Youth Wellness Zone Year 2
2025-2026
Safety & Safe Spaces
Youth priorities are taking root—literally. Alongside advocating for safer streets, parks, and school routes, students have created a schoolyard forest that expands access to green space, supports mental health, and serves as a living classroom and wellness space for the whole community. They have also sat down with Spokane Parks & Recreation, STA, and GSI to voice their safety concerns and brainstorm solutions.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
By building peer support, reducing stigma, and learning coping skills, youth are creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported. The classes began with QPR training on suicide warning signs, a youth request since 2024. Through workshops led by Kami LaMoreaux from the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition, students are learning about healthy relationships, coping strategies, and difficult conversations.
Community Connection
Whether through shared spaces, arts, or mentorship, youth are creating opportunities for people to come together, build relationships, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.
Employment & Life Skills
Youth are asking for more opportunities to learn, grow, and step into meaningful roles. This priority is a call to local businesses and community partners to create safe, stable jobs and stronger connections with young people. Through executive functioning classes led by Katey with Executive Function Coaching, students are exploring neurodiversity, organization skills, emotional regulation, and practical systems they can use at school, home, and work. These classes not only support mental health, but equip youth with tools for long-term success.
Physical Health
Youth are expanding access to healthy living through self-care resources and weekly Zilch produce distributions—every Thursday, rotating between schools on the Hillyard Community Campus—making fresh, nutritious food more accessible to the community.
