KidsMatter empowers Naperville Central grad to research solutions to youth destructive behaviors, promote mental health

Through innovative internship, local college student gains experience in mental health activism, advances KidsMatter’s mission

NAPERVILLE, IL. — Naperville Central High School graduate Sophia Zanca, of the class of 2024, recently returned to her home community to advance the mission of KidsMatter during a three-week internship through the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact. Zanca spent most of December assisting with KidsMatter’s work to empower youth to say “no” to destructive choices and to realize their purpose, know their value and discover their pathway.

Zanca supported KidsMatter staff, especially Director of Programs Sherilyn Hebel, with efforts to promote youth mental health, leadership development, healthy physical activity, career exploration and the Crisis Text Line (text REACH to 741741). She took on the internship during a break in classes at Dartmouth College in order to assist a nonprofit in her home community that addresses a problem of her choice. Zanca chose to study youth and adolescent destructive behaviors, including substance abuse, alcohol misuse and bullying.

“It really stood out to me that a lot of these destructive behaviors are linked to mental health issues,” she said.

Zanca’s work helped KidsMatter market the recent Community Job Fair among college students, prepare stress relief care bags for Mental Health First Aid participants, analyze Crisis Text Line trend data, prepare for this summer’s SpringBoard Series of career exploration courses, and promote participation in the Target Circle Giving Campaign — through which KidsMatter received a $2,378 donation. Her experience with KidsMatter also gave her insights into the ways in which the Naperville community is collaborating to help prevent youth destructive behaviors. She compiled her research into a final project she presented at Dartmouth this month.

“I met such amazing people through this experience, and it really started feeling like a home — a place where I can connect with others and contribute to my community in a meaningful way,” said Zanca, who is majoring in neuroscience with a double-minor in biology and human-centered design. “I had amazing opportunities to engage with mental health activism throughout Naperville, and with the mental health aspect of KidsMatter and its mission.”

The work that Zanca completed during her internship served a dual purpose, not only helping her learn about prevention of youth destructive behaviors, but also assisting KidsMatter with integral projects during a busy time.

“By KidsMatter and our community partners empowering kids, they can do great things,” Hebel said.

The experience also served as an introduction to the world of community-building and advocacy for Zanca, a volleyball athlete at Dartmouth whose studies are part of a pre-medical track. Zanca met with Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis to learn how the Fire Department responds to mental crises, completed training to become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, attended a private pre-screening of a forthcoming mental health documentary and even experienced the ways KidsMatter helps families in need during the holidays.

“She really jumped right in,” Hebel said. “Her eyes were opened very wide to the reach that KidsMatter has — to our breadth of community support, to the connections we make among those who are passionate about mental health and the partners we engage to help us empower youth.”

To further support KidsMatter’s mission of building resilient kids who say “yes” to endless possibilities, make a donation today at kidsmatter2us.org/donate.

About KidsMatter: Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth-oriented human services organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities. Established in 2001, and now celebrating its 25th year, KidsMatter empowers kids to realize their purpose, know their value, and discover their pathway through programs addressing youth mental health, leadership development and career exploration. A leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnerships to help young people build developmental assets, including positive values, healthy relationships and self-esteem. KidsMatter has been highlighted by NBC 5 Chicago’s Making a Difference in 2024 for providing Youth Mental Health First Aid courses and by CBS News Chicago in 2023 for the Kindness Counts Campaign. With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start — and an extensive network of parents, educators and resources — KidsMatter equips youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stresses of everyday life.