Turning life's sour moments into strength, healing, and growth.
Welcome
Sometimes life is sour.
Maybe you're anxious, stressed, sad, confused, or just need someone to talk to.
You're not alone.
The Lemon & Sugar Project is here to help you feel better, grow stronger, and believe in yourself again.
When you encounter a lemon, add sugar.
If You Feel Unsafe
If you feel like you might hurt yourself or are in danger:
- Tell a trusted adult right away
- Call or text 988
- Go somewhere safe
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741, or message them on WhatsApp.
Young people of color can text "STEVE" to 741741 to reach culturally trained counselors.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. They offer translation services in over 250 languages.
S.U.G.A.R. Toolkit
Explore each letter for practical tools, comfort, and growth.
You deserve a safe space where you can be yourself. No judgment. Just people who care and listen.
Talk to a Trusted Person
This is often the first and most important step.
You can talk to:
- A parent or caregiver
- A teacher
- A school counselor
- A coach
- A family member
- A friend's parent
You don't have to explain everything perfectly—just start with:
“I've been having a hard time and I need to talk.”
Go to a Safe Place
Sometimes a place matters as much as a person. Safe spaces can include:
- School counseling office
- Library or quiet room
- Community center
- Place of worship
- After-school program
Being in a calm, safe environment can help you feel more in control.
Join a Group or Program
You're not the only one going through this. Look for:
- School support groups
- Youth programs
- Faith-based groups
- Mental wellness workshops
Being around others can help you feel less alone.
Ask for Professional Help
Therapists and counselors are trained to help. You can:
- Ask a parent or school to connect you
- Use free or low-cost services
- Start with a school counselor
Therapy is just a safe space to talk and learn tools.
Online or Phone Help — Talk or Text Someone
988 Lifeline (Call, Text, or Chat)
Call or text 988 (24/7). Talk to trained counselors anytime you feel overwhelmed or unsafe.
Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)
Free, 24/7 texting support with trained listeners.
crisistextline.org · Alliance for Safe KidsTeen Line Support
Call: 800-852-8336 · Text TEEN to 839863
Talk to other teens who understand and listen.
teenlineonline.orgKids In Crisis 24-Hour Helpline
Free support from trained counselors for kids and families.
Kids In Crisis helplineMental Health & Counseling Resources
- Child Mind Institute
Free guides, articles, and support for kids and families. Helps children with anxiety, stress, behavior, and more.
- KidsHealth (Nemours) Mental Health
Easy-to-understand information for kids and teens about emotions and mental health.
- Kids Mental Health Foundation – Crisis Resources
Lists hotlines and help options for kids in crisis.
- Mental Health Center Kids Resources
Worksheets, activities, and tools for emotions, stress, and self-esteem.
- Crisis Text Line Teens Toolkit
Includes grounding, breathing, and calming exercises.
- Common Sense Media: Kids Mental Health Apps & Tools
Trusted apps and websites for affirmations, mindfulness, and confidence.
Apps
- Calm Harm — Helps manage self-harm.
- HappiMe for Young People — Helps people deal with negative thoughts.
- AbleTo — Therapeutic tools and services.
About Salincya Archard
Salincya Archard arrived in Washington, D.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic, separated from her parents by nearly 1,000 miles.
From this sour time emerged a sweet chapter.
Now a junior at National Cathedral School, she serves as a student ambassador, member of the Thespian Society, and President of the Multicultural Society.
She founded the Lemon & Sugar Project to empower youth to take life's lemons and add SUGAR—
S.U.G.A.R. stands for
- S — Support
- U — Unburdening
- G— Grace & Gratitude
- A — Affirmation
- R — Resilience
The seasoned coxswain volunteers with Diversity on Deck and has served as a MedStar Georgetown Hospital volunteer, Strathmore/Woolly Mammoth Arts and Social Justice Fellow, and member of Washington Performing Arts' Children of the Gospel Choir.
Salincya aspires to be a counselor and entrepreneur.