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Jóvenes Sanos is hosting a Community Resource Fair on Friday, October 10 in Watsonville to give back to the community and raise awareness of mental health and promote healthy ways to cope with stress. In recognition of World Mental Health Day, the event will focus on reducing the stigma around mental health and encouraging open conversations about well-being.
“Cultivating Community is an event that brings mental health resources directly to the Watsonville community, offering a space where people can learn about the support and resources available here in Watsonville.” Melinna, Student President of Jóvenes Sanos
A Watsonville-based youth leadership group working to elevate youth voices to shift the stigma around mental wellness, Jóvenes Sanos is a program through United Way of Santa Cruz County. From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Jóvenes Sanos will host a resource fair where attendees can access support for stress management, substance use, and other wellness resources. Guests can also enjoy games, activities with prizes, and hourly entertainment.
The last hour of the event (5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) will be dedicated to a vigil hosted by the Hope Club to honor the lives of loved ones in our community, family, friends, and everyone in between. This gathering offers a space for reflection and remembrance, highlighting the importance of supporting one another and fostering community well-being.
The Hope Club is a student-led club at Watsonville High School that provides a supportive environment for students and teachers dealing with grief and loss. Students from this group shared, “As a community, we’ve lost many lives and are hosting this vigil to honor our loved ones, and we hope you come and join us.”
The event will take place at Romo Park from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is sponsored by organizations including Central Coast Alliance, Elevate Youth California, and more. Attendees can visit multiple tables focused on Stress Busters, covering topics like stress management, mental and physical health, substance use prevention, nature, sleep, and other wellness resources. Activities will include Folklorico and Aztec dancers, as well as sugar-skull painting. The first 100 attendees will receive a special gift.
World Mental Health Day is an international day dedicated to global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. It serves as a reminder to check in with yourself and ask, “Am I okay?” to reflect on your mental well-being. This day isn’t about judgment or shame, but about recognizing when it might be time to invest more in your mental health, which is an essential part of overall wellness.
For those wondering, YES, Gio will be there!
Written by students in the Watsonville High School Jóvenes Sanos group.