Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in partnership with Kohl’s, hosted a mental health panel in Atlanta on Saturday, June 29, to discuss the challenges facing young people. The event featured actor and musician Jacob Latimore and young people from Boys & Girls Clubs in the Atlanta area.
The panel was part of National Boys & Girls Clubs Week celebrations and provided a platform for young people to engage in open and authentic conversations about the mental health challenges and successes they have experienced within their various communities.
“Everyone has mental health issues, and I really applaud what Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Kohl’s are doing to foster discussions about mental health in their communities,” Lattimore said. “Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s goal is to create a safe, intimate environment where young people can openly and honestly discuss their feelings about issues they’re facing. This represents a paradigm shift in our culture. With everything going on in the world, it’s easy for young people to feel overwhelmed. If they’re feeling anxious, stuck, lonely, depressed or just lost, they should know that there are people here to help them move forward.”
The mental health panel, which was streamed live and available to watch on the Boys & Girls Clubs of America YouTube channel, gave attendees the opportunity to meet with local teens to discuss the importance of wellness, while also learning from the acclaimed actor from “The Chi” about his own experiences and passion for mental health awareness.
A longtime partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Kohl’s has played a key role in providing support for trauma-informed training and facilitating open discussions about mental health among teens across the country.
Focusing on positive social-emotional development, Kohl’s is working with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure club staff have the resources, training and tools they need to help this generation reach their full potential.
“We know it’s important for children and teens to know they’re not alone in how they’re feeling,” said Kate Endries, national director of trauma-informed practices for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Together, we can normalize talking about mental health and help young people manage their emotions in healthy, lasting ways.”
“Mental health is an issue important to all of us and is a cornerstone of Kohl’s philanthropic efforts, including our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America,” said Tara Geiter, Kohl’s director of community relations. “We’re proud to support events like this to provide more resources to youth across the country and raise awareness of the challenges facing kids today.”
The impact of this mental health discussion panel will provide a platform for open dialogue, reduce stigma, and encourage children and teens to share their experiences and learn from mental health professionals.
Ultimately, these discussions aim to foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and give young people the knowledge and tools to effectively manage their mental health.
For more information about the partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Kohl’s, visit BGCA.org
