June News Roundup
June 16, 2026 – From the “California Love, California Strong” initiative to foster youth crisis care legislation, your June News Roundup is here!
Featured Articles
California Love, California Strong Takes Initiative to Support Youth Mental Health
- “California Love, California Strong,” led by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, held an event during Mental Health Awareness Month in May at the Los Angeles Coliseum with youth-led panels including LGBTQ+ college students, mental health information booths and playtime for kids to shoot hoops and jump rope together.
- The event offered positive methods and resources to counter isolation, feelings of loneliness and improve mental health.
- During her remarks, the First Partner said, “Even though we are more connected than ever before because of technology, data shows that too many people, especially our teenagers and young adults aged 13 to 29, are feeling very alone.”
Assembly Advances Ramos Bills on Foster Youth Crisis Care, California Indian Heritage Center
- The California State Assembly approved two bills advancing legislation aimed at improving crisis treatment options for foster youth and supporting the development of a statewide cultural center honoring California Native American history and culture.
- According to the first bill summary, the expanded framework would help create “a network of services” so foster youth can access higher or lower levels of intervention “without disruption or delay.”
- Under the second bill, the California Department of Parks and Recreation would enter into an operating agreement with the California Indian Heritage Center Support Organization to create a cultural center in West Sacramento that will honor the history, cultures and contributions of California Native peoples.
Visualizing Teen Mental Health: Oakland Students Highlight Caregivers Through Photography
- A recent workshop facilitated by several Bay Area organizations asked Oakland high schoolers to visualize the impact their caregivers have on their mental health.
- Each student chose a caregiver — a parent, teacher, friend, sibling, partner — whose care and often unseen labor quietly sustains them and shapes their well-being.
- Over a three-month period, students developed photo essays documenting the impacts of that caregiving in their lives.
What Students and Parents Think About Certified Wellness Coaches
August 12, 2026 – Last year, middle schooler Eli A. was being bullied. One day during lunch, he met the Certified Wellness Coach on campus and asked if he could talk to her.
“A lot of the school goes and talks to her,” Eli told us. “Now there’s less bullies.”
That’s just one way that Wellness Coaches help the young people they serve. Coaches are another trusted adult on campus who listens to the students and can help parents have peace of mind that someone is dedicated to their child’s mental well-being.
Watch the full video to hear what other young people and parents are saying about Wellness Coaches.
California Love, California Strong
July 31, 2026 – The California Love, California Strong Foundation recently hosted an event at the historic Los Angeles Coliseum.
The Foundation centers belonging and connection across California through self-care, social connection, and service. Certified Wellness Coach Angie M. joined First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and CYBHI Director Dr. Sohil Sud for a youth-centered panel on how behavioral health professionals are supporting mental health statewide.
“While we are increasingly connected through our digital world, too many young people are still facing loneliness, anxiety, and overall mental health struggles,” said the First Partner. “We all share a responsibility to normalize asking for help and show up for young people and families across the state.”
Ready to show up for young people? See if you’re eligible to get certified by clicking here.
Youth Today Need More…
July 24, 2026 – At this year’s Power of Partnerships Conference in Los Angeles, we asked Certified Wellness Coaches and California School-based health workers a very important question: Youth today need more… what?
The answers may surprise you.
Looking for ways you can help support the youth in your community?
To learn more about hiring a Certified Wellness Coach, click here.
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HCAI partners with California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and private nonprofit universities whose curricula meet all the requirements for a student to apply for a Wellness Coach certification upon graduation.
Stay up to date with the latest details about the program, timelines, and grant opportunities.
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Updated
Stay up to date with the latest details about the program, timelines, and grant opportunities.
