At the Branch County Community Foundation (BCCF), we believe that understanding the needs of our youth is crucial in shaping a thriving community. Every other year, the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) conducts a comprehensive online survey to hear directly from young people about the challenges they face. This survey serves as a vital tool for guiding YAC’s priorities when it comes to funding community programs that directly support youth.
The results from the 2024 Youth Needs Assessment are in, and they shine a light on the top concerns and areas where our young people need support. With a focus on three key issues—Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bullying and Cyberbullying, and Substance Abuse—these findings reflect the pressing challenges faced by teens in Branch County and Colon.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Top Priority for Youth
Mental health remains the leading concern for youth in our community. The survey results reveal that a significant portion of respondents are struggling with depression, anxiety, and academic stress, with the top three concerns identified as:
Depression: 61.05%
Anxiety: 60%
Academic Stress: 47.37%
These numbers highlight the critical need for more mental health resources and support systems for young people. Youth are feeling the weight of emotional challenges, and many are seeking ways to cope with the pressures of school, relationships, and everyday life. Mental health support, including counseling, peer mentorship, and stress management programs, are essential in helping youth navigate these issues.
Bullying and Cyberbullying: A Growing Concern
Bullying—both in person and online—was also identified as a major concern by almost half of the survey participants. In addition to physical bullying, emotional abuse, and issues related to family dynamics were also mentioned. Racism and cyberbullying stood out as key areas that are impacting teens today.
The results clearly indicate that efforts to prevent bullying and create safer spaces for youth are more important than ever. Programs that foster inclusivity, educate on empathy, and address the effects of social media on mental health are vital to combating this issue in our community.
Substance Abuse: A Concern Across Generations
Substance abuse was identified by nearly half of respondents as a significant issue for both teens and adults in Branch County. With 49.47% of participants expressing concern about substance use, it’s clear that the issue of addiction is affecting many families in our community.
There is a strong connection between mental health and substance abuse, as many adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues may turn to substances as a way to cope. The survey results suggest that a focus on prevention, education, and support for those affected by substance abuse is essential in addressing this community-wide challenge.
How You Can Help
The Youth Advisory Council uses these findings to guide its annual grant cycle, helping to fund projects and programs that directly address the needs identified by youth. If you are part of a community organization or have an idea for a program that can help support our youth in the areas of mental health, bullying prevention, or substance abuse, we encourage you to apply for funding through the YAC Grant Cycle.
The YAC Grant Cycle opens on January 1, and it’s exclusive to initiatives that focus on youth and their well-being. For more information on how to apply, or to view the full results of the needs assessment, please visit our website.
Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community for our youth. Thank you to all who participated in the survey and shared their voices. Your feedback is invaluable as we work towards creating positive change in Branch County and Colon.
For more information on how to apply for funding or to access the full needs assessment report, visit our website at www.BrCoFoundation.org.