Doing Whatever it Takes to Build Great Futures
Empowering kids with skills to manage their emotions and build resiliency.
Supporting the mental health of kids and teens is more important than ever.
Growing up can be hard on a young person of any generation, but today’s kids and teens are facing an ever-evolving pandemic, civil unrest and racial inequality, school shootings, social pressures online and systemic inequities that create barriers to success.
It’s no surprise that young people are feeling stressed.
Mental health and wellness are just as important as physical health and fitness and can impact our participation in and enjoyment of life. And for kids and teens, it’s critical to nurture mental health and address any mental health concerns early – as 50% of lifelong mental health conditions start by age 14.
What is Social & Emotional Learning?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success
Recognizing the needs of the young people and families we serve and the lack of access to such care, due partially to affordability, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County has hired a licensed social worker to provide small group and one on one skill building groups and social & emotional Learning.
Someone to look up to. Someone to talk to about dreams and fears. Someone to celebrate victories big and small. A good mentor is there to listen, to support, to care.
Our mentoring program enables young people to find positive adult mentors in staff and volunteers who notice their strengths, listen to their concerns and open up doors of possibility. A positive mentor can inspire children and teens to explore their full potential through guidance, encouragement and opportunities.
Other benefits of mentors include helping prevent early drug use, encouraging teens to be college- and career-ready, and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Kids in youth mentoring programs are also more than 50% less likely to skip school.
A few months ago, I walked into the Club after a close friend of mine passed, Laura was there for me. She has inspired me to not to give up, and to push through, even on my hardest days. Laura's encouraged me and reminded me that things always get better. I would not be where I am without Laura. ~Marcella P. - Youth of the Year 2022~
