Teen Advocate Kayleigh Shares Why Mental Health Matters

Please note: This story includes references to child abuse and mental health challenges. The following resources provide guidance for parents, caregivers and families in discussing mental health, child safety and/or trauma with young people:

• Getting Help for Your Child’s Mental Health: 19 Resources for Parents & Caregivers
• Preventing Child Abuse: 11 Actions Adults Can Take
• Understanding Childhood Trauma: Ways to Support Young People

My name is Kayleigh and I am proud of who I am. I have a loving family. I have faith in a higher power. But most of all, I have faith in myself and my dream for a world that values mental health as much I do.

As part of Gen Z, I’ve seen how technology can innovate, simplify and improve the way we live our lives. While growing up in the digital age has its setbacks (like round-the-clock online visibility), my generation’s embrace of technology has led to more awareness and understanding for different experiences, particularly around mental health. That’s why I don’t just think Gen Z will lead our society in ensuring everyone feels accepted and respected, I know it.

Why am I so confident in my peers? Because I’ve already seen what we’re capable of, and with the support of my Boys & Girls Club, I’m well on my way, too.

Finding a Safe Haven

Growing up in rural Arkansas, I started going to Boys & Girls Club of Benton County after fifth grade. My mom needed a safe place for me and my siblings to go after school and signed us up as members. At first, I was intimidated by the kids there; but by the end of the summer, I loved my Club community. I’ll always be grateful for the bond I share with my mentor Miss Alondra, and I’m still close with many of my friends there.

While my days at the Club were joyful, outside of its walls, a person in my life was abusive. While they were eventually brought to justice, at the time, I felt ashamed and couldn’t bring myself to confide in my stepmom. Miss Alondra was the only adult in my life who noticed that something was wrong, even though I was too nervous to tell her. While she didn’t know the details, she did everything to make me feel safe and supported at the Club, and this kept me going.

When Miss Alondra introduced me to Torch Club, it was just what I needed to restore my confidence at a time when I was feeling anything but. Torch Club is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s youth leadership program, focused on character building and community service. Torch Club was my safe haven, and it eventually gave me the courage to tell my stepmom what had been going on with me.

After moving in with my dad, I took a break from my Boys & Girls Club for about two years. When I returned to my Club in eighth grade, I was welcomed back by everyone with open arms. It felt like no time had passed! I rejoined as a volunteer before becoming an official Club staff member.

Lessons Learned from Leading at My Club

You have to understand; it wasn’t just one person or program that made my Boys & Girls Club special. It was the entire culture. It was my second home during a critical time.

Every adult at the Club saw the best in me and my friends truly cared. All of them helped me get through one of the most difficult periods in my life. Mentors like Miss Alondra believed in me and set me up to become the leader and advocate I am today for mental health awareness and education.

As president of my Club’s teen leadership program, Keystone Club, I organized efforts to support the Humane Society, led service projects to aid unhoused communities and volunteered at our local soup kitchen. As a staff member, I tutored younger kids, led arts and crafts and STEM projects, and facilitated mental health discussions with teens my age.

My journey from Club kid to staff taught me how to lead with bravery and kindness. I learned healthy coping mechanisms, like breathing exercises and physical activity, alongside our members. These experiences inspired me to help more young people overcome their trauma, both in my personal relationships and in halls of power.

My Journey to Mental Health Care Advocacy

Like many others my age, I am deeply passionate about mental health and committed to addressing generational trauma. I’ve experienced firsthand how unresolved childhood trauma can affect mental health, slowing down the healing process from generation to generation.

Through my own experiences with therapy, I’ve been better able to understand my emotions and cope with challenges I faced. That’s why I feel so strongly about breaking down mental health stigmas. Mental health is a big deal — bigger than personal beliefs or even politics — and it affects everyone.

I believe there is a crucial need in our country for more mental health education and access to resources, including breaking down stigmas around medication, therapy and more.

As Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2024 Southwest Youth of the Year, I’ve used my platform to advocate for improved mental health services, including urging my state senators to advocate for local pharmacies. My goal is to encourage all U.S. states to prioritize mental health as much as physical health. My first order of business? Making sure Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, and on U.S. military installations globally, have a designated “calming corner” and helpful resources like emotional check-ins for youth. Additionally, having a licensed therapist at every Club will expand the professional support available to kids and teens beyond childcare staff.

I’m excited to continue my journey in mental health advocacy at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, where I’ll study business. I’m also considering a career in politics, inspired by my visit to the U.S. Capitol with my Boys & Girls Club. While there, I met with government officials and recognized the opportunity to combine my interests in business, real estate and public service to strengthen my impact.

I am Kayleigh, a proud member of Generation Z. We are listeners, problem-solvers and go-getters, capable of building a better world — and that includes me!

Great Leaders Start Here

Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides caring adult mentors and life-shaping programs to millions of kids and teens each year. In safe, inclusive places, youth build the skills and resilience to thrive in school, the workplace and in life. Join us on our mission of helping all young people reach their full potential: