Program Overview:
The Holistic Mental Wellness and Leadership Hub for Underserved Teens is a year-round, trauma-responsive support and development initiative designed to meet the emotional, psychological, and leadership needs of vulnerable adolescents ages 13–19. Grounded in cultural humility, youth empowerment, and whole-person care, the Hub provides a safe and healing-centered space where underserved teens can access comprehensive mental wellness services, leadership development tools, and life-enriching opportunities.
Target Population:
This initiative serves Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth, LGBTQ+ teens, youth impacted by foster care, homelessness, chronic illness, trauma, and poverty. Participants often reside in NYCHA housing, shelters, or Title I school communities and face significant systemic barriers to equitable care, mental health services, and personal growth pathways.
Core Components:
- 1. Clinical and Peer-Led Mental Health Services
- Weekly individual and group counseling with licensed clinicians
- Youth-led healing circles and expressive therapy (art, music, journaling)
- Psychoeducation on anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and identity
- 2. Leadership Development & Advocacy Training
- Youth advisory board roles and leadership coaching
- Workshops on public speaking, civic engagement, and activism
- Training on advocacy, equity, and systems change from a teen perspective
- 3. Life Skills & Empowerment Coaching
- Emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication
- Goal setting, boundary building, and conflict resolution
- Mentorship from culturally reflective professionals
- 4. Academic, Career & Wellness Integration
- Career exploration, college prep, and resume building
- Time management, financial literacy, and wellness planning
- Access to hygiene kits, healthy meals, and wellness supplies
- 5. Safe Space & Drop-In Wellness Lounge
- Dedicated teen hub space for reflection, peer bonding, and relaxation
- Resource library with books, mental health tools, and cultural materials
- Calm corners, meditation tools, and technology access for school or work
- Program Goals:
- Improve teen mental health outcomes through direct therapeutic support
- Equip youth with tools for emotional regulation, leadership, and resilience
- Reduce isolation and stigma surrounding mental wellness in underserved communities
- Foster pathways to academic success, self-advocacy, and community leadership
- Outcome Measures:
- 80% of participants will report improved mental health and emotional regulation
- 75% will complete at least one leadership or advocacy milestone
- 60% will demonstrate improvement in self-esteem, academic engagement, or life skills
Program impact will be measured through pre/post surveys, session logs, and youth-led evaluations
- Delivery Format:
- Operates: Mondays and One Saturday out of the month
- Hosted in community centers, schools, and virtual platforms (Zoom/WhatsApp)
- Includes pop-up events, seasonal intensives, and family engagement sessions