The Women’s Fund of Door County has awarded a $30,000 Health Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Door County to support a new proactive mental health initiative for local youth.

The grant will fund the Club’s program, “Strong Minds, Strong Futures: Proactive Mental Health Support for Door County Youth”, which focuses on building emotional wellness skills and youth leadership rather than responding only after challenges arise.

“Typically we offer grants twice per year, the Women’s Fund had decided to do this proactive grant specifically for new and unique programs, such as this one,” said Kristen Jeanquart, board member of the Women’s Fund of Door County.

Jeanquart said the Boys & Girls Club proposal stood out during the selection process. “We were blown away by the Boys and Girls Club’s proposal for their ‘Strong Minds, Strong Futures’ program,” she said.

Boy’s and Girl’s Club Members already receive emotional wellness programming and individualized support, but Strong Minds, Strong Futures adds a proactive, dual approach. Youth will first participate in age-appropriate, research-backed social-emotional learning curriculum focused on emotional regulation and conflict resolution. Teen members will then apply those skills by designing and carrying out a health advocacy project within the community.

Jeanquart said the leadership component was especially compelling. “Seeing these young women (and men) taking on leadership roles in the community is awesome,” she said.

The Strong Minds, Strong Futures program will run through the 2026 calendar year and may be eligible for additional funding in 2027. Jeanquart says the initiative has the potential to strengthen not only individual well-being, but the broader Door County community as well.