The YWZ is a youth-led initiative that empowers students to define wellness, identify priorities, and develop strategies to support mental health.
SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane now has more funding to grow its Youth Wellness Zone (YWZ) thanks to a $200,00 grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Beverage Association.
Mayor Lisa Brown accepted the “Healthy and Sustainable Communities” grant Thursday in Washington, D.C.
“Our young people face very real challenges, but time and again, they have demonstrated that they are leaders with insight, resilience, and solutions of their own,” Mayor Brown said. “I am deeply grateful to the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Beverage Association for believing in the Youth Wellness Zone, supporting its mission, and investing in the potential and promise of Spokane’s young people.”
With this grant, the YWZ will expand with additional staffing, more youth participation, enhanced partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, and further support for the launch of student-led initiatives.
The YWZ is a youth-led initiative that empowers students to define wellness, identify priorities, and develop strategies to support mental health. The program was launched in the 2024-2025 school year with an elective wellness class at On Track Academy. Students identify and prioritize youth wellness needs, then propose solutions and work with community partners to develop strategies for implementation.
“We want to break down barriers so youth mental health and wellness strategies can be fully realized here in Spokane, and this grant will help us do exactly that,” said Jene Ray, Executive Director of the Northeast Community Center and the ZONE. “I’m grateful to the many partners who supported this application and to the students whose voices and leadership will truly make this work possible.”
“This award will fund staffing on our campus to continue our wellness program; provide resources for guest speakers, supplies, and field trips; and fund the implementation of youth strategies projects on our campus,” said Chris Burke, Principal at On Track Academy.
KREM 2 News has covered some of the projects students tackle through the Zone, including an initiative to reduce food waste and deliver food to those in need.
“Mental health and wellbeing aren’t only important for adults, but also our children. With how fast the world is moving today, it’s important that we remind our youth that it’s ok to be kids. There is no shame in asking for help with your mental health, you deserve to be happy, you are loved,” said James Rima, Member of the Spokane Tribal Council, a sponsor of the YWZ.
A link to the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ grant awardee video on the Youth Wellness Zone can be found here.
