YMCAs across North Carolina are helping teens build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop the skills needed to support their mental health and well-being. Through a statewide initiative funded by the North Carolina General Assembly and coordinated by the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, local YMCAs have expanded teen programming with an intentional focus on mental health.

By incorporating the YMCA's Mental Health Community Care Model into youth programming, local Ys are creating supportive environments where teens feel connected, valued, and empowered to seek help when needed.

As part of this initiative, 356 YMCA staff members have completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training, equipping them to recognize signs of mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and connect young people with professional resources.

To date, YMCA staff have made 100 referrals to mental health providers, helping teens and their families access additional support when needed.

These efforts demonstrate the important role trusted adults and community-based organizations can play in supporting youth mental health.

Beyond connecting teens with mental health resources, YMCAs are helping young people develop social-emotional learning (SEL) skills that contribute to resilience, positive relationships, and overall well-being.

While SEL and mental health are distinct, developing these skills can strengthen protective factors that support positive mental health.

Using the Hello Insight assessment tool, participating YMCAs measured teen growth across five core SEL capacities: academic self-efficacy, contribution, positive identity, self-management, and social skills.

Early results from 569 teens participating in YMCA summer programs demonstrate meaningful progress:

• 97% demonstrated meaningful growth in at least one core SEL capacity.
• 36% made significant gains across all five capacities.
• 64% of teens who initially scored below the national average in overall SEL demonstrated meaningful growth.

Additional results highlight the impact on teens who began their programs with opportunities for growth in specific areas:

• 68% demonstrated meaningful growth in self-management.
• 71% demonstrated meaningful growth in positive identity.
• 68% demonstrated meaningful growth in contribution.
• 67% demonstrated meaningful growth in academic self-efficacy.

These findings reflect the progress made by teens who initially scored below national averages in the respective SEL capacities.

The YMCA's approach to teen mental health extends beyond individual programs or assessments. By investing in staff training, positive youth development practices, and meaningful relationships, YMCAs are helping young people build confidence, strengthen social connections, and develop skills that support lifelong well-being.

The North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs continues to use these outcomes to demonstrate the impact of statewide investments in teen mental health and advocate for resources that help local YMCAs meet the evolving needs of young people.

Together, YMCAs across North Carolina are creating spaces where teens feel seen, heard, and supported.