Designing Our Lives for a Better Way to Be
Join us in building vibrant communities by fostering mental health support to build strong families for our young adults through a variety of programs. Together, we can create a future where every young adult feels supported, every family feels connected, and every community flourishes.
Our Mission
To strengthen the family
bond and improve the lives of
people between 16 and 30 and
their offspring
Our Founder's Story
In the summer of 2017, while attending and presenting at the Reaching the Wounded Student Conference in Orlando, Florida, Joyce C. Grafton received a life-altering phone call. A parent of former students shared heartbreaking news: a young man Joyce had taught in middle school had lost his life to gun violence. The parent said, “When I heard about it, I thought about all the work you had done with those young men when they were in 6th grade.”
At the time, Joyce was in the midst of writing High School Stories, a book aimed at normalizing anxiety and depression among high school students. The call deepened her resolve. As the school year progressed, she witnessed firsthand the growing fear and anxiety in her students—especially after the tragic school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018. Monthly fire drills and alarms began triggering visible distress in her classroom.
Moved by these experiences, Joyce changed the title of her book to High School Stories: Life Interrupted, reflecting the emotional disruption young people face in today’s world. While final edits were underway, another former student lost his life to gun violence. Joyce responded by adding a powerful new chapter—one where students form an alliance to confront the realities of gun violence and mental health.
That fictional alliance became real.
Encouraged by editors, advanced readers, and early supporters, Joyce founded the Young Adult Mental Health Alliance (YAMHA)—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families through mental health advocacy, education, and support. In September, she registered the organization in South Carolina. On May 5, 2025, YAMHA was officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Today, YAMHA stands as a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenges of modern life. Through its programs, outreach, and unwavering commitment, the organization continues Joyce’s mission: to ensure that no young person feels alone in their struggle, and that every family has access to the support they need to thrive.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
2025 FriendsgivingSat, Nov 15Chester
Chester Spring Vintage EventDate and time is TBDAgribusiness Center
Programs
Making an Impact
Our projects focus on enhancing the lives of youth and young adults through targeted initiatives. Each project aims to provide necessary resources and support.
Moment of Peace
NAMI Family Support Groups
In-person support for family members of individuals with a mental health challenge
The Moment of Peace – NAMI Family Support Group
Join us in-person on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month for a time of rejuvenation, fellowship, and support.
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Refreshments served: 5:30 PM
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Meeting begins: 6:30 PM
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Meeting ends: 8:00 PM
This group offers a safe and welcoming space for families navigating mental health challenges. Come connect, share, and find strength in community.
Virtual Support Group
Prefer to join from home? Participate in our Tuesday evening virtual support group starting at 6:30 PM. This option provides flexibility while still offering meaningful connection and support.
👉 Click here to register for the support group of your choice
Retreats
Coming in 2026
Opportunities for
Connection, Growth, & Healing
Youth 16-20
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1-Day Retreat (Spring & Fall)
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Mindfulness Workshops
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Connection with Peers
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Inspirational Speakers
Young Adult Singles Retreat 21-30
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2-Days Retreat
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Building for the Future Workshops
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Mindfulness Workshops
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Connection with Peers
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Evening Social Events
Martial Retreats
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3-Day Retreat
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Couple's Spa Moment
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Couple's Small Group Sessions
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Planning for a Successful Marriage
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Mindfulness Workshop for Couples
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Sustaining Strong Marriages Individul Sessions
Heading 4
Art Therapy
Art & Mental Health Initiatives
🎨 Monthly Virtual Artist Conversations
Engage in interactive discussions with artists who share how their creative journeys support emotional healing and personal growth. These conversations offer inspiration and insight into the therapeutic power of art.
🖌️ Hands-On Workshops
Experience the healing process through artistic practices such as painting, sculpting, and journaling. These workshops provide safe, supportive spaces for self-expression and reflection.
🏛️ Museum Visits
Join guided tours that highlight how art has historically been used to process trauma, express emotion, and build resilience. These visits offer a unique lens into the intersection of creativity and mental health.
Through these experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic value of art and discover creative ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Empowering Youth & Young Adults
Meet our Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
YAMHA's board of directors are comprised of individuals who are share
our vision and passionate about our commitment in helping to build
families for the future.
