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KIDS & MENTAL HEALTH

Kids & Mental Health

EVERY CHILD DESERVED TO BE HEARD, UNDERSTOOD, AND SUPPORTED

Supporting the mental health of kids and teens in Maury and Giles Counties has never been more critical.

Today’s young people are growing up in a world filled with stressors — from academic pressure and social media to grief, trauma, and uncertainty. Many are navigating overwhelming emotions without the tools or support systems they need to cope and grow.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, we believe mental wellness is essential to overall youth development. That’s why our Clubs provide safe spaces, caring mentors, and intentional programs that help kids manage their emotions, set goals, and bounce back from life’s challenges. Our trained staff build trusting relationships with members, opening the door to honest conversations and timely support.

Through strong community partnerships and continued investment in youth mental health, we’re working to ensure every child in our care has the resources, support, and skills they need to thrive — in the Club and beyond.

Tennessee ranks 41st in youth mental health, and many of the children we serve are living with anxiety, trauma, grief, and uncertainty.

20% of teens in Tennessee have seriously considered suicide

14% have made a plan to commit suicide

9% have attempted to commit suicide

MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH CENTRAL TENNESSEE

72

Most Club members report being better able to manage stress because of the support they receive at the Club

90

Club youth say they better understand their emotions because of the support they receive

80

Club youth say they’ve learned strategies to calm down when feeling stressed

According to NYOI Member Survey Data 2024

Kids & Mental Health

OUR APPROACH TO SUPPORTING MENTAL WELLNESS

At BGCSCTN, we take a whole-child approach to mental wellness — combining caring relationships, proven programs, and strong partnerships to help every young person thrive.

Trained Staff Who Show Up

All BGCSCTN staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid, equipping them to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and connect youth with the help they need.

Programs That Build Resilience

Through social-emotional learning, goal-setting, and mindfulness practices, our programs help youth manage their emotions, overcome challenges, and grow stronger.

Community Partnerships

We work alongside licensed mental health professionals to refer youth for one-on-one and group counseling, ensuring they receive the level of care they need to thrive.

Addy’s Story: How One Club—and One Caring Community—Saved a Life

When Addy began showing signs of deep emotional distress at just seven years old, it was the trained staff at her Boys & Girls Club who noticed. Because of supporters like you, the Club was able to intervene early, provide comfort, and connect her family to professional counseling. Today, Addy is healing — and her mother credits the Club with saving her life.

READ THEIR STORIES
A woman holding a smiling young girl indoors.

”I will forever be grateful for the training the staff had and the way they supported my daughter. While I was at work, they cared for her without hesitation — never once saying, ‘we can’t do this’ or ‘this is too much.’ Everyone listened to her just as much as I did. It’s rare to find people so prepared and willing to truly show up for a child the way they did.

– Allison, Club Member Parent

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a blue sleeveless top.

Every day, more than 450 children walk through our doors searching for safety, support, and opportunity. With your help, we can continue to provide the caring adults, life-shaping programs, and unwavering encouragement they deserve.

MAKE A GIFT TODAY—AND HELP CHANGE A CHILD’S FUTURE.

Kids & Mental Health

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