Our Own Wellness Spaces

Mental health

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

We are addressing significant challenges in youth mental health by providing comprehensive support through Our Own Wellness Spaces. These spaces are designed to combat alarming statistics: 17% of high school students have considered suicide, making it the second leading cause of death among young adults. Furthermore, 75% of students describe their school experience negatively, citing stress and boredom, which can escalate into anxiety and depression. Our initiative aims to implement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs that foster self-awareness, emotional understanding, and responsible decision-making, crucial for improving overall mental acuity. By offering tailored school programming, we meet the diverse needs of under-resourced schools and their students, enhancing their well-being and educational outcomes.

The grant will support the Our Own Wellness Space program, which focuses on providing essential mental health programming to address critical issues in youth well-being. These Wellness Spaces are innovative, transforming underutilized classrooms into immersive environments that integrate cutting-edge education and thoughtful design. Each space is meticulously crafted with a human-centered approach, aimed at empowering students in under-resourced communities. Beyond sustainability, our initiative meets educators' and students' needs by offering comprehensive programming including SEL, physical fitness, and nutrition. This support extends beyond school hours, engaging students in holistic development and academic enrichment. Our approach also aids educators by utilizing space and resources effectively, with Our Own practitioners enhancing learning opportunities that foster improved mental acuity and academic success.

Our approach acknowledges that solving complex issues requires a multifaceted strategy that directly aligns with the communities we serve. By focusing on both individual and collective mental health, we aim to cultivate a healthier Los Angeles. Our wellness program is designed not only to provide essential SEL tools and resources but also to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of seizing opportunities and navigating challenges. This holistic approach equips students with the skills they need to pursue various post-secondary pathways, empowering them to shape their futures positively. Ultimately, our goal extends beyond immediate impact to foster a resilient community over generations, leveraging students' lived experiences to strengthen both the Our Own ecosystem and the broader community of Los Angeles.

We measure the impact of our program through surveys administered to participants and by analyzing data provided by the schools. These surveys gather feedback directly from program participants, while school-provided information helps us assess the overall effectiveness and outcomes of our initiatives. After the first year of implementation, we have conducted thorough assessments to gauge the impact of our initiative. Quantitative data highlights significant achievements: 80% of students in participating schools achieved Honor Roll status with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Test scores have shown a notable 20% improvement, and both school and program attendance rates have remained consistently high. Importantly, since Additional data collected also reveals a 66% increase in students' sense of self-worth, a 63% improvement in their ability to concentrate, a 56% enhanced sense of joy, and a 45% increase in their ease of decision-making.