The Prebys Foundation Monday announced $6 million in grants to 23 local organizations dealing with the mental and emotional well-being of youth and young adults, timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month.
The grants are intended for nonprofits and organizations focused on preventative care strategies and addressing the needs of a diverse array of groups — including Native Americans, the LGBTQ+ community, African refugees, Girl Scouts, homeless youth, Boys and Girls Clubs around the county, military families, the Latino population and Middle Eastern refugees, among others.
“San Diego can become a national model by consistently supporting youth well-being,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO of the Prebys Foundation. “The health and vitality of our youth are crucial for a vibrant future. Our investment aims to ensure that San Diego’s young individuals are thriving and empowered to explore who they are and build meaningful community ties.”
Oliphant said the timing of the grants is fitting, as mental health challenges among young people in the United States remains a constant, exacerbated by lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The work of these organizations strengthens the community fabric,” he said. “Their commitment to delivering innovative and relevant solutions allows young individuals to nurture and protect their emotional and mental health, significantly enhancing the well-being of San Diego County.”
The 23 groups granted funds are: ‘ataaxum Pomkwaan, Bayside Community Services, Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, Boys & Girls Clubs of East County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, Boys to Men Mentoring Network, California State San Marcos University Foundation, Center for Community Solutions, Champions for Health, Father Joe’s Villages, Girl Scouts San Diego, Institute for Public Strategies, Julian Pathways, Kupanda, License to Freedom, NAMI San Diego, North County Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning Resource Center, Rady Children’s Hospital, Social Advocates for Youth San Diego, Southern Sudanese Community Center of San Diego, The San Diego LGBT Community Center and transcenDANCE.
City News Service contributed to this article.