New Resiliency Initiative Launches for USF Students

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — In a significant move to enhance mental health support for local students, the Sarasota nonprofit, Sunshine from Darkness, is expanding its services to college students in the Manatee-Sarasota area. Building on the success of its pilot Youth Resiliency Program for middle schoolers launched last year, the organization has now teamed up with the University of South Florida (USF) Sarasota-Manatee to provide crucial mental health services, particularly in the wake of recent hurricanes.

Kathy Porcelly, a junior at USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus majoring in elementary education, shared her experience with these new mental health strategies. “Instead of focusing on what’s bothering me, I’m thinking about squeezing the Play-Doh,” she stated. Porcelly, who deals with generalized anxiety disorder, expressed how college life can amplify stress, where even minor issues might overwhelm her.

“Little things that might not bother others strain me. I often find myself overthinking conversations or deeds I believe I might have mishandled,” she elaborated.

Fortunately, Porcelly benefited from the support of a licensed psychologist during a pilot program that catered to 17 USF students, thanks to the efforts of Sunshine from Darkness, which aims to uplift students’ mental health.

Engaging with Play-Doh is just one method that helps Porcelly alleviate her stress. Marlene Hauck, the executive director of Sunshine from Darkness, emphasized the program’s focus: “Each college student will find their own coping mechanisms and learn how to build resilience. We’re here to empower them to progress.”

Launched in April, this pilot program consisted of four one-hour sessions that incorporated breathing exercises and tactile activities. Porcelly shared her gratitude, stating, “It has provided me with strategies to manage my stress and anxiety—activities I wouldn’t have considered on my own.”

As she continues her educational journey, Porcelly is eager to apply her newfound skills and strategies in her future teaching career.

Sunshine from Darkness is already preparing for another pilot program set to roll out this fall, featuring innovative virtual reality technology at USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus.

The institutional partnership is perceived as both timely and vital. According to a statement from USF College of Education, “Our collaboration with Sunshine from Darkness and Herrera Psychology supports the resiliency of our university students, making this an essential and forward-thinking initiative.”

In addition, the statement highlighted the role of the USF College of Education at Sarasota-Manatee’s Collaboratory, stating, “This transformative space emphasizes human-centered design, fostering education, community involvement, and innovative thought—making it a nucleus for dynamic change.”