At a time when youth mental health challenges are reaching unprecedented levels, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) is dedicated to supporting young people’s social and emotional wellbeing. Thanks to our community of generous donors, BGCB can respond to the most urgent needs facing our youth by expanding services and leveraging community experts.
At the forefront of BGCB’s mental health initiative is Trustee Christine Crawford, MD, MPH, Associate Medical Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and author of You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers. Dr. Crawford got involved with BGCB several years ago, volunteering at the Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center (JKMTC), serving on our Board of Trustees, and advising on mental health. Since then, mental health and wellness has become an essential focus for BGCB.
“If we didn’t have Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, we’d see an increase in mental health crises, loneliness, and youth violence.”
Christine Crawford
Leadership in Youth Mental Health
Dr. Crawford visits Clubs, like JKMTC, which she calls a “hope spot” for teens. She notes, “We can talk about career and college prep all day, but if someone is struggling with chronic anxiety or depression, it’s hard to get out of bed, let alone achieve their goals.”
BGCB recognizes that a child’s well-being is deeply intertwined with family dynamics and has introduced holistic wraparound programming to support parents and caregivers. Initiatives like the Parents Council help families manage stress and strengthen relationships with their children. By engaging both young members and their support systems, BGCB serves as a model for community-based youth development nationwide.
Investing in Mental Health Support
BGCB’s strong commitment to youth mental health would not be possible without generous donors that help us invest in our mental health professionals and expanded services. The impact is already evident, ensuring that Club members have access to consistent, high-quality support during the crucial years of their development.
Comprehensive mental health services are offered across BGCB’s Clubs where our trained professionals meet individually with members, provide referrals and additional resources to families and the wider community, and lay the foundations for a trauma-informed approach throughout the Clubs.
Dr. Crawford sees BGCB as an invaluable lifeline: “If we didn’t have Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, we’d see an increase in mental health crises, loneliness, and youth violence. The Club gives young people a positive place to belong and supports them in making healthy choices.”
Thanks to the vital support of experts including Dr. Crawford, our dedicated social workers, and donors, BGCB is preparing the next generation to face life’s challenges with resilience and strength.
