Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Launches Fundraising Campaign Focused on Youth Mental Health

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has launched its Mental Health Matters Initiative, created in response to the rise in the mental health crises among youth, including Club members.

Over the last twelve months, the Club has reported that 10% of its teen members experienced severe mental health episodes involving self-harm or violence. Additionally, only 68% of Club members report knowing how to stay calm when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. And nationally, 30% of teen girls in the U.S. report seriously considering attempting suicide within the last year. 

The launch of the Club’s initiative follows on the heels of the City of Pasadena’s efforts to enter into an agreement with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to accept and administer $247,623 in Mental Health Awareness and Training grant funds to provide a mental health awareness and training program. 

According to a City staff report, “‘Mental Health’ was one of five high priority health issues in the City, with 31% of students surveyed in grades 7, 9, and 11 reporting chronic sadness or hopelessness … One in four Pasadena teens report needing emotional or mental health support.” 

“When youth are introduced to mental health concepts at a younger age, it is proven that their chances of developing a severe mental health disorder decreases,” says Lisa Cavelier, BGCP’s CEO. “They have a higher chance of having healthier relationships, being more productive, and having an overall higher quality of life. Because of this, we are increasing our investments in mental wellness programming through our new Mental Health Matters Initiative.” 

The Club will utilize funds raised for Mental Health Matters Initiative to: 

• Expand two new Club programs launched this school year for members ages 10-18 – Case Management Services, and Life Skills small group sessions with Marriage and Family Therapist trainees; 
• Expand current wellness programs for Club members of all ages, where kids learn how to manage emotions and develop social-emotional skills; and 
• Provide additional mental health training for Club staff

Through these additional investments, the Club seeks to decrease the number of members’ mental health episodes, and increase members’ abilities to stay calm when stressed or overwhelmed. With additional funding, the Club’s Mental Health Matters Initiative seeks to offer Pasadena kids important and invaluable skills to help them manage their mental health, which will help transform their lives and their communities. 

Club leadership has established a goal of $20,000 to be raised through the Mental Health Matters Initiative. To learn about how to support the Club’s Mental Health Matters Initiative, please visit https://bgcpmentalhealth.funraise.org/.