Creating a New Path for Youth Mental Health Support
In gyms and spaces where kids gather after school to learn, laugh, and play, a new kind of support is taking shape with the launch of the Bright Path Youth Mental Health program announced Wednesday by the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (YMCA Alliance), a coalition leading 30 Ys in the Garden State.
Through a $200,000 grant from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey (Horizon Foundation), the charitable giving arm of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the new program will integrate lessons on emotional well-being, communication, and connection into the daily rhythm of 21 YMCA after-school care programs across the Garden State, including some Westfield Area YMCA sites in Union County. The pilot program arrives at a time when youth mental health concerns are rising nationwide and the need for early, accessible support has never been greater, said YMCA Alliance President and CEO Julie Gallanty at the news conference hosted by the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, which is among seven Ys participating.
“At the Y, we believe every child deserves to feel supported, connected, and confident,” said Susan Morton, Westfield Area YMCA CEO. “Thanks to Horizon, our staff are gaining the training and tools to nurture children’s mental well-being right where they already feel at home — in their YMCA after-school programs. Together, we’re helping kids build resilience and a stronger sense of belonging.”
Overall, the program will impact 350 New Jersey school children in kindergarten through the sixth grade.
Horizon Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Pearson said, “Supporting youth mental health is one of our top priorities. We’re proud to once again partner with the YMCA, this time to strengthen emotional well-being for kids across the state. Just as we’ve worked together to promote healthy habits and fight childhood obesity, this new effort will help children develop the confidence and resilience they need to thrive.”
Morton emphasized that the Y “can’t do this work alone.”
“Partnerships like this one with the Horizon Foundation help us deliver our cause to strengthening communities. When we come together with others who share our commitment to children and families, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our neighbors,” she said.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area YMCA and Cranford YMCA programs. Financial assistance is available for YMCA memberships and programs to those who qualify.
About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.
About The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s philanthropic arm, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, is focused on making New Jersey healthier by supporting non-profit organizations that expand access to health care, remove barriers to good health and increase opportunities for everyone to achieve their best health, no matter who they are or where they live. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit HorizonBlue.com/Foundation.