Harlandale ISD Counselor Kimberly Salinas was rewarded a $3,000 microgrant by The San Antonio Youth Commission to offer students access to SEL resources. Ms. Salinas used the microgrant to create the "Zen Den," a haven for students to manage stress and access mental health resources. The Zen Den offers students mini Zen gardens, essential oil diffusers, Himalayan rock lamps, ambient lighting, and an abundance of positive messages. These tools will not only support the students well-being but will serve as a safe space for students.
The San Antonio Youth Commission is tasked with advising City Council on matters that directly affect local youth, with the intention of valuing and empowering the City’s youth voice to provide a unique insight into city issues and problems. SAYC provides an outlet to youth to civically engage with the city through advocacy and community service.
The Commission has partnered up with various communities to help the youth. Back in 2021, SAYC partnered with Project Worth Teen Ambassadors to create the first citywide Teen Mental Health Survey through the SA Speak Up website. The survey results were instrumental in amplifying the voice of our younger residents and highlighting many of the mental health challenges young people are experiencing in San Antonio. The Youth Commission used the survey results to develop recommendations to improve mental health resources and presented them to the Deputy City Manager, City Council, and the Superintendents of Bexar County.
Meanwhile, more recently in Summer 2022, the Commission worked with Texas Public Radio and sponsored the Mucho Gusto Wellness Expo, a free wellness event for young people 12-19. Commission members also participated in the first Teen Mental Health First Aid training from the Center for Health Care Services. Cheers to Harlandale ISD and SAYC for their shared commitment to advocating for young people in San Antonio's mental health and well-being!
Source: Harlandale ISD Facebook
Blog By: Michelle Martinez, Intern, UT Austin