This Birmingham nonprofit gives youth safe spaces to open up: 'Listen'

Project Phoenix offers a one-year preventative mental health initiative for teens in underserved communities. It provides trauma-informed therapy and social-emotional learning through art, theater, writing and music, as well as education on human and sexual rights. The program aims to equip vulnerable youth with skills to combat mental health challenges and has impacted over 76,500 individuals so far

Organizations like OutFront are offering safe spaces with a variety of programs and services for LGBTQ+ youth. From providing access to education and accurate information to connecting youth with LGBTQ+ mentors and providing housing for those experiencing homelessness, OutFront allows LGBTQ+ youth to form connections and community in person and online through the group’s Discord server.

The Victim of Violence Program uses hospital social workers to connect with youth in the hospital for cases of interpersonal violence by helping them cope with trauma, and any other psychosocial concerns that may arise as a result within the year that youth and their families are required to participate in the program. An individualized, holistic treatment plan is developed for each patient, whether that be helping them graduate high school, learn how to communicate better with family or manage the symptoms of their trauma. In 2021, the program had 11 patients and a 100% completion rate.

Music therapy is helping teens identify, verbalize and cope with their emotions, and is emerging as a solution to bridge the gap in the national shortage of adolescent mental health professionals. Michigan State University alone has credentialed more than 9,000 music therapists since the degree program emerged in 1944. Studies show that when used in conjunction with medical treatement and traditional talk therapy, music therapy can improve health outcomes and reduce levels of depression and anxiety.

Lake Park Society’s Camp Kin is a daytime summer camp for LGBTQIA+ youth ages seven to 12 and allies to participate in summer activities while fostering connections with youth and counselors they can relate to. The Camp is available at a sliding-scale rate — from free to full cost at $300 — and provides a safe space for youth to come out of their shells and feel supported.

Working on Womanhood (WOW) hosts weekly, school-based meetings for Black and Hispanic girls in grades six to 12 to connect, work through personal problems and build a sense of self-awareness and confidence, as this population is largely underserved by mental health programs. Research shows that WOW participants experience decreased anxiety and depression and WOW counselors also report seeing less anger and fights among the participating students.

Working on Womanhood (WOW) works to build confidence, self-awareness, community and healthy coping mechanisms among Black and Latina girls in sixth to twelfth grade. WOW offers easily accessible group therapy in schools and is led by Black and Latinx social workers who can provide culturally relevant care to youth in need. WOW serves 350 students in one school district and surveys show that participants are less depressed and anxious and exhibit more self-confidence.

Wonders & Worries provides free professional support for children dealing with a parent who has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Through its Illness Education and Coping Curriculum, the non-profit helps children understand their parent’s illness and treatment, how to express their feelings about the situation and how to cope with fear. Wonders & Worries has served over 14,000 families who've reported improved communication skills, reduced anxiety, increased feelings of security, and improved school performance.

Boys Without Borders provides boys who experienced sexual abuse with a support system and educational resources to help them overcome social and mental health issues they may be facing. With the group’s 65 student volunteers, they have helped more than 2,500 boys since launching in 2020.

The Boys to Men Mentoring Network aims to create nurturing, intentional spaces for boys to connect to build mindful relationships with safe, trusted men in the community. The Network hosts weekly talking circle support groups in 20 area middle and high schools where male mentors share their life experiences and lessons learned. Group data has shown that boys who participate in the weekly talking circles have improved grades, fewer disciplinary problems, increased emotional intelligence and improved social skills.