With your continuous support and advocacy, we have begun a new chapter at Kids’ Minds Matter to address the growing need for mental and behavioral health care in Southwest Florida. Our community outreach initiatives have yielded positive results over the recent months, connecting families with resources and education and fostering valuable conversations about mental health. Here are some examples of the impact we have made so far, this year:
- 3 Parenting the Exceptional Child classes with 27 participants
- 4 Mental Health First Aid classes with 47 participants
- 10 presentations promoting Mental Health Awareness to 158 participants of various ages
- 2 awareness and fundraising events with 1,400 participants
- 4 Youth Initiative Support Group meetings with 10 participants
Valerie’s House, a grief support center that specializes in helping children, recently hosted an 8-week Parenting Class led by Kids’ Minds Matter child advocacy team. The class provided a safe space for parents and caregivers who have lost a loved one to learn effective coping mechanisms for parenting a grieving child while also managing their own grief. Throughout the course, participants received guidance and support to navigate the complex emotional landscape of grief and loss, and to help their children process their emotions in a healthy and constructive way.
During a recent event organized in collaboration with Pace Center for Girls, advocates and interns at Kids’ Minds Matter had the opportunity to participate in a unique activity called Affirmation Station. This interactive exercise equips adolescents and teenage girls with a powerful tool for battling negative thoughts. Positive affirmations can help boost an individual’s self-esteem and confidence while leaving a lasting impact in their minds for years to come.
At Kids’ Minds Matter, we are proud to offer a range of community support events and programs that make a real difference in the lives of children and families throughout Southwest Florida. The incredible generosity and support of our donors make these vital programs and services possible and accessible to thousands in our community. Together, we are making significant progress in addressing the pediatric mental health epidemic and building a brighter future for our children!