. Thank you!” – Valerie Tonn, Lincoln High School Volleyball Coach
“I really enjoyed every session of The LEO Program and it helped me when I was feeling stress. My favorite tool that we learned is Meditation
because there are so many ways to meditate. My way is mediating on God's word.” – Caleb K., LEO Participant
Program Contacts
To find The LEO Program near you or to bring The LEO Program to your school/ community, please contact:
Email: leoprogram@changewithin.net
@LEOProgramWoodCounty
@LEOProgramWoodCounty
@LEOProgramWC