In a significant advancement for student wellbeing, the Dos Pueblos High School Foundation has inaugurated a new Wellness Center dedicated to fostering mental health among students. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on February 11, 2025, saw influential speeches from key figures, such as DPHS Principal Bill Woodard and Dean of Student Engagement Bethany Bodenhamer, alongside delightful offerings from the student culinary programme and the presence of therapy dogs, inviting attendees to explore the center’s resources.
This newly established Wellness Center is a sanctuary for students, a carefully crafted space where they can retreat from the stresses of academic life. Designed to cater to both mental and emotional needs, it provides supervised areas for breaks and consolidates wellness resources – from individual sessions to supportive group counselling, ensuring that no student feels alone in their challenges.
Angela Montanez, the newly appointed full-time Wellness Coordinator, emphasised the Centre’s role in prioritising mental health: “It sends a powerful message that mental health is a priority as important as academic success.” Funded by the DPHS Foundation for the next two years, Montanez is committed to facilitating access to essential wellness support for the school’s students.
Features of the Wellness Center include:
– A dedicated coordinator for drop-in services,
– Access to mental health professionals from various community agencies,
– Solution-focused counselling and referral services,
– A Peer Leader Program promoting wellness mentorship,
– Monthly wellness campaigns with engaging activities,
– A Wellness Pantry stocked with vital supplies.
Jennifer Ono, a Longtime supporter of the Foundation, noted, “This project truly reflects the spirit of our community,” highlighting how donor contributions have transformed a vision into a reality. Students echoed this sentiment, with Pessia Fygenson stating, “As students, we’re incredibly grateful for this investment in our mental health.”
Funding for the Wellness Center stems from significant community contributions, including major donations from Deckers Brands, the John C. Mithun Foundation, and others. These gifts signify a collective recognition of the essential need for mental health support in youth.
“At Deckers, we believe in the power of young people and their potential to shape the future,” shared Michelle Apodaca, underscoring their commitment to creating a safe space for student growth. The Dos Pueblos High School Foundation relishes the support received, and celebrations surrounding this opening reflect a community truly united in prioritising mental health.
Aligning with the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s focus on student mental health, the newly formed initiative promises to enhance the overall well-being of high school students. Bodenhamer concluded with heartfelt gratitude towards those who rallied behind this project while thanking students for advocating for better mental health resources in their community.
Dos Pueblos High School Foundation has opened a Wellness Center to support student mental health. The center offers a safe haven with resources for counselling and emotional breaks. Community donations made this initiative possible, reinforcing the importance of mental health support for high school students. Key features include a full-time coordinator, community mental health professionals, and wellness programmes.
The opening of the Dos Pueblos High School Wellness Center marks a pivotal moment in prioritising student mental health. With dedicated resources and community support, the initiative promises to provide vital assistance to students navigating the complexities of high school life. This investment in mental wellbeing reflects a collective understanding of the importance of a supportive environment for youth, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally.
Original Source: keyt.com
