Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown win third place for mental health advocacy project in Washington, D.C.

YOUNGSTOWN Youth advocates from the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown (BGCY) won third place in Washington D.C. when they presented their mental health advocacy project during the Summit for America's Youth.

According to a news release, the BGCY was chosen to attend after being selected as one of the top three Boys & Girls Clubs in the United States.

Those representing the BGCY wereo joined by other young advocates from across the country to present their mental health initiative.

The initative, called COPE, is a framework focused on Connect, Open Up, Process and Exhale.

The group competed at the summit for a $5,000 grant to help expand the reach and impact of COPE. They wound up taking home the third-place prize of $1,500.

Operations Director at BGCY, Edna Edmonds, shared more in the release about what the initiative includes.

"Our young people have identified a critical gap in our education system," said Edmonds.

Edmonds continued," They're asking the important question: 'If we're telling students not to use drugs, smoke or engage in harmful behaviors, why aren't we teaching them what they should do instead?' This project is about giving young people the tools they need to cope with life's challenges."

The trip to Washington, D.C. followed a successful advocacy experience in Columbus where BGCY youth met with Ohio state representatives to discuss their mental health initiative.

"The fact that our young people can speak so clearly and passionately about issues that matter to them - and that adults are listening - shows the power of youth advocacy," said Edmonds.

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