Intergenerational attendees participated in wellness activities, heard from Seahawks legend guest, and learned about free mental health programs
On Saturday, October 25, the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) hosted “Thrive & Vibe: A Youth Health and Wellness Celebration” at El Centro de la Raza’s Centilia Cultural Center in Beacon Hill. The event highlighted the importance of youth access to City-funded free mental wellness resources and created opportunities for attendees to engage directly with provider partner organizations. Key activities included youth performances, a resource fair, swag giveaways, wellness workshops, and an inspirational message from Ray Roberts, former linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks and mental health advocate.
Resource fair providers included Celebrating Roots, The Good Foot Arts Collective, Hallowell Todaro, Joon, NAMI Seattle, Seneca Family of Agencies, Talkspace, Therapy Fund Foundation, WA Teen Link.
The event kicked off with a dance performance from youth members of The Good Foot Arts Collective, a DEEL partner that equips teens with violence prevention skills and creative outlets through dance and other art forms and empowers young people to reach their potential through mentorship and leadership. Good Foot youth dancers showcased their creativity and confidence on stage, highlighting the positive impact of dance as an experience of personal empowerment and a catalyst for collective wellness.
Your presence is your power.
– Ray Roberts, Seattle Seahawks Legend Player and mental health advocate
Former linebacker for the Seahawks, Ray Roberts, was a featured guest speaker who emphasized the role of community and the importance of seeking help for youth learning to cultivate their mental health. Roberts spoke of his own journey to mental wellness and reminded young people that it’s okay to not be okay. His take? Choosing to ask for help when you need it means you are operating from a position of power. Roberts reminded youth who are struggling to reach out and seek the support of a provider. Youth attendees received wellness swag giveaways, with drawings for special swag gifts from the Seattle Seahawks.
At “Thrive & Vibe”, youth engaged in fitness activities designed to build confidence and elevate mood, led by Shontia Whitehead of Free Flo Fit. They also had the option to participate in mindfulness and yoga with practitioner Tai Mattox, or drop in for a guided painting activity with Stephanie Morales of Made Space, creating space to intentionally being creative, take time for self-care and self-discipline, and share and showcase with others while building community.
To learn more about free telehealth (virtual therapy), school, and community-based mental health care options for Seattle youth ages 13 to 24, visit seattle.gov/youthmentalhealth.
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