Sarah Shelke, a teenager, has built Mind4Youth into a global organization aiming to provide accessible mental health resources to young people, particularly those of color and from low-income backgrounds. The organization now boasts 170 chapters and over 25,000 volunteers across 71 countries.
Mind4Youth focuses on delivering culturally competent mental health support through various programs. ArtCare engages volunteers in creating digital messages of positivity for underserved youth. PageCare collects and distributes books to communities. The S.E.L.F. Care program offers wellness resources and support, while HeartCare has distributed 4,850 mental health kits. These kits contain self-care items and vouchers for three months of free online therapy sessions through BetterHelp. To date, Mind4Youth has funded 1,800 therapy sessions, addressing the cultural stigma that Shelke has observed preventing individuals from seeking help.
Central to Mind4Youth's success is its peer-led approach. Shelke believes this model fosters greater comfort and vulnerability compared to interactions with older individuals. More than 90% of the organization's volunteers come from the communities it serves, reflecting a deep understanding of the needs of young people of color and those from low-income backgrounds.
Beyond domestic efforts, Mind4Youth also supports young people impacted by global humanitarian crises. Shelke notes that mental health often becomes a secondary concern during such events, despite its significant impact on youth.
As Shelke prepares to attend the University of California, Berkeley, to study economics and neuroscience, she remains committed to leading Mind4Youth. She views policy changes, such as mandating mental health education in schools, as crucial for addressing these issues on a larger scale. Shelke sees her advocacy work and Mind4Youth as integral parts of her personal mission.