Investing in Youth Mental Health and Well-Being

Children and teens face lasting emotional and developmental impacts after a disaster, that aren’t always visible but are deeply felt. That’s why All Hands & Hearts (AH&H) partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena to help local youth process the trauma of the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires and regain a sense of stability and connection.

Children and teens face lasting emotional and developmental impacts after a disaster, that aren’t always visible but are deeply felt. That’s why All Hands & Hearts (AH&H) partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena to help local youth process the trauma of the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires and regain a sense of stability and connection.

What’s Next for Young People After Disaster?

For the youngest Club members, the disruption to their routine was immediate and overwhelming. Many were displaced from their homes, and with so much uncertainty in their worlds, even small consistencies, like showing up to the Club, began to matter more than ever.

“I could see how much it meant to them to have somewhere familiar,” Care Coordinator Natalie shared. “Somewhere they could just be kids and feel okay.”

Older youth faced a different challenge. At first, many had a hard time sharing what they were going through. But over time, and through open, honest conversations, powerful changes began to happen when they realized they weren’t alone. Friendships deepened. Support systems formed. The result of this shared experience brought their youth community closer together.

Boys & Girls Club members participating in art workshops.

A Strong Partnership for Safety and Trust

AH&H is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena to support this recovery journey. Together, we’re helping to ease financial burdens and expand access to safe, enriching spaces where youth can feel safe to hang out and feel like kids again, creating those special places where healing happens. In collaboration with Club staff, we are helping to make this work possible by:

  • Funding a full-time, licensed clinical psychologist through December 2025 to provide counseling, group sessions, and trauma-informed training for Club staff
  • Supporting more than 100 summer camp scholarships for youth impacted by the fires
  • Providing program materials and equipment that promote creativity, confidence and dignity for kids navigating recovery

Where Healing Happens

At the Boys & Girls Club, kids participate in a wide range of activities focused on academic support, social-emotional growth, creativity, and physical activity. These include homework help, tutoring, sports, arts, technology, and field trips. Led by trusted adults and professionals, these activities provide children with safe, structured opportunities to build new skills and connect with other children from diverse backgrounds. Especially in the aftermath of disaster, access to consistent, enriching programs (and friend time!) throughout the summer and after school can be a vital part of a child’s recovery and development.

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