he Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County has received well-deserved recognition for its dedication to supporting youth mental health. Citizens, a national financial group, has named the organization a 2025 Champion in Action®, highlighting its commitment to expanding mental health and well-being programs for young people and families in Monmouth County, New Jersey. As part of this recognition, the club will receive $50,000 in flexible funding, increased visibility, and volunteer support to help further develop its programs.
What is the Champions in Action® Program?
Citizens Bank has run the Champions in Action program since 2002, providing millions of dollars in funding to nonprofits working on social challenges across the country. Each year, the bank selects a focus area, and this year’s spotlight is on mental health and well-being. The Boys & Girls Club’s ongoing work in this area has made them a standout candidate for this prestigious award.
Mental Health and Well-Being at the Core of the Club’s Mission
The Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County has long been a safe and supportive space for kids to receive academic assistance, career advice, and engage in recreational activities. However, they’ve recognized that mental health is just as critical as education and job opportunities for today’s youth.
A core part of the club’s approach to mental health is the Positive Deviance method. This strategy focuses on identifying community members who have successfully overcome challenges despite having the same resources as others. By examining how these individuals manage to thrive, the club can apply these lessons to help others in the community.
Expanding Family-Focused Mental Health Programs
The $50,000 grant will primarily fund the expansion of family-focused programs designed to raise awareness about mental health and provide families with resources to cope with life’s challenges. These programs will include mindfulness events and workshops where parents and children can learn practical techniques for managing stress, emotions, and mental health.
These events are especially important as mental health struggles among youth continue to rise. According to recent data, mental health challenges in young people have reached crisis levels, making programs like those offered by the Boys & Girls Club essential in addressing the needs of the community.
The Impact of the $50,000 Grant
For the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County, receiving this award marks a major milestone. Over the years, the club has helped local youth with everything from tutoring and college prep to sports, arts, and leadership programs. But as the awareness of mental health challenges grows, they’ve increased their efforts to ensure kids and families have the support they need to navigate life’s difficulties.
The grant will not only fund vital mental health initiatives but will also provide the club with increased exposure. This heightened visibility will help spread the word about their programs, potentially attracting even more community support and involvement. In addition, the club will benefit from volunteer support, bringing more hands on deck to run events, mentorship programs, and other outreach efforts.
A Vital Step in Addressing Youth Mental Health
Youth mental health is becoming an increasingly urgent issue across the country, and organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County are stepping up to provide much-needed resources and support. The $50,000 grant from Citizens will help the club continue its important work and extend its reach to even more kids and families in need.
With this funding and the added resources, the Boys & Girls Club is poised to make an even greater impact, helping youth in Monmouth County feel stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. This recognition underscores the value of community-based mental health support and sets a powerful example for others to follow.
