Shattering the Stigma: Kid in the Corner's Mission to Support Youth Mental Health

The statistics are staggering: suicide rates among adolescents and young adults have risen by 57.4% over the past decade, and one in five American youth aged 13-18 experienced a severe mental health disorder in the past year. Yet, over 60% of young people with major depression did not receive any mental health treatment in 2019. These numbers represent a heartbreaking reality that demands urgent attention and action.

Empowering Youth to Break the Silence and Seek Support

Confronting the Mental Health Crisis Head-On

The mental health crisis affecting young people is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach. Francine Sumner, a mother who tragically lost her son Zach to suicide in 2017, recognized the urgent need to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide support to those struggling. In the aftermath of her devastating loss, Francine founded Kid in the Corner, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shattering the stigma and empowering youth to seek the help they need.

Reaching the "Kid in the Corner"

The vision of Kid in the Corner is a world where no family suffers the loss of a loved one to suicide. The organization's approach is to reach out to the "kid in the corner" – those who may be struggling in silence – and ensure they feel supported, connected, and empowered to start conversations about mental health. Through education, awareness, and simple acts of kindness, Kid in the Corner aims to inspire youth to build peer connections and access the resources they need to thrive.

Comprehensive Programs for Grades 4-12

Kid in the Corner offers a range of programs and training for students in grades 4 through 12. The elementary school program consists of three 45-minute classroom sessions, while the middle and high school program is a single one-hour presentation. These programs cover the importance of peer support, normalizing mental health, and what it means to reach out to the "kid in the corner." Students learn to define stigma and understand its impact, as well as strategies for self-care and how to be a safe and caring person for others to confide in.

The Penny Pledge: A Commitment to Mental Wellness

The program culminates in students taking the Penny Pledge, a symbolic gesture where they commit to reaching out to the "kid in the corner," being aware of their own mental health, and being a safe and caring person for others to talk to. By wearing a penny, students demonstrate their pledge and their dedication to supporting mental wellness within their communities.

Measurable Impact and Community Support

The impact of Kid in the Corner's programs has been significant. Over 30,000 people have taken the Penny Pledge, and the in-school programs have resulted in 85% of students reporting an increase in feeling comfortable reaching out to the "kid in the corner," 89% reporting an increase in knowing which mental health resources to use, and 82% having a self-care plan in place.The organization's efforts have also garnered community support, as evidenced by the recent ,600 donation from the Scottsdale members of 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. This funding will be used to translate the organization's workbooks into Spanish, allowing them to reach more students in rural communities.

Expanding Reach and Empowering the Next Generation

As Kid in the Corner continues to grow and evolve, the organization's commitment to shattering the stigma around mental health and supporting youth remains unwavering. By providing comprehensive programs, fostering peer connections, and empowering students to be advocates for their own mental wellness, Kid in the Corner is paving the way for a future where no child is left behind in the fight for mental health.