According to the 2022 KIDS COUNT Data Book, California ranks 33rd for child well-being across the country, a startling fact given the state’s storied reputation for progressive policies in education, health, and fiscal support for families. The Week of the Young Child – first week in April – is an annual celebration challenging California to do better, focusing public attention on the needs of young children and their families, and recognizing the early childhood programs and services meeting those needs.

This year, prominent San Francisco nonprofits are teaming together to provide health and well-being resources to under-served children and families throughout the week. In the spirit of solidarity and true collaboration, Project Commotion, Mission Neighborhood Centers (MNC), and the Instituto Familiar de la Raza (IFR) will provide a host of dynamic activities, weaving together movement arts with other health services, to offer parents access to a variety of specialists all in one location/time.

Early childhood mental health will be a major focus of the week. The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory—reserved for public health challenges requiring the nation’s immediate action—on youth mental health in 2021. But two years later, this demographic remains a growing concern nation-wide and in California. In fact, the 2022 Kids Count data demonstrates that California youth have experienced the second largest increase in depression and anxiety among all 50 states.

The San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and their Families recently released 2022 Community Needs Assessment echoes the need for culturally-responsive mental health support for our youngest members of society:

“During DCYF’s recent community engagement efforts, nearly every focus group conducted indicated a need for improved access to free or reduced rate mental health services for children and families and support navigating systems to access those services.”

Activities throughout the week will take place at Project Commotion’s movement studio in the Mission District and will offer an array of mental health and physical health strategies including music, creative movement, play, and the opportunity to connect with community. Bilingual English/Spanish mental health consultants will be woven into the events, leading discussions and connecting with parents through group activities. Targeted outreach will help to ensure families most in need of services receive priority enrollment. Families will leave with education, resources, active play equipment, and gift cards to spend on wellness needs.

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Project Commotion is California 501(c)3 nonprofit, founded in 2006. Project Commotion seeks to create a future driven by confident and compassionate citizens capable of thoughtful decisions, healthy communication, and deep, caring relationships.To accomplish this, Project Commotion combines specialized movement classes with academic enrichment preparing the minds and bodies of youth of all abilities to achieve the greatest possible success at school, at home and beyond. Press Kit ###