As we celebrate Giving Tuesday, AIM Youth Mental Health reflects on a transformative year marked by growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the mental well-being of our youth.
Our 2024 Impact Report highlights the strides we’ve made, thanks to the generosity of supporters like you.
Expanding the AIM Ideas Lab: Youth Voices Leading the Way
This year, the AIM Ideas Lab has flourished into a dynamic platform where high school students across California engage in Youth Participatory Action Research. These young researchers have delved into pressing mental health issues, providing invaluable insights that shape our programs and policies. Their dedication underscores the power of youth-led initiatives in driving meaningful change.
The 2024 AIM Ideas Lab and Youth Ambassador programs made a profound impact on youth mental health advocacy, engaging 90 participants across 37 schools in five counties, with over 1,150 survey responses collected. Through a revamped AIM Youth Ambassadors program, 44 passionate youth deepened their understanding of mental health research and advocacy.
Highlights include targeted workshops, mentorship opportunities, and youth-led committees that enhanced program curricula and amplified the voices of young leaders. Notably, ambassadors gained hands-on experience facilitating discussions and mentoring peers, creating a supportive and engaging environment while fostering leadership and organizational skills.
Feedback from participants underscores the program’s success:
- 92.9% of respondents felt safe and comfortable participating
- 71.4% learned to have safe and effective mental health conversations
- 64.3% felt their efforts positively impacted youth mental health.
Success stories, like Daniel Becerra pursuing research opportunities inspired by AIM, and Melanie Gonzalez Fuentes returning to mentor her community, reflect the program’s enduring influence. The AIM Ideas Lab has not only equipped teens with research and advocacy skills but has also created a ripple effect of positive change, empowering youth to shape a healthier future for their peers.
Collaborative Training Initiatives: Building Resilient Communities
In 2024, AIM Youth Mental Health’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program continued to make a transformative impact by equipping community members (adults and youth, alike!) with critical skills to support youth in mental health crises.
This evidence-based training program empowered educators, parents, and caregivers with the knowledge to identify warning signs, provide immediate assistance, and guide young people toward professional resources. By fostering a culture of awareness and proactive care, MHFA helped reduce stigma and strengthened the safety net for young individuals navigating mental health challenges.
The transformative power of AIM Youth Mental Health’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program comes to life through the words of participants who have experienced the training firsthand. These testimonials highlight the program’s profound impact on fostering awareness, compassion, and actionable skills to support mental well-being in young people.
Sandy Montes, Family Support Specialist and Teen Group Facilitator at Jacob’s Heart
“After taking this course, I realized how critical it is to protect adolescents’ well-being, support their emotional learning, and ensure they are aware of the accessible mental health care resources.”
Sandy’s insights underscore the importance of equipping those who work closely with teens with the tools to safeguard their mental health. The training provided her with a deeper understanding of how to create supportive spaces for adolescents to thrive.
Alondra Bonilla, Girls Inc., High School Senior
“Taking the Teen Mental Health First Aid course made me aware of the common mental conflicts that people my age have to deal with. Even though I have never struggled with a mental issue, it was great to learn about how I can help my friends and family members deal with them. The training was informative and very engaging. I truly enjoyed the experience and would do it again.”
These testimonials reflect the power of AIM’s Mental Health First Aid programs to spark lasting change—building a network of trained individuals ready to support the mental health of their peers and community.
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, AIM has partnered with organizations such as First Tee and Girls Inc. to deliver comprehensive mental health training. These collaborations have equipped mentors and leaders with the tools to support youth effectively, fostering environments where mental health is prioritized and nurtured.
A Decade of Impact: Celebrating at the 10th Annual Gala
In October, we commemorated a decade of dedication at our 10th Annual Gala. The event brought together philanthropists, mental health advocates, and community members, raising over $650,000 to further our mission. The evening was a testament to the collective effort required to address youth mental health challenges and the hope we share for a brighter future.
Introducing the Youth Suicide Prevention Fund
In response to alarming statistics indicating that 22% of high school students have seriously considered suicide in the past year, AIM launched the Youth Suicide Prevention Fund. This initiative supports critical research and community education aimed at recognizing warning signs and providing timely interventions. Notably, $275,000 was raised directly for this fund during our Gala, reflecting the community’s commitment to safeguarding our youth.
Your Support Makes a Difference
The achievements of 2024 are a direct result of the generosity and support from individuals like you. As we look forward to continuing our mission, we invite you to join us this Giving Tuesday. Your donation will empower youth, fund essential research, and provide critical resources to those in need.
Together, we can create a world where every young person has the support and resources to thrive mentally and emotionally.
