MH253013 - Youth Safe Spaces (Round 2) Grant

The Youth Safe Spaces Program aims to address the mental health challenges faced by youth, particularly those aged 12-24, by creating safe spaces for interaction and community engagement. With funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health, this initiative seeks to foster positive relationships, cultural sensitivity, and provide necessary resources. The program will support 3-5 pilot projects, each receiving $250,000 or $500,000 over five years, to enhance mental wellness and community participation among high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Request for Proposal
One in five youth and young adults experience mental health challenges, yet nearly 60% do not receive the support they need. In 2023, Governor Hochul launched the Youth Mental Health Listening Tour.
Young people gave feedback on the specific challenges they face:
Challenges in developing positive relationships: Many youth face difficulties in building positive peer relationships and social skills. This reflects a notable absence of school and community-based programs designed to foster these connections.Perceived lack of empathy and cultural sensitivity: Youth frequently express dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of empathy and cultural awareness among adults. As a result, many prefer to seek support from peers and trusted adults who share their demographic and cultural backgrounds.Insufficient community-based resources: Limited investment in community resources has deprived many young people of opportunities for recreation and mental wellness promotion.
In particular, young people highlighted the need for safe spaces where they can interact with peers, participate in community activities, and design the vision for the programming. The lack of designated safe spaces in schools and communities exacerbates these challenges, leading to heightened mental health crises, disengagement from services, and unmet basic needs, especially among high-risk populations (e.g., BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color), migrants, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer), differently abled, Native American, etc.).
In response to youth demands for more youth-driven programs, New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH) has announced funding for 3-5 pilot Youth Safe Space Programs targeting individuals ages 12–24. This program will create standalone Youth Safe Spaces Programs and designate other community spaces—such as libraries, OASAS Youth Recovery Clubhouses, Boys and Girls Clubs, Park & Recreation Centers, etc.—as Safe Spaces through an application and funding process. Applicants are not required to be licensed OMH providers to participate.
Operating Funding
Three to five awards will be made in the amount of $250,000 or $500,000 for the 5year(s). Annual funding for each of the 5 year(s) is $250,000 or $500,000 depending on award.