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The Healthy Minds Youth Conference, supported by the Reliant Foundation, Main Street Bank, and the United Way of North Central MA’s Summer ASOST Grant, brought together over 470 youth and educators for a transformative two-day event on July 24th and 25th at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC). With the theme “Lead With Love,” the conference emphasized the importance of mental well-being, self-care, and social connection for North Central Massachusetts’ youth.
Led by United Way Youth Venture (UWYV) of MWCC, the conference addressed gaps in mental and behavioral health support while exposing participants to educational and career pathways. The event harnessed the strengths of multiple community organizations, mental health professionals, and career pathway practitioners, creating a holistic, supportive environment for all attendees.
Elementary students from Fitchburg’s 21st Century Summer Program, middle schoolers from MWCC’s Upward Bound Math and Science Program, and youth from the House of Peace and Education’s Summer Program attended on July 24th, followed by middle school students from Fitchburg’s 21st Century Summer Program on July 25th. Both days of the event were further enriched by 45 dedicated volunteers, including 10 Youth Changemakers from the HEAL (Hope. Empower. Access. Love.) Collaborative of Winchendon and Gardner.
Participants engaged in activities designed to promote a healthy mind, focusing on rest & self-care, mindfulness, social connection, joyful movement, and nourishment. The event provided a unique blend of learning and fun, where participants could laugh, share, create lasting memories, and gain practical tools to support their mental well-being.
“The Healthy Minds Youth Conference showcases the power of community collaboration in supporting our youth,” said Rachel Vargeletis-Peguero, UWYV Outreach Liaison. “With the invaluable support from the Reliant Foundation, the United Way, and sponsors like Main Street Bank, we were able to create an experience that not only educated but also empowered these young people.”
The UWYV team would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the volunteers, funders, and sponsors who made this event possible. Their unwavering support and dedication have strongly impacted the lives of the youth in our community, helping them to lead with love and embrace their mental well-being.
For more information about the Healthy Minds: Lead with Love Youth Conference or to learn how you can support similar initiatives, please contact Lauren Mountain, UWYV Director at lmountain@mwcc.mass.edu or visit the UWYV website: uwyv.mwcc.edu. Check out more photos from the conference on the UWYV site.
About United Way Youth Venture
United Way Youth Venture (UWYV) is a program dedicated to supporting the youth of North Central MA to be the cultivators of change in our community. Across the region, we help young people (primarily in grades 2-12) to step into the role of humanist, using their interests and passions to address a problem in the community through youth-led and youth-created social Ventures.