YES Mental Health Services Launches Wellness Wednesdays

At Youth Emergency Services (YES), we believe that wellness is a human right. Supporting a young person’s mental health is just as essential as meeting their basic needs—which is why our Clinical Mental Health Practitioner, Shy, launched our ongoing Wellness Wednesdays series.

Each month, Wellness Wednesday gives program youth a safe space to learn practical tools for managing stress, practicing self-care, and exploring their identity. Recent sessions have included hands-on activities led by community partners like The Kim Foundation, where youth created personalized wellness kits designed to offer on-the-go support during challenging moments.

Another standout session, “Pumpkins & Personalities,” invited youth to paint two pumpkins: one representing their authentic selves, and one reflecting the “masked” version they sometimes feel pressured to show the world. The activity sparked meaningful conversations about identity, expectations, and the courage it takes to let your true self be seen.

Through intentional, creative programming like this, Wellness Wednesdays help youth strengthen their mental health, build confidence, and discover the freedom to express who they really are—no mask required.