Campaign Launched To Fun TeenTalk Mental Health Counselor At MMS

Information via The Community Fund of Darien

DARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien is proud to announce its partnership with the Darien Public Schools and Darien’s Health Department in funding a TeenTalk Mental Health Counselor at Middlesex Middle School. This collaboration, complementing the impactful program currently at Darien High School, aims to address the need for mental health support for the youth of our community.

"The Darien Youth Survey was a call to action for The Community Fund of Darien to secure funding to support Darien’s youth,” said Janet King, Executive Director of The Community Fund of Darien. "Our organization is committed to serving our community and this partnership aligns with our mission to support initiatives that promote the well-being of all members of our community."

In response to Darien’s Youth Survey results, which indicated the need for mental health support for our youth, The Community Fund of Darien has committed $30,000 towards the TeenTalk Mental Health Counselor initiative. Recognizing the value and importance this program offers to middle school students, the Darien Health Department has committed $40,000 to assist in establishing this service. The Community Fund of Darien now seeks to raise an additional $30,000 in individual donations to fully cover the program cost by May 31st for a 2024 school year launch.

TeenTalk, a program with a proven track record spanning more than 25 years designed by nonprofit agency, Kids In Crisis, places master’s-level mental health counselors in 18 middle and high schools across Fairfield County. These counselors are specially trained to identify and assist students facing various personal, familial, and academic challenges. By offering confidential individual, group, and family counseling, as well as preventive education on crucial issues affecting youth well-being, TeenTalk counselors play a vital role in supporting students' mental health. Their services are available to students and families 24/7 and all shared information is confidential and is not reflected in the students’ school records.

Dr. Alan Addley, Superintendent of Darien Public Schools, highlighted the significance of the partnership between the school district and The Community Fund. “TeenTalk provides a unique opportunity to expand our school mental health and counseling services to students and families. It is one example of how the District works with outside agencies to complement and support the work of the District staff.”

Dr. Alycia Dadd, Mental Health Director of Darien Public Schools, echoed this sentiment, saying “Middle school is a unique time in child development with the onset of increasing and nuanced social and academic demands. A relationship with a trusted adult is one of the most significant factors in building a child’s resilience. TeenTalk counselors are able to make connections with students and serve as an important conduit to additional supports outside of school hours and over school breaks.”

Furthermore, Shari Shapiro, longtime Executive Director of Kids in Crisis, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the impact it will have on the community. “In Darien’s schools, our students are sending us a message. They aren’t asking for more recess; they’re pleading for help with their mental health. In partnership with The Community Fund of Darien, the Darien Health Department, and the Darien Board of Education, Kids In Crisis has heeded this call through the plan to open a new TeenTalk program in Middlesex Middle School this September!”

“Our family has experienced firsthand the mental health crisis before us today, having lost several friends and our nephew, Sean Vogel, to death by suicide over the last few years. We have made a commitment to help wherever we can, through our actions, outreach and financial support to organizations like The Community Fund of Darien who step up to have an impact. For this reason, we are pleased to take a leadership position in this much-needed initiative," said David Genovese, Darien resident and founder of Baywater Properties.

This partnership underscores the commitment of The Community Fund of Darien, Darien Public Schools, and the Darien Health Department to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our youth. To donate please visit www.communityfunddarien.org.