As youth mental health concerns continue to rise, the New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) organization is making significant strides in addressing these issues through expanded mental health initiatives in public schools across Brooklyn. Thanks to the Learning and Enrichment After-School Program Supports (LEAPS) grant, more than 30 schools — including 12 in Brooklyn — will now have access to additional mental health resources focusing on emotional regulation and mental health first aid.
The LEAPS grant is part of New York State’s $100 million initiative aimed at supporting after-school programs in underserved communities. This funding, alongside support from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, helps NYJTL enhance its already extensive services, which include tennis training, tutoring, wellness education, arts instruction, and STEM activities.
Expanding Mental Health Support for Youth
NYJTL is one of New York City’s largest after-school providers, currently serving over 3,000 students. With the grant, NYJTL is not only continuing its commitment to academic and physical development but also expanding its focus on mental health, providing essential support for emotional well-being.
Grace Bodenmann, NYJTL’s Chief Education Officer, emphasized the integral role that sports play in supporting mental health. “Overall, sports is mental health,” Bodenmann said. “It develops teamwork. It develops character, and it connects peers no matter how strong you are at the game.”
This initiative aims to equip students with valuable emotional regulation tools, helping them manage stress and anxiety while fostering a positive, supportive environment at school. As part of this effort, NYJTL is providing specialized training for its staff, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create strong, supportive relationships with students.
Addressing Rising Mental Health Needs
The 2024 State of Mental Health of New Yorkers report highlighted a concerning trend: between 2019 and 2021, around 15% of children ages 3 to 13 were diagnosed with mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. The report also revealed that nearly 50% of teenagers reported experiencing depression, underlining the urgency of expanding mental health support for young people.
In response to these statistics, NYJTL has placed a strong focus on integrating mental health resources into its programs. Emily Haghtalab, NYJTL’s head social worker, leads this initiative, utilizing restorative mental health practices to work with students across grades K-12. These approaches aim to reduce behavioral issues, improve staff engagement, and create a culture of trust and support within the school community.
Haghtalab has trained over 100 staff members in childhood mental health support and has recently completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training at local schools. This program focuses on assessing mental wellness in real-time, providing emotional self-regulation techniques, and building students’ self-esteem.
Looking Ahead
The NYJTL team is committed to becoming a trauma-informed organization, expanding its mental health services, and offering continuous training for staff. Haghtalab’s hope is to further strengthen these efforts by focusing on restorative practices and providing even more comprehensive support for both students and staff.
With the expanded funding from the LEAPS grant, NYJTL is poised to make a lasting impact on the mental health of students in Brooklyn, helping young people navigate challenges and fostering resilience for the future.
