Creating a New Path for Youth Mental Health Support
Jersey Desk/10315362

PERTH AMBOY, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- In gymnasiums and spaces where kids gather after school to learn, laugh, and play, a new kind of support is taking shape with the launch of the Bright Path Youth Mental Health program announced yesterday by the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (YMCA Alliance).

Through a $200,000 grant from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey (Horizon Foundation), the charitable giving arm of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the new program will integrate lessons on emotional well-being, communication, and connection into the daily rhythm of 21 YMCA after-school care programs across the Garden State.

The pilot program arrives at a time when youth mental health concerns are rising nationwide and the need for early, accessible support has never been greater, said YMCA Alliance President and CEO Julie Gallanty at a news conference at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, which is among seven Ys participating.

"At the Y, we believe every child deserves to feel supported, connected, and confident," Gallanty said. "Thanks to Horizon, our staff are gaining the training and tools to nurture children's mental well-being right where they already feel at home — in their YMCA after-school programs. Together, we're helping kids build resilience and a stronger sense of belonging."

The program will impact 350 children in kindergarten through the sixth grade,  Gallanty added.

Horizon Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Pearson said: "Supporting youth mental health is one of our top priorities. We're proud to once again partner with the YMCA, this time to strengthen emotional well-being for kids across the state. Just as we've worked together to promote healthy habits and fight childhood obesity, this new effort will help children develop the confidence and resilience they need to thrive."

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Alejandrina Batista, who oversees mental health services at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, said the focus on youth mental health is essential.

"Mental health challenges are showing up earlier and more often, and families are feeling the impact," Batista said. "Nearly one in five children in our county is struggling with a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, yet in our after-school programs, there's no stigma. The curriculum is for every child. By weaving lessons about empathy, belonging, and communication into the same spaces where kids do homework and play games, we're helping them build emotional strength in a setting they know and trust."

The program is already being embraced by community leaders who see its value for local children and families. Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba shared: "The Bright Path program reflects the kind of partnership that strengthens our families and our city. The YMCA has always been a place parents trust for care, learning, and support, and this initiative builds on that by helping provide support to the families of the children who need it most."

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, both of District 19, also voiced their strong support for helping children across the state grow healthier in spirit, mind, and body. They highlighted how partnerships between organizations like the Y and the Horizon Foundation create the kind of community-based solutions that truly make a difference for kids and families.

In addition to the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, the following YMCA associations will be participating in the pilot program during the 2025-26 school year:

• Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA
• Lakeland Hills YMCA
• Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges
• Montclair YMCA
• YMCA of the Jersey Shore (formerly YMCA of Greater Monmouth County)
• Westfield YMCA

Families will play an important role in evaluating the program's impact, completing pre- and post-surveys to help the Y measure growth in their children's confidence, connection, and emotional well-being.

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President and CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA Steve Jobin emphasized that the Y "can't do this work alone."

"Partnerships like this one with the Horizon Foundation help us live our mission of strengthening communities. When we come together with others who share our commitment to children and families, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our neighbors," Jobin said.

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.

About The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's philanthropic arm, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, is focused on making New Jersey healthier by supporting non-profit organizations that expand access to health care, remove barriers to good health and increase opportunities for everyone to achieve their best health, no matter who they are or where they live. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit HorizonBlue.com/Foundation.