Holistic Mental Wellness & Leadership Hub Underserved Teens

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.

• 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