Listening, Training, & Showing Up: A Month with Harbor Wellbeing's Collective Connections

A month of community moments across our well-being initiatives and partnerships!

As we move further into the spring season, we remain committed to creating supportive spaces where youth, families, and community partners can connect, learn, and thrive together.

This past month also served as an important reminder of Mental Health Awareness, a time to encourage open conversations, reduce stigma, and prioritize emotional well-being for ourselves and those around us. Through connection, education, and community support, we continue working toward environments where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. We are proud to celebrate the progress being made, the relationships being strengthened, and the collective efforts that continue to promote wellness, prevention, and a strong sense of belonging.

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WALL LAS MEMORIAS x OPI PROGRAM

On May 5th, the Boys & Girls Club of LA Harbor’s Opioid Prevention Initiative (OPI) hosted a virtual training with Wall Las Memorias for middle and high school Site Coordinators. The interactive workshop provided guidance through live demonstrations and real-life scenarios on recognizing opioid overdoses, administering Narcan, and using fentanyl testing strips.

Through this partnership, BGCLAH will receive monthly supplies of Narcan and fentanyl testing strips to distribute across trained sites. Supplies will also be available at all three Harbor Wellbeing Collective offices, with additional resources provided upon request.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration and expanding education and prevention efforts for our staff, youth, and families.

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CONNECTING WITH YOUTH AT THE PATHWAYS TO POSSIBILITIES EXPO

The Harbor Wellbeing Collective team participated in the Next Generation Pathways 2026 Pathways to Possibilities Middle School Expo on May 6th.

We spoke with students about how success in future careers includes not only building skills in their chosen pathway, but also prioritizing and taking care of their mental wellbeing as an essential part of long-term success.

Through these conversations, we were able to increase awareness of our programs and highlight the importance of both career readiness and mental health. We look forward to continuing our presence at BGCLAH events and supporting youth as they explore their futures.

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OPI YOUTH LISTENING SESSION

On May 11th, the Opioid Prevention Initiative (OPI) hosted a listening session with Harbor City Keystone members to gather youth input on their experiences with leadership, mentorship, and overall wellbeing, including substance prevention.

The session provided a safe and open space for participants to reflect on their growth, share perspectives on supportive relationships, and discuss what meaningful mentorship looks like in their lives.

Keystone members shared valuable insights on how leadership opportunities and trusted adult connections impact their development and decision-making. This feedback will help guide and strengthen OPI programming, ensuring youth voice continues to shape future outreach, mentorship, and prevention efforts.

We appreciate their honesty, engagement, and leadership.

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UNIDOS TOWN HALL

On May 19th, Maricela and Janneth had the opportunity to attend UNIDOS at the Lincoln Heights Senior Center, co-hosted by our community partner Wall Las Memorias. The community convening brought together advocates, healthcare professionals, prevention specialists, behavioral health leaders, youth leaders, and community members for important conversations surrounding substance use disorder, prevention, recovery, and collective action. Our team learned more about the impact of fentanyl, opioids, and meth within our communities while connecting with others dedicated to prevention, education, and awareness efforts.

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WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

In recognition of World No Tobacco Day, our TUPE/OPI team hosted an engaging tabling event where students participated in the Straw Breathing Challenge. This hands-on activity allowed students to experience how restricted breathing can feel similar to the effects of smoking or vaping, helping raise awareness about the impact tobacco and nicotine products can have on lung health. Through interactive education and meaningful conversations, students were encouraged to make healthier choices and learn more about the importance of protecting their well-being.

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SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY WELLNESS FAIR

Harbor Wellbeing Collective was thrilled to hold its second annual Community Wellness Fair, which brought together members, families, and community partners for an evening of connection, learning, and wellbeing. We were grateful for the support of Epiphany Counseling, Toberman Neighborhood Center, Harbor Community Health Centers, New York Life, and our own Boys & Girls Clubs Career Bound and College Bound programs, all of whom were essential to the event's success.

The purpose of this event was to connect our community with services and information that they might not have been aware about before, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness in everyday life. We hope everyone who attended felt informed, supported, and connected. *

*A special shoutout also goes to our Keystone members for taking time out of their day to help prepare and volunteer for the fair, assisting with set-up and helping make the event run smoothly, as well as our middle school Torch Club members for creating the event posters. We truly appreciate their time, creativity, and willingness to support our community.**