Now in our 2nd year of partnership, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Pinterest continue to create and promote social-emotional wellness opportunities through arts programming in Clubs across the nation. This partnership supports the social and emotional wellbeing of youth by training Club staff to recognize and care for youth emotional needs, and to create a Decompression Zone, an important social-emotional resource.
Supporting Youth Emotional Wellbeing
Data continues to show that young people are struggling with their mental health and need skills and support to thrive. Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe places and caring adults to millions of kids and teens each year, supporting youth in navigating and managing emotions.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national partnership with Pinterest has supported nine Boys & Girls Clubs in creating dedicated decompression zones and arts programming — promoting health and wellness for more than 1,000 youth. Decompression zones are kid-centered, adult-staffed, quiet and comfortable spaces where youth can unwind, reflect and relax after a long school day. Club kids engage in these zones daily, expressing themselves through arts programming from music to visual arts to cooking. These programs provide an outlet for youth to release stress while fostering their creativity, confidence and social skills.
Additionally, Pinterest’s partnership has enabled us to train over 300 Club staff professionals in trauma-informed practices, giving them the knowledge and resources to continue nurturing and equipping our youth as they heal, grow and thrive. Together, Pinterest and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are supporting young people’s social emotional wellbeing.
“Having a decompression zone at the Club gives me a place when I am feeling frustrated to have some time to myself to do an activity to help feel better when I have that feeling.”
– Peter, Club kid
“The trauma-informed trainings have significantly impacted our staff by enhancing their understanding of trauma and its effects on youth. This has led to a more compassionate and empathetic approach in their interactions, improved communication with students and an overall positive impact on the program’s effectiveness in serving the community.”
– Program Director at Club
About Pinterest
Pinterest is the visual inspiration platform where people come to search, save, and shop the best ideas in the world for all of life’s moments. Whether it’s planning an outfit, trying a new beauty ritual, renovating a home, or discovering a new recipe, Pinterest is the best place to confidently go from inspiration to action. Headquartered in San Francisco, Pinterest launched in 2010 and has 482 million monthly active users worldwide. Available on iOS and Android, and at pinterest.com.
