Boys & Girls Clubs' Behavioral Health Program Improves Quality of Life for Youth

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness about mental health, promote access to mental health care, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Youth today face many unique challenges from cyberbullying and climate change to the pervasive fear of gun violence in America. Enhancing mental health resources for our youth and community remains a top priority for Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast). 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) provides more than just a safe place for kids to hang out after school and during summer break. BGCSDC is a valuable community resource for children and their families providing access to caring mentors and critical resources in an inclusive environment. They provide a home away from home for the 3,783 registered Club members between the ages of 6-18.

In March 2024, BGCSDC launched their Behavioral Health Program with support from Gulf Coast’s Mental Health Initiative. The program is designed to empower Club members and their families, helping them improve their overall quality of life. Facilitated by eight trained and licensed mental health professionals across six Club sites, the program has already observed over 400 Club members. These professionals engage with Club members, identifying those who would benefit from up to 12 personalized sessions tailored to their unique needs. 

“This innovative program provides immediate access to mental health services and education for historically underserved youth,” said Gulf Coast’s Director of Community Leadership Jennifer Johnston. “Out-of-school and summer programs are an ideal opportunity to provide counseling to students. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ serves the whole child, with incredibly positive results, and we are honored to support them.”

Offering proactive mental health resources to young people, in an afterschool setting where trusted staff members know the child and family, is most effective. Afterschool programs provide valuable insight into children’s holistic needs and home lives. This approach serves as a genuine prevention program, helping to mitigate potential negative outcomes for young people and build a more resilient community. Club member Isaiah B. shared, “My Club helped me learn how to deal with my feelings. Now, I know what to do with my feelings and I don’t get in trouble at school or my Club.”

Four “Zen Dens” were created by the Sarasota Chamber’s 2025 Leadership Class, which includes Gulf Coast’s own Sasha Pyatte. These thoughtfully designed spaces allow a child to take a respite from the day and reflect on their behavior in a peaceful environment. The program also integrates mindfulness. The practice of intentionally paying full attention to the present moment without judgment. This approach can be especially beneficial for children, equipping them with tools to manage big feelings, improve better, and deepen self-awareness.

Danae Koeper, MSW, LCSW, and BGCSDC’s Director of Behavioral Health Services, was instrumental in designing this innovative program. The collaboration and commitment of the entire BGCSDC team has been essential to its success. “Support from the leadership team, Club directors, and staff has helped tremendously in achieving what we have today,” said Koeper. In partnership with fellow nonprofits and funders, BGCSDC is blazing a new trail with this preventative Behavioral Health Program which is currently only being offered in the Gulf Coast region. Koeper would love to see the program expand nationally in the future to help behavior in school and emotional regulation; children and teens across the country are navigating all kinds of challenges, many with limited access to mental health services.

Just like at school or work, Boys & Girls Clubs have a code of conduct. Recently one Club member had received multiple infractions and was on the verge of being suspended. She was identified by the Club’s social worker and agreed to sign a bullying contract. Because of that interaction the social worker also connected with the girl’s mother. In that meeting the social worker learned that the mother was navigating some very difficult situations at home, including spousal abuse. They connected the mother with SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center), and now the child and mother are both getting the help they need. This is just one example of how the Behavioral Health Program is transforming lives through mental healthcare. 

Mental health deserves commitment, compassion, and community partnership year-round. By fostering authentic partnerships with donors and nonprofit organizations, Gulf Coast will continue to lead the way in expanding access to vital mental health services—for youth and for our entire community because every child deserves the chance to thrive.