Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Starts Mental Health program

Mount Kisco, NY (December, 2023) – Recognizing the need for mental health services for youth, The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester has started a Comprehensive Wellness Center. The program is available to children 3-18 who participate in the Club’s more than 40 programs in addition to their families, staff and community members.

The growing prevalence of mental health issues among children and adolescents ranging from eating disorders, ADHA, depression and anxiety, is resulting in a rise in substance abuse, violence and suicide, according to National Institute of Mental Health.

Alyzza Ozer, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester CEO, said the club’s mission was to provide a safe positive environment for children and an important part of that was recognizing the stress that children live under and helping to support them.

Funded by a grant from Westchester County and led by two mental health professionals, the program seeks to provide support, and healthy outlets for the Boys & Girls Club community to regulate emotions, communicate more effectively, cope with stress and manage conflict through productive problem-solving skills.

“The unique impact of our wellness center at the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester is transformative, creating a meaningful and lasting experience of health, well-being, and empowerment for the community/communities we serve,’’ said Ozer. “We are so grateful to Westchester County and our County Legislator Erika Pierce for providing us with the funding to start this program.’’

In addition to mental health counseling, the program provides art therapy and other therapeutic activities and incorporates physical activities for overall wellness. Boys & Girls Club staff have so far received over 40 hours of training to give them strategies to incorporate mental health philosophies into all the club’s programming.

One in five children ages 3-17 has a diagnosed mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Suicide affects young people at higher rates than other age groups. According to a National Vital Statistics System report, suicides went up by 57 percent for 10 to 24-year-olds between 2007 to 2018. It was the 10th leading cause of death in 2019, the latest year available.

These alarming statistics are some of the reasons behind the need for such programs, said County Legislator Erika Pierce.

“As a nation, we are in the midst of a mental health care crisis, and no group is feeling that crisis more keenly than our children. I could not be more proud to be able to assist the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester in bringing critical care to this vulnerable and most precious of populations. Kudos to them for prioritizing this work, and putting this program together,’’ said Pierce.

Dr. Alana Pudalov, who along with Mental Health Counselor Bryant Srour oversees the program, said she is already seeing results.

“The positive changes observed in the students' behavior and academic performance are noticeable,’’ said Pudalov, DSW, LCSW, MAPP, SIFI. “We already see this as students coming for an art therapy session, ask for a friend to join them next time. Also, several students have requested an extra art project for their siblings.’’

Srour, MS, MHC-LP, grew up in Mount Kisco and attended the Club in elementary school and later worked there as a counselor and volunteer. He said it was important for children to feel safe seeking services.

“The importance of being clinicians who have grown up in the club and local community and serve that same community cannot be overstated. As a liaison between social services and the community, we possess a unique perspective and understanding of the specific needs, challenges, and strengths of the people we serve,’’ he said.

For more information, visit https://bgcnw.com/

About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester

The Club provides age and developmentally appropriate programs and curricula designed to foster academic success, good character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles for ages 3 to 18. We provide youth with a safe, positive environment where they can learn and grow and feel a sense of belonging. We partner with school districts and local organizations to ensure each child receives the educational supports and enrichment they deserve.