New Project to Improve Mental Health

In the past decade, rapid social changes and overwhelming technological advances have caused stress for many people. The pandemic worsened this by disrupting regular activities and social connections. While adults have struggled with these challenges, adolescents have been even more affected, experiencing increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Licensed counselors are trying to meet the demand, but long wait lists, high costs, and cultural mismatches often create obstacles.

To address this problem, the Manor Wellness Alliance has created the Hope in Action program to support members of the Manor community facing challenges in keeping mentally healthy, with an extra focus on teens. This long-term project is developing free options to help people improve their mental health. Our approach is to listen to the community to make sure what we do is a good fit.

In 2023, we gathered input from Manor people, especially teens. We asked them about the stresses they face in school and life, and what kind of program they would trust to help them cope, have more choices, and improve their lives. 

In 2024, we held summer mental health classes using ideas from the 2023 feedback to test the most effective types of support for the Manor community.