For 15 years, YouthNet has enhanced the lives of thousands of students in the South Orange & Maplewood community through a large network of after school clubs and programs at South Orange and Maplewood Middle Schools and Columbia High School.

This year YouthNet has been searching for a way to support the mental health of students in our community; a need that has only increased since the pandemic. This winter we will launch a mental health initiative, and incorporate mental health support into our already existing club structure. Using an evidence-based prevention program with trained staff member facilitators, students will participate in brief, personality-focused workshops to promote mental health and delay substance use among youth while learning to make healthy life choices.

The program aims to equip young people with self efficacy and cognitive behavioral skills to help them cope with the numerous developmental challenges that many adolescents face such as academic stress, peer pressure, interpersonal conflict and identity development.

Will You Help YouthNet Implement this Important Resource for Middle School Students? Make a Donation TODAY!

Help YouthNet Launch our NEW Mental Health Initiative!