Communities have suffered from a mental health crisis for several years. This began well before the COVID-19 pandemic and has only been brought to the forefront in recent years. The plain and simple truth is that the stressors of social media, bullying and the lingering effects of the pandemic have put a lot of pressure on our children and teens.

That is why The Associated and its agencies have been leading the way in addressing the mental health of our younger community members here in Baltimore.

Beth H. Goldsmith, former Chair of the Board, recently sat down with industry experts within The Associated system of agencies about what is driving this mental health crisis among our younger generation and the programs our community has put in place to support our children and teens.

Special thanks to our experts:

Brittni Barcase, Jewish Community Services
Emily Stern, Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
Jen Taylor, Jewish Community Services
Diana Solomon, 4Front Baltimore

A few highlights:

New innovative programs in schools help adolescents navigate the anxieties and challenges they face every day.
Camp and preschools adding new supports.
Teen program engages peers to help their friends.