Spokane Receives $200,000 Grant from U.S. Conference of Mayors to Support Youth Wellness Zone
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~ Spokane, WA - The City of Spokane has recently been awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Beverage Association to support and expand The ZONE Spokane's Youth Wellness Zone (YWZ). This grant, part of the "Healthy and Sustainable Communities" initiative, aims to promote mental health and wellness among youth in the community.

The YWZ is a youth-led program that was launched in the 2024-2025 school year at On Track Academy. It empowers students to define wellness, identify priorities, and develop strategies to support mental health. Through this program, students work with community partners to propose solutions and implement strategies that address their identified needs.

With the new grant funding, the YWZ will be able to expand its reach through additional staff capacity, increased youth participation, enhanced partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, and support for student-led initiatives. Mayor Lisa Brown expressed her gratitude for the grant at the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting in Washington D.C., stating that "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."

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Jene Ray, Executive Director of the Northeast Community Center and The ZONE Spokane also expressed her appreciation for the grant. She stated that "we want to break down barriers so youth mental health and wellness strategies can be fully realized here in Spokane," adding that she is grateful for all the partners who supported this application.

The YWZ has received support from various community members including Chris Burke, Principal at On Track Academy who stated that "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." James Rima from the Spokane Tribal Council also emphasized the importance of mental health and wellbeing for children, stating that "there is no shame in asking for help with your mental health, you deserve to be happy, you are loved."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors has also recognized the impact of the YWZ and featured it in their grant awardee video. The video can be found online along with related images of the USCM Healthy and Sustainable Communities Award.

This grant will not only support the YWZ but also promote mental health and wellness among youth in Spokane. With the support of community partners and dedicated students, this program is making a positive impact on the lives of young people in the city.

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