Nonprofit seeks $40K for improved mental health access for young women

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A local non-profit is hoping to raise money to help give young women improved access to and quality of mental health and wellness support.

According to the CDC, our communities are currently facing a mental health crisis among youth.
And dozens gathered at Girls Inc. of the Valley in Holyoke to show their support.

This is part of their kick-off to a week-long series of events leading up to the national Girls Inc. Together - A Day of Giving. A Day of Giving is set to be held on May 8th, which is a day when people and businesses do good and give back. On Thursday, the non-profit asked those in attendance to help them begin reaching their goal of $40,000. This will help the non-profit to break down stigmas surrounding mental health.

Board of Directors Chair, Debra Vega, told 22News, "It's a concern for people in general, but especially for young girls at this time, when social media is so prevalent. And, you know, if people at home have school-age children, there's always a concern about how things are being perceived in the media and on social media and how that reflects upon themselves."

All proceeds go towards supporting their newly renovated teen and maker space, which people got a glimpse of. It will include STEM and mental health programming for girls in Holyoke and the surrounding areas. Comcast has already donated $10,000 to support these spaces.

These spaces are still in the construction phase. They plan to have a grand opening of these spaces in the fall of 2025.