Enhancing Alumni Engagement: Launch of OneStep App Connects Skyland Alumni
ATLANTA – Skyland Trail, a leading institution in mental health support and recovery, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of an innovative mobile app designed to transform the way its alumni network engages and connects. The app, to be released on November 6, 2023, is a milestone in the center’s commitment to fostering lasting connections among its graduates.
The idea for the app emerged in September 2021 when Tera Carter, Adult Alumni Coordinator at Skyland Trail, began exploring new avenues to enhance alumni engagement beyond traditional communication methods. Recognizing that email was not the most effective way to connect with peers, she embarked on a journey to find a more interactive and inclusive solution.
“It’s just an amazing opportunity to be able to walk alongside individuals through the good times and the bad times and see them come out on the other side and be able to cheer them along while they’re doing it.”
Tera Carter, Adult Alumni Coordinator at Skyland Trail
Carter was determined to address the communication gaps and isolation often faced by those in recovery and aims to streamline how graduates connect, share experiences and excursions, and support one another.
“I knew there had to be a more intimate and engaging way to stay connected,” Carter shared, reflecting on her experience. “Having walked a similar path, I understood the isolation some alumni could feel. I wanted to offer a lifeline of support and companionship.”
The development process involved thorough research and collaboration. After seeking insights from peers, consulting experts, and engaging with various app providers, the result is a platform tailored to the needs of Skyland’s alumni, offering a range of features to facilitate communication, event planning, and group engagement.
Carter’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Skyland Trail alumni reflects the heart of Skyland Trail’s mission. “It’s just an amazing opportunity to be able to walk alongside individuals through the good times and the bad times and see them come out on the other side and be able to cheer them along while they’re doing it.”
Key features of the app will include:
Event RSVP: Alumni can effortlessly register for events directly within the app, streamlining the process and enabling real-time updates for event coordinators.
Peer Interaction: The app fosters meaningful connections by providing alumni with a space to interact, share updates, and support each other.
Group Messaging: Alumni can participate in group conversations, making it easier to coordinate events, discuss shared interests, and stay connected.
Shared Resources: The app provides a comprehensive resource platform for staying updated on mental health education and innovations, empowering graduates to continue their journey toward well-being.
Mood Journal/ Personal Goals: The app allows alumni to track their emotional well-being over time and set personal goals for self-improvement, visible only to themselves.
For more information about Skyland Trail’s Alumni Program and its upcoming OneStep app launch, please contact Tera Carter at alumni@skylandtrail.org.