Kidsmatter 2 Us – Join the Movement

The last few years have shown us how important it is to care for our health, especially our mental health. The pandemic has created an increased need for our work with record-high numbers of teens and young adults with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Our valuable partners, resources, and programs like the Community Job Fair, the Crisis Text Line, and Educational Series are hitting these topics head-on. We are grateful for the support that helps to keep these vital programs running for youth and families in 2022.

In October, three pediatric groups declared the youth mental health crisis a national emergency.

Last month on Dec, 7, 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an Advisory on “Protecting Youth Mental Health.” It called for a “swift and coordinated response to this crisis as a nation.” The 50-plus-page report provided “recommendations that individuals, families, community organizations, technology companies, governments, and others can take to improve the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults.”

The second action point that was shared was “Empower youth and their families…” which is the very foundation of our work.

Now marking our 20th year, KidsMatter is responding to the need by providing asset-building education, resources, training, and events. We do this in partnership with schools, community, and civic organizations, to tackle difficult issues facing our young people and deliver on our mission to build resilient kids who say “NO” to destructive choices and “YES” to endless possibilities.

If you feel this mission tugging at your heartstrings, we invite you to consider joining the movement supporting youth mental health in our community. You can visit our website at www.kidsmatter2us.org for a variety of information, resources and upcoming programs.

Each month we will highlight ways that we all can take part in empowering youth and families.

We wish you all the best in 2022!