The Maya Gold Foundation’s Youth Action Team has been working with the New Paltz and surrounding areas to engage communities in teen mental health education.

The Maya Gold Foundation was founded in 2015 by Mathew Swerdloff and Elise Gold, after their daughter tragically took her own life. Their mission is to empower youth to access their inner wisdom and realize their dreams. The organization works to create Teen Mental Health First Aid curriculums and community events to engage teens, and their families, in mental wellness. They have been able to teach Teen Mental Health First Aid at nine schools in their area, two community centers and a summer camp. They are continuing to expand both their outreach and their teachings.

The foundation’s Teen Mental Health First Aid training is meant to teach teens how to support themselves and others who may be suffering from mental health challenges.

“We want to help teens live happy, healthy, and productive lives. Even before the pandemic and recent culture wars, times have been challenging for them and it’s important to give them tools to cope,” said Mathew Swerdolff, co-founder.

While the organization has ten board members, they also rely on their Youth Action Team. The founders felt that the most effective way to help teenagers was to have their input and guidance. This team was formerly called the Youth Advisory Board; however, the founders and board members of the organization felt that their assisting teenagers should not be giving advice, but rather assist them in taking action.

“As soon as we started this organization, we knew we wanted the teen perspective,” said Swerdolff, “When we’re working on a new project or event, we ask two questions: Does this align with our mission? And more importantly, does our Youth Action Team approve of it?”

The Youth Action Team helps plan events and provide feedback on new training and projects.

“The team members aren’t super hands-on with developing the curriculum, but we have a lot of input on what can be added or changed to be more effective. We also help pick themes and focus topics for events or projects,” said Eleanor Schackne-Martello, a Youth Action Team member.

Eleanor has been a member for the past two years and expressed how the Youth Action Team and the Board of Directors has created a community based atmosphere. The organization’s dedication to community support is embedded in its members.

“I love the companionship of it. We all work together for a common goal, but we also just spend time together. I have met so many great people,” said Eleanor.

The organization often plans trips for their Youth Action Team, such as their recent one-day Wellness Retreat to learn about various self care and meditation methods.

“We like to provide lots of opportunities for our team to learn. It’s important for them to have these tools for themselves, but it also helps us work on our programs for others,” said Swerdloff.

The Maya Gold Foundation accepts applications for the Youth Action Team all year and reviews them every May. Plans for upcoming spring events are currently being developed, as well as various research projects. Visit mayagoldfoundation.org for more information.