Page 3 - Teens Connect Impact Report 19/20

Dear Friends,
Inspired by the tragic loss of two Napa teenagers to suicide in 2016, Teens Connect was founded to meet the unique mental health needs of our youth with programs and resources that have an enduring impact on their wellbeing. Mental health is a severe crisis in our country and is particularly catastrophic in our youth. In Napa County, 36% of high schoolers reported feeling chronically sad or
hopeless this past school year and 16% have seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year.
By creating safe spaces for vulnerable conversations, Teens Connect receives honest insights into local teens’ needs and designs programs that deliver thoughtful responses and impactful solutions. To meet the request for easy accessibility, we provide programming both inside and outside of our local schools. In partnership with Mentis, our on-campus programs are focused on addressing the mental health needs of teens and reducing the stigma surrounding them.
We are thrilled to see the impact we have had on our teen community and our community at large in three short years. The organization is breaking barriers, saving lives, affecting lasting change, and protecting the most precious resource we have – our youth.
This report is to share what we have achieved thanks to your support and faith in Teens Connect. It is because of you, our loyal and generous supporters, that we have been able to accomplish more than we set out to accomplish. Thank you for joining us on this incredible and impactful journey.
With love and respect,
Jeni Olsen Joelle Gallagher Executive Director Board President
“Our teenagers are at the forefront of everything we do. Teens Connect equips our teen leaders with the tools to not only help themselves, but each other so that they are truly empowered to make a difference in their peer community.”
JOELLE GALLAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FIRST 5 NAPA COUNTY