The Yocum Institute for Arts Education is reintroducing two theater-based mental health programs to Berks County schools at no cost. The programs come following a spring 2026 pilot that engaged more than 3,400 people across 23 performances.

These two programs include I’m OK, a 30-minute theater assembly for second and third graders focusing on empathy, feelings, self-regulation, and positive behavior. At Some Point – We Have to Talk is a 30-minute performance for high school students addressing relationships, social media impact, missing persons, and self-harm. Both include post-performance discussions and resources.

“We know that schools are being asked to support students who are navigating increasingly complex emotional and social challenges, and we believe the arts can be a powerful way to open the door to those conversations,” said Kristin Gehris, Yocum Institute’s school and community engagement director, in a statement shared with Berks County Television (BCTV).

I’m OK was piloted in 18 elementary schools last spring, reaching more than 2,900 participants. It will run again this fall in the morning and afternoon from September through mid-December. Each student who participates in the production will receive a feelings journal and a family resource packet, according to a BCTV report.

At Some Point was piloted five times last spring to more than 500 high school students and staff. VOiCEup Berks’ Mental Health Ambassadors have led post-show discussions, and a youth-created wellness toolkit has been distributed to attendees. Performances will run on Wednesday mornings from September through mid-December, according to BCTV.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development administered funding and support for these programs through June. Ongoing support comes from The Yocum Family Charitable Trust, Tower Behavioral Health, and the Wyomissing Foundation. Yocum plans to seek continued funding to sustain free access for schools.

Schools interested in scheduling I’m OK or At Some Point – We Have to Talk, learning more about the programs, or supporting Yocum’s mental health programming efforts are encouraged to email Gehris.