How Martine Helou-Allen and iRIZE Are Building Teen Resilience

RIZE Up: Building Teen Resilience with Martine Helou-Allen

In an inspiring new episode of Just the Truth, host Joey Hudson sits down with Martine Helou-Allen, Founder and Executive Director of RIZE Prevention, Inc. to explore how a community-driven, school-based model is transforming teen substance-use prevention.

The Birth of RIZE Prevention (June 2021)

Martine Helou-Allen launched RIZE Prevention in June 2021 with a clear mission: empower young people to make healthy choices and resist the lure of drugs. Through initial pilot programs and close collaboration with educators, RIZE quickly gained traction in middle schools across the region.

“We knew that to truly make a difference, we had to address the why behind teen drug use—stress, lack of coping skills, and social pressure,” Martine explains.

Introducing iRIZE: A Comprehensive Approach

The flagship iRIZE program is a turnkey, school-based curriculum designed specifically for 6th–8th graders. Key components include:

• Evidence-Based Lessons: Interactive workshops that cover decision-making, self-awareness, and peer-pressure resistance.
• Skills Practice: Role-playing and group activities to reinforce healthy coping strategies.
• Root-Cause Discussions: Facilitated conversations around mental health, family dynamics, and social influences.
• Ongoing Support: Teacher-led check-ins and community volunteer mentors.

“When students see themselves in the lessons—through peer stories and real-world scenarios—they start to internalize the message: they can make positive choices,” says Martine.

Stories of Transformation

Martine shares moving examples of kids who, after completing iRIZE, reported:

• A 30% increase in confidence when saying “no” to peer-pressure situations.
• Significant drops in reported stress and anxiety levels.
• Sharper communication skills with family and friends.

“One 8th grader told me, ‘I finally feel like I have control over my decisions,’” Martine recalls. “That’s why we do this work.”

“Loving Teens into Greatness”

Central to RIZE Prevention’s philosophy is the idea of “loving teens into greatness.” By creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued, RIZE fosters resilience that extends far beyond drug prevention.

• Community Engagement: Family workshops, community forums, and parent-educator roundtables.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Local leaders acting as mentors and guest speakers.
• Faith & Values Integration: Optional modules incorporating gratitude, purpose, and service.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re an educator, parent, policymaker, or concerned neighbor, RIZE Prevention offers clear pathways to get involved:

1. Implement iRIZE in your school or district.
2. Volunteer as a mentor or workshop facilitator.
3. Donate to expand program reach and develop new resources.
4. Advocate for policies that prioritize youth mental health and prevention funding.

Visit rizeprevention.org to access program materials, training guides, and upcoming events.

Final Thoughts

Martine Helou-Allen and the RIZE Prevention team are proving that early, compassionate, community-driven intervention can shift mindsets and save lives. As we empower teens with resilience and real-world skills, we build safer, healthier communities—one student at a time.

Ready to RIZE? Head over to rizeprevention.org and join the movement today.

Watch the interview here:

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Posted By: Joey Hudson