MLK Center

Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services

3 Rutland Street

Springfield, MA 01109

BTO youth choose a mental health topic important to them and determine a project they want to work on throughout the year; with a goal of presenting it to folks in their community.  In addition, BTO youth are eager to attend tabling events in Greater Springfield to spread mental health awareness and resources – like the Youth Health Survey  – with their peers and community residents.

The BTO program utilizes the Youth Mentoring Framework as suggested by the MA Problem Gambling Center for Excellence. The BTO program encompasses all elements of the Youth Mentoring Framework.

Youth Participation:

• Up to 15 students in grades 6-12 per BTO program.

Leadership Roles:

Students elect an Executive Board responsible for meeting planning, note-taking, and social media content. In addition, group members participate in various subgroups throughout the year, including:

• Data
• Event Planning
• Training Facilitators
• Content Creators
• Advocacy

Mental Health Projects:

Each group selects a mental health awareness project from a provided list and collaborates with other youth groups to host awareness events. In addition, they will present their projects to the full YMHC during May and June meetings, as well as host events or workshops for parents/guardians, mentors, and other adults to provide mental health awareness training.

Weekly meetings throughout the school year at MLK Community Center or South End Community Center Tuesdays: 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with two annual training sessions.