Mental health support is not optional. It is a critical element of healthy growth and development for kids. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, holistic mental health support is foundational to our work to serve kids and families.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I’m honored to share more about the ways we create spaces where kids feel mentally and emotionally safe to grow, learn, and play.
Kids have these spaces because of your support of our mission, keep reading to get more involved in our work! Thank you for investing in the next generation.
The problems we’re facing
The mental load young people carry today can be overwhelming. We see the toll social media, economic uncertainty, and the impact of the fires earlier this year take on kids, but we also see firsthand how Club membership makes a profound difference.
The power of consistency
Consistency is critical for all kids, but it is especially important for children impacted by natural disasters (The Kids Health Foundation). By maintaining consistent routines and providing familiar, supportive environments, we help kids feel safe. When kids know what to expect each day at the Club, they can focus their energy on learning, growing, and the important work of just being kids!
Supportive relationships matter
Nearly all Club members (97%) report feeling emotionally safe at our Clubs, and 96% say Club adults genuinely care about them. These numbers reflect what research consistently shows: high-quality programs that foster supportive relationships have significant positive impacts on youth mental health (Afterschool Alliance, 2023).
At the Club, kids nurture strong relationships with peers and mentors, building social skills that will serve them at school, at home, and throughout their future careers.
Building skills
As kids grow through our programs, our dedicated staff equips them with a comprehensive mental health toolkit that will serve them throughout their lives.
Club members learn crucial skills like:
- Identifying, naming, and managing emotions in healthy ways
- Communicating clearly and setting and respecting boundaries to build healthy relationships
- Building the resilience needed to view challenges as opportunities to grow
- Solving problems and facing challenges with confidence
- Caring for their physical health and understanding its connection to mental health
These skills form the foundation of lifelong mental health—tools our kids will carry with them long after they leave our Clubs.
Your support makes a difference
Your investment in our work helps strengthen our community’s kids.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, I invite you to take one action on behalf of kids in our community:
- Donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica and equip us to reach more kids who need us.
- Share resources that support youth mental health. For example, California has created apps that can help kids and teens navigate challenges and build resilience. Learn more at https://www.calhope.org/ and share this information with kids and families you know.
- Talk to kids in your life about their feelings, hopes, and aspirations.
When we work together, we ensure kids have what they need to build brighter futures. Your involvement makes a difference for kids!
