Metro YMCA Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month in May

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges will celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May with a series of free educational workshops and events open to the community. All are invited to join the Y in raising awareness about mental health, sharing resources, encouraging conversations, and helping individuals understand how they can care for themselves and others. “This month, we reinforce our commitment to serving all by recognizing and supporting the unique mental and emotional needs of the diverse communities we serve. We’re proud to share some of our efforts to support the holistic wellbeing of children, adults, and families,” said Laura McCann, Mental Health Director at the Metro YMCA of the Oranges.

Free Events Open to All

Join the Y virtually for an introduction to the Nurtured Heart Approach® on May 13; bring your middle schooler to the South Mountain YMCA on May 15 to learn how to connect and grow together; and receive support from other members of the “sandwich generation” on May 28. All events are free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Register online for these events at metroymcas.org or by calling 973-758-9039. If you are unable to attend these events, the Metro Y has resources available on our website 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From there, you can meet the Mental Health Team, reach out for assistance with a mental health challenge, register for upcoming events and workshops, or access print- and video-based resources for the entire family.  

How the Metro YMCA is Supporting Mental Health

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across the nation are experiencing increased stress and fear, grief and loss, social isolation and loneliness, and increased parental stress. Here in New Jersey, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 20 percent of adults and 60 percent of youth who reported symptoms of depression and anxiety were unable to obtain treatment for their symptoms, due to factors such as cost, lack of insurance, and lack of availability of providers in their communities.  

The Metro YMCA, which includes the East Orange YMCA, New Milford YMCA Program Center, South Mountain, Sussex County, and West Essex YMCAs, as well as Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, is working to lessen the impact of these challenges and promote wellbeing by expanding our capacity to support the mental, emotional, social and behavioral needs of our members. Efforts include staff training and support, youth development, and strengthening the communities we serve through programming intended to promote mental health.

Specifically, our Mental Health Team has:

• Certified over 160 staff in Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and/or the Nurtured Heart Approach® 
• Implemented three social emotional learning curricula in early childhood and school-aged childcare programs, serving over 1,000 youth 
• Responded to over 400 requests for behavior support during Summer Camp 2024 and the 2024-2025 school year to date 
• Provided 25 educational workshops for adults and communities served 

To learn more about the Y’s role in supporting mental health, visit metroymcas.org.