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Be Strong's Never Alone Campaign: Strengthening Youth Mental Health

The National Charity Be Strong, alongside its trusted partners Fingent and Global Food Solutions, has officially launched the Never Alone Campaign aimed at uniting students, parents, school staff, and corporate partners to address the pressing issue of youth mental health. This initiative seeks to provide support and resources to young people across the United States, ensuring they understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

The Never Alone Campaign was kicked off in honor of Be Strong’s tenth anniversary and its commitment to fostering mental, emotional, and relational health among youth. The statistics are concerning: approximately 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while 20% have seriously considered suicide over the past year. The campaign aims to combat these alarming trends by promoting awareness and accessibility to mental health resources.

Dr. Pamela Morris-Perez, a professor of applied psychology at New York University and a member of Be Strong’s advisory board, emphasizes the innovative peer-to-peer approach of the organization. “By empowering youth and providing them with direct access to resources, Be Strong is preventing issues from escalating and ensuring that young people are getting help,” she states.

To enhance the campaign’s ambitions, long-time partners Fingent and Global Food Solutions have stepped up their support. Fingent, a globally recognized software company, and Global Food Solutions, a key player in school nutrition, have committed to sponsoring the Never Alone Campaign through a matching gift initiative that will total $150,000. This move signifies a growing recognition of the importance of mental health initiatives in the educational landscape.

Over the past decade, Be Strong has made significant strides in tackling the mental health crisis among youth. The organization has provided assistance to nearly 171,000 individuals in crisis, trained over 5,800 student representatives in schools, and equipped 1,491 schools with evidence-based resilience programs. Moreover, their community outreach efforts have educated upwards of 5.2 million students in resilience-building techniques through various events.

Varghese Samuel, CEO of Fingent, expresses his enthusiasm for deepening the partnership with Be Strong. “Having been involved with Be Strong for almost ten years, we have seen the profound impact of their methods. Supporting mental health initiatives is not just a social obligation for us; it is an investment in the future of our community,” he says.

The alignment between Be Strong and Fingent is clear: both organizations believe that technology can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap in mental health access. “This sponsorship will enable us to extend our outreach and improve our impacts during this critical period for youth,” shares RonO Polito, CTO of Be Strong.

Global Food Solutions also plays a crucial role in this campaign. Michael Levine, CEO of Global Food Solutions, underscores the interconnectedness of nutrition and emotional well-being. “Nourishing students is vital for their academic success, but wellness also encompasses emotional health. We’re proud to support Be Strong’s vision to provide comprehensive support to children,” he mentions.

In a powerful moment of recognition for the campaign, Levine previously stood with Be Strong Student Leader Gigi, who made history as the youngest individual to ring the Nasdaq Stock Market Closing Bell. This impactful event highlighted the importance of giving voice to youth in discussions about mental health.

Be Strong’s work is further supplemented by its unique application—the Be Strong App—which allows students to access immediate support and guidance. Ashleigh Cromer, the CEO of Be Strong, speaks of the heart-wrenching realities faced by young individuals grappling with food insecurity and emotional challenges.

“All these efforts would not be feasible without dedicated partners like Fingent and Global Food Solutions,” Cromer states. “Their involvement reinforces the potential of collaborative approaches to effect real change in the lives of vulnerable communities.”

As the new school year approaches, Be Strong is calling for communities to unite in their endeavors to foster a healthier environment for youth. The organization invites schools, volunteers, and concerned citizens to get involved and help spread the message that no young person is alone in their battles.

To learn more about how to bring Be Strong’s initiatives to your community, visit www.bestrong.org. For those in need of immediate help, the Be Strong App is available for free on both Apple and Google Play platforms.

About Fingent

Fingent is a software development firm that offers innovative solutions across various sectors. With over twenty years of expertise, they are committed to leveraging technology for positive social change.

About Global Food Solutions

Global Food Solutions is a prominent food service company focused on sustainable solutions for school nutrition. They serve a vast network of institutions nationwide, aligning their mission with the well-being of students.

About Be Strong

Be Strong is a national charity dedicated to improving youth lives through peer-led initiatives and resources, with a focus on emotional and mental health. Their community-driven approach works to eliminate bullying and provide essential support free of charge.