Prioritizing Youth Mental Health — and Ours — This Mental Health Awareness Month

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore, mental health isn’t a moment we recognize once a year—it’s something we see, feel, and respond to every day inside our Clubs.

Each afternoon, young people walk through our Blue Doors carrying more than backpacks. Some arrive energized and ready to connect. Others come in quieter, holding onto stress, uncertainty, or experiences they may not yet have the words to explain. What they find when they walk in matters.

They find consistency. They find relationships. They find a place where they can exhale.

That foundation—of safety, trust, and belonging—is what makes everything else possible.

Across the country, young people are navigating increasing levels of stress and anxiety, and we see that reflected in our communities. But we also see something equally powerful: resilience. When young people are surrounded by supportive adults and given the space to grow, they rise to meet the moment in ways that are both inspiring and instructive.

We saw that clearly at this year’s Youth of the Year celebration.

Karis, Dhontae, and Roderick stood before a room of peers, staff, and supporters and shared their stories with honesty and courage. They spoke about the challenges they’ve faced, the growth they’ve experienced, and the people who showed up for them along the way. Their voices were strong not because their journeys were easy, but because they had environments that allowed them to be seen, heard, and supported.

Moments like that don’t happen by chance. They are built over time—through everyday interactions, intentional programming, and staff who show up with patience, empathy, and care.

In 2025, BGCMB youth reported that 95% understand how their feelings influence their actions, and 90% are able to take care of their feelings and emotions. These outcomes reflect more than progress—they reflect young people developing the self-awareness and emotional skills they need to navigate challenges both inside and outside of our Clubs.

This is what mental health support looks like in action.

It’s a staff member noticing when something feels off and taking a moment to check in. It’s a safe space where a young person can reset after a difficult day. It’s a conversation that helps them name what they’re feeling and begin to work through it. Over time, these moments build the confidence and resilience that allow young people to lead, connect, and grow.

At the same time, it’s important to recognize that this work asks a great deal of our staff.

Showing up consistently for young people—especially when they need stability and care—requires energy, presence, and emotional investment. The outcomes we see in our youth are a direct result of that commitment.

That’s why taking time to rest and reset is not separate from the work—it’s essential to sustaining it. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May and take a staff mental health day on May 1, we do so with intention. This is an opportunity to pause, recharge, and prioritize well-being, knowing that when we take care of ourselves, we are better able to support the young people who depend on us.

Mental health is not a standalone program within our Clubs. It is embedded in how we build relationships, how we respond to challenges, and how we create spaces where young people feel they belong. This is the work we do every day.