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Stories of Hope: SHORTS is an inspirational short story and conversation series featuring real youth sharing their personal journeys of finding hope despite mental health struggles. Each story offers a meaningful glimpse into their experiences, and concludes with a youth-guided discussion to encourage meaningful conversations.
Having a conversation about mental health can be difficult, but with every conversation, we challenge stigma, break down barriers, and support those who need it most. Each short story is under 30 minutes, designed to start those important conversations and inspire change.
Z-Cares is proud to share these impactful, award winning stories, highlighting the strength and resilience of young individuals who have transformed their mental health struggles into journeys of hope and healing.
Stories of Hope: Shorts
Now available FREE at CalHOPE Schools
**Contact us at films@zcares.org for alternatives outside of CA
Episode Guide
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Free Access
All episodes of the Stories of Hope: Shorts series and partner resources are available on the CalHOPE Schools site.
Register for Free Access
Episode 1: Noor's Story
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Available at CalHOPE Schools
"The Hero of my own story"
In this story, we hear how she overcame stigma and found courage to talk about her mental health
Story: 7 Minutes
Episode 2: Sruthi's Story
Available at CalHOPE Schools
Episode 2: Sruthi's Story
"Unique and Powerful"
In this story, how she dealt with leaning challenges and anxiety and found hope in her own way
Story: 7 Minutes
Episode 3: Brett's Story
Episode 2: Sruthi's Story
"A Second Change at Life"
In this story, we hear how he found hope in the midst of trauma
Story: 7 Minutes
Episode 4: Josie's Story
Episode 4: Josie's Story
"The only number that mattered was the scale"
In this story, we hear how she dealt with eating issues and found hope through the support of friends
Story: 7 Minutes
Episode 5: Alexa's Story
Episode 4: Josie's Story
"Believing in Myself"
In this story we hear how she dealt with struggles of depression and found her inner strength to hope
Story: 9 Minutes
Episode 6: Ashmita's Story
"Finding your pathways to hope: Strategies from a youth mental health advocate"
In this story, learn the strength of supporting others through their struggles
Story: 7 Minutes
Episode 7: Mentor's Providing Hope
"Ripple Effect of mentorship"
In this story we hear from Architects of Hope Inc. a Sacramento based mentorship program who share the positive ripple effect of mentoring. Hear how mentees become mentors and continue to pay hope forward.
Story: 15m 30s
Episode 8: Aarnav's Story
"Real Conversations"
In this story we learn about his journey with Anxiety and how talking with friends and family helps him find hope
Story: 11m 14s
Episode 9: Wellness Center
Episode 9: Wellness Center
"A Place for Everyone"
In this story we hear how a California High School created a successful wellness center allow all students a place to go when needed and demonstrate how it became a space for everyone.
Story 20m 42s