A Brighter, Healthier Future for our Youth
By Andrea Smith, PVF Program and Communications Associate
PVF recently joined the Quarterly Leadership Meeting of Oakland Thrives , where the focus was clear: youth mental health and the collaborative efforts needed to address this pressing issue in our community. As Oakland Thrives strives to improve the well-being of our youngest residents in Oakland, including young adults it’s crucial to understand both the current landscape and the innovative strategies that can propel us forward.
PVF administered the Youth Joy and Wellness Grant Program in 2022, a fund that supported innovative and creative approaches to youth mental health and wellness in Oakland. Many of the grant recipients chose to use the funding to create safe spaces were young people could express themselves.
The Oakland Thrives meeting kicked off with a comprehensive review of the 2022 Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health of Oakland Landscape Analysis. This in-depth report provided a critical look at the current state of youth mental health in Oakland, identifying both strengths and gaps in our systems.
These discussions lead to a coordinated approach to bridge these gaps and amplify their collective impact. One of the most dynamic segments of the meeting was the group discussions focused on actionable strategies. Participants engaged in brainstorming sessions to identify targeted actions that could leverage funding and develop career paths while providing supportive resources for the entire family such as housing, childcare and other programs needed to support mental health challenges.
They explored opportunities to secure and allocate funds effectively to support mental health initiatives, including advocating for increased funding and developing grant proposals tailored to our community’s needs. This involves partnering with educational institutions, offering internships, training programs, and providing mentorship opportunities.
The mission of Oakland Thrives’ Rise East Initiative 10-year plan is to span accross a decade of dedicated collaboration to bring profound and enduring enhancements in the health and overall prosperity of Black children and families residing in East Oakland. As we rise, collective efforts create a powerful surge capable of uplifting not only the local community but the entire city at large.
The insights and strategies discussed at this meeting are crucial in order to move forward. By continuing to collaborate and address the identified gaps, we can make significant strides in improving youth mental health in Oakland. Our collective efforts will help ensure that every young person has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for our youth.
