This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Summit Area YMCA invites everyone in our community to take a moment, for themselves and for each other.
Mental health is part of all of us. It shapes how we think, feel, and connect with the world around us. At the Y, we believe that mental well-being is just as important as physical health and that caring for our minds and hearts is a shared responsibility.
Every day, the Y supports mental health through what we call community care, the everyday actions that help people feel seen, supported, and safe. Whether it’s a child learning confidence at summer camp, a new member finding belonging, or a neighbor discovering the joy of movement, we’re here to help everyone thrive.
Here’s how we practice community care at the Y:
At the Y, we believe that mental health is not just personal; it’s communal. Together, we can build a culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to be their full selves.
5/5: THE ANXIOUS CURIOUS HUMAN
5/16: SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING
5/21: SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING
5/27: THE ANXIOUS GENERATION
Learn more about what our Y provides in terms of mental health community care.
Support is always available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, visit 988lifeline.org or samhsa.gov for free, confidential support, 24/7.
Exercise isn’t just for physical strength, it fuels mental strength, too. Movement helps reduce anxiety, manage stress, enhances memory and emotional regulation, and boosts mood-enhancing endorphins. Whether you’re walking on the treadmill, dancing in class, or swimming laps, every bit of movement counts.
Just 30 minutes of movement can improve your mood for up to 12 hours.
How we help:
At some point in our lives, many of us will face mental health challenges, and that’s okay. One of the most powerful ways to support your mental health? Community. From friendships formed in classes to new conversations in the lobby or the locker room, at the Y, you are part of a community that cares, where connection happens naturally and intentionally.
You are not alone, and at the Y, you never have to be.
Explore ways to connect:
Our youth programs do more than keep kids active, they’re rooted in positive youth development practices to help children and teens grow in confidence, form healthy relationships, and manage emotions in a safe, supportive, ‘offline’ environment.
How kids benefit at the Y:
Whether it’s swim team, Teen Center, our early childcare or summer camp, every program is designed to helping kids grow strong, inside and out. Explore our Youth Programs to find the right fit for your child.
Mental well-being is shaped by more than what’s happening in our minds. It’s influenced by external factors too, like access to food, stable housing, a sense of belonging, and strong community connections. At the Y we believe mental health belongs to everyone, and everyone deserves support, that’s why we provide financial assistance and free or reduced cost access for Y services and programs, along with free resources with the help from our community partners who make programs like our food, period or hygiene product, diaper, and holiday gift distributions, possible.
Mental wellness is a journey built on small steps and we’ve created a tool to help. Download our Self-Care Checklist or pick one up at the front desk for simple, daily actions to support your well-being.
We’re proud to stand for mental health and we’re always looking for partners willing to help expand access and impact. If you or your organization wants to invest in building a stronger, more resilient community, let’s talk.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT AREA YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA has been serving our community since 1886, working alongside our neighbors to ensure everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. We stand for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and through the generosity of our members and partners, we provide financial assistance to support access and opportunities for all.
