SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane has received a $200,000 “Healthy and Sustainable Communities” grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Beverage Association to support and expand The ZONE Spokane’s Youth Wellness Zone.
The city won first place in the mid-size city category for the youth-led initiative that empowers students to define wellness, identify priorities and develop mental health strategies. The program launched this school year with an elective wellness class at On Track Academy.
The grant will expand the program through additional staff, increased youth participation and enhanced community partnerships.
“Our young people face very real challenges, but time and again, they have demonstrated that they are leaders with insight, resilience, and solutions of their own,” said Mayor Lisa Brown, who accepted the award Thursday in Washington D.C.
“We want to break down barriers so youth mental health and wellness strategies can be fully realized here in Spokane, and this grant will help us do exactly that,” said Jene Ray, Executive Director of the Northeast Community Center and the ZONE.
The funding will provide staffing, resources for guest speakers and supplies, and support student-led wellness projects at On Track Academy, said Principal Chris Burke.
“Mental health and wellbeing aren’t only important for adults, but also our children,” said James Rima, Member of the Spokane Tribal Council and a sponsor of the Youth Wellness Zone. “There is no shame in asking for help with your mental health, you deserve to be happy, you are loved.”
A link to the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ grant awardee video on the Youth Wellness Zone can be found here.
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