A 501C3 Nonprofit Dedicated to Promoting Mental, Physical, & Emotional Wellness in Underserved Schools and Communities
A 501C3 Nonprofit Dedicated to Promoting Mental, Physical, & Emotional Wellness in Underserved Schools and Communities
What's Happening
YWF featured on wsfa news
1/12/2024
Check out our feature on Morning Smile on WSFA 12 News Montgomery. Thank you WSFA for helping spread the word about our cause!
ywf featured in elmore autauga news
1/12/2024
Check out our feature in the Elmore Autauga News. Thank you for helping spread the word about our cause!
a new focus on mental health at prattville high
12/18/2023
YWF is thrilled to announce that we're making a $2500 donation to Prattville High School to help introduce a renewed emphasis on mental health and wellness among the student body. These funds will sponsor Mental Health First Aid courses for our teachers and counselors, facilitated by The National Council for Mental Wellbeing. These courses will equip our educators with the skills necessary to reach out and offer initial assistance and support to students facing mental health or substance use challenges or going through a crisis.
Funds will also benefit several student organizations dedicated to mental health, including Peer Helpers—a group committed to establishing a peer-to-peer support system for PHS students. Our donation will provide specialized training to Peer Helpers, empowering its members to identify and engage with their at-risk peers. We have more exciting plans in store for 2024 and beyond! Thank you Prattville High!
Home for the holidays 2023
12/16/2023
YWF was grateful to host our 3rd Annual Home for the Holidays event in McIntosh, Alabama, a small town many of our members and partners call home. With help from our donations partners, we contributed over $10,000 in Christmas gifts and served over 200 hot meals to needy residents. We donated to McIntosh Elementary, McIntosh High School, and the McIntosh Volunteer Fire Department. We're grateful to give back to the community that has given so much to us, and we can't wait for next year!
Our Mission
Strengthening Schools
YWF is dedicated to fostering a culture of open dialogue surrounding mental health issues, reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention. Our fundraising campaigns help support change initiatives, including increasing access to in-school mental health services and creating wellness spaces to help students find peace in turbulent times. By nurturing an environment where mental health is prioritized, YWF will ultimately equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges and thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Mobilizing communities
By organizing community events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns, YWF creates a supportive network that actively champions mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and provides vital resources. This collaborative spirit not only strengthens the community but also ensures that young people have the support they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.
empowering our peers
YWF is dedicated to equipping teenagers with invaluable stress management techniques that empower them to navigate life's challenges with resilience. Through a variety of engaging programs and workshops, we offer a safe and supportive space for teens to learn evidence-based strategies such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, time management, and effective communication skills. Our approach emphasizes the importance of self-care, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, enabling young individuals to develop a toolkit for coping with stress in healthy ways. By teaching these techniques, we aim to empower teens to build strong foundations for their mental well-being, fostering not only academic success but also a sense of confidence and emotional balance that will serve them throughout their lives.
Our Founder
Born with a compassionate heart and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world, Julia's journey began with a unique perspective on life as a vegetarian, deeply valuing the interconnectedness of all living beings and fostering a profound respect for life. This holistic outlook led her to discover a passion for mental health, recognizing its pivotal role in overall well-being.
Fueled by this passion, Julia embarked on a mission to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by young people. She channeled her determination into the creation of The Youth Wellness Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness among her peers. Through this initiative, we aim to provide a safe space for young individuals to share their struggles, receive support, and access resources that empower them to manage their mental health effectively.
