March 24, 2024
In response to growing mental health challenges among young people, the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs coordinated a statewide initiative to strengthen teen mental health support through local YMCA programs.
Made possible by a $3.75 million investment from the North Carolina General Assembly, the initiative helped YMCAs expand teen programming, equip staff with mental health resources, establish partnerships with local mental health providers, and create supportive environments where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
The initiative emphasized a shared commitment across North Carolina YMCAs: mental health is an essential part of overall health, and no teen should feel alone in navigating mental health challenges.
Building a Statewide Approach to Teen Mental Health
On March 20, 2024, youth development leaders from YMCAs across North Carolina gathered at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain to launch the initiative.
Members of the Alliance's Teen Mental Health Advisory Council, including YMCA professionals and mental health experts, shared resources, self-care strategies, and practical approaches for integrating mental health awareness into YMCA programs and organizational culture.
Rather than creating a standalone mental health program, the initiative focused on embedding mental health awareness, social-emotional learning, and supportive relationships into existing and expanded teen programming.
Through this approach, local YMCAs strengthened their ability to recognize potential mental health challenges, connect teens and families with professional resources, and foster resilience through positive youth development.
Expanding Mental Health Awareness and Resources
A central component of the initiative was the development and statewide promotion of the Teen Mental Health Resource Hub and the Mental Health Has No Face awareness campaign.
Originally developed by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte with funding from the City of Charlotte, these resources were shared with YMCAs across North Carolina to expand their reach and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
The Resource Hub provides accessible information about mental health, self-care strategies, guidance for having supportive conversations, and connections to professional resources. It also directs individuals to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988.
By promoting these resources through local YMCA programs and community outreach, participating YMCAs helped normalize conversations about mental health and encourage young people to seek support when needed.
Strengthening Teen Programs and Community Connections
The statewide investment supported new and expanded teen programming with an intentional focus on mental health and well-being.
Although programming varied by community, participating YMCAs shared a common approach centered on positive youth development, social-emotional learning, and relationships with trusted adults.
Local YMCAs also developed or strengthened partnerships with mental health professionals and community organizations, establishing pathways to connect teens and families with additional support when needed.
“This work will change the trajectory for our Ys for 10 to 20 years to come. This is not just something we'll do right now. This is not a ‘program,’ but an intentional approach to our youth work,” said Lynn Lomax, President and CEO of the YMCA of High Point and Chair of the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs Board of Directors.
The initiative engaged 24 YMCA associations, representing approximately 120 branches and overnight camps across North Carolina.
Guiding the Work Through Statewide Collaboration
The Alliance established a Teen Mental Health Advisory Council to provide guidance and expertise throughout the initiative.
Bringing together YMCA leaders, mental health professionals, and community partners, the Council helped inform the statewide approach, identify resources, and strengthen connections between participating YMCAs and mental health experts.
The Council's contributions supported a coordinated effort that combined the YMCA's expertise in positive youth development with specialized knowledge of adolescent mental health.
Creating a Lasting Impact
While the state-funded initiative concluded in June 2026, its emphasis on mental health awareness, staff development, community partnerships, and supportive relationships provides a foundation for continued work with teens across North Carolina.
Through this investment, YMCAs strengthened their capacity to incorporate mental health support into youth development programs and connect young people with resources when additional help is needed.
The goal extends beyond a single initiative: creating YMCA environments where teens feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive.