It's Our Money

Organization: Bring Change to Mind

Project Name: Bring Change to Mind

Project ID: 124

Neighborhood/Communities that the project will serve: CB Queens 12 (Jamaica/ St. Albans), CB Brooklyn 16 (Brownsville), CB Brooklyn 04 (Bushwick), CB Manhattan 11 (East Harlem), CB Staten Island 1 (St. George)

Borough: Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn

Project Description: The BC2M High School Program works with youth to launch evidence-based, peer-led mental health clubs throughout the country that are open to all students and free to all schools we partner with. These clubs provide teens with a platform to talk about mental health in a way that is relevant to them, so that no student feels alone in what they’re going through.This grant would support six BC2M clubs in Civic Engagement Commission’s priority neighborhoods. Without the resources they need, schools are trying to manage the increased student anxiety, depression, grief and isolation that has resulted from COVID-19, alone. We ensure that our program is built upon the youth voice by establishing annual Teen Advisory Boards in each one of our regions and a Mentor Board (BC2M Alumni) that advise on programmatic changes and future direction.

When students join BC2M, they become part of a national movement that is creating tangible change in how mental health is talked about and perceived. BC2M youth connect with like-minded peers to plan national campaigns and online events that provide teens with the strategies and skills to protect, support and advocate for their mental health. At the school level, through ongoing support from their local regional program manager, a $500 club grant, leadership opportunities and tons of ideas from our online portal (30+ presentations, 40+ activities), youth are empowered to create a more empathic and inclusive environment that supports all students. 

What Youth are saying about the organization: “Last year, I was advocating for mental health funding in our schools with March For Our Lives by attending school board meetings. One of the things I remember most was when the Vice President of the school board, had said in response to my public comment, that the district had the money to fund mental health resources in our schools, but he just wasn’t aware it was an issue. That is why I believe our efforts in Bring Change To Mind (BC2M) are so important. If no one is aware of the issue of mental health amongst teens because it is swept under the rug, and remains unspoken, we allow misunderstandings, and stigmas to grow concerning mental health.”

Organization’s Social Media. Help us spread the word about our proposal!: 

• https://www.facebook.com/BringChangetoMind
• https://twitter.com/BC2M
• https://www.instagram.com/bc2mhighschool/?hl=en