============================================================ TITLE: Mental Health & Community Support TYPE: article VERSION: 1 VERSION_ID: 84d648e7-d815-46b5-836d-8da2477a55e9 GENERATED_AT: 2026-04-29T16:00:13.457Z SUMMARY: The Metro YMCA is working to promote well-being by expanding our capacity to support the mental, emotional, and behavioral needs of our members. DATE PUBLISHED: January 22, 2026 READING TIME: 16 min WORD COUNT: 3024 KEYWORDS: Mental Health & Community Support, Mental Health Form, Upcoming Events, Mental Health Team SOURCE URL: https://metroymcas.org/mental-health ============================================================ KEY TAKEAWAYS: * The Y Is Here For You * Community Resources * The Need: * The Solution: * The Impact: Mental Health & Community Support Assisting with mental, emotional and social well-being of our communities # Mental Health & Community Support #### Assisting with mental, emotional and social well-being of our communities The Y Is Here For You The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges supports the mental, emotional, and social well-being of our communities by offering opportunities for physical activity, socialization, education, and community-based referral for services. If you're interested in learning more about the mental and social benefits of a Metro YMCA membership, need assistance in locating a community-based mental health resource, or would like to speak to a member of the Mental Health Team, please complete the following form.  Request Support ## The Y Is Here For You The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges supports the mental, emotional, and social well-being of our communities by offering opportunities for physical activity, socialization, education, and community-based referral for services. If you're interested in learning more about the mental and social benefits of a Metro YMCA membership, need assistance in locating a community-based mental health resource, or would like to speak to a member of the Mental Health Team, please complete the following form. Community Resources Helplines and Service Connections Inclusive Community Resources Youth and Family Resources Video Resources Senior Resources Veterans Resources Tips & Tools to Support Well-Being ## Community Resources Helplines and Service Connections Inclusive Community Resources Youth and Family Resources Video Resources Senior Resources Veterans Resources Tips & Tools to Support Well-Being The Need: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health challenges that we experienced as a Nation, as well as in our local communities here in New Jersey. Stress and fear, grief and loss, and increased social isolation and loneliness all contributed. In the years following the pandemic: The Solution:  The Metro YMCA is working to lessen the impact of these challenges and promote wellbeing by expanding our capacity to support the mental, emotional, and behavioral needs of our members.  Efforts include staff training and support, youth development, and strengthening the communities we serve through programming intended to promote mental health. To support this work, we hired our first Mental Health Director in 2022. In 2023, the Mental Health Team expanded to include three new Mental Health Specialists. We have raised over $400,000 in grant funding to support mental health efforts in our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health challenges that we experienced as a Nation, as well as in our local communities here in New Jersey. Stress and fear, grief and loss, and increased social isolation and loneliness all contributed. In the years following the pandemic: ## The Solution: The Metro YMCA is working to lessen the impact of these challenges and promote wellbeing by expanding our capacity to support the mental, emotional, and behavioral needs of our members.  Efforts include staff training and support, youth development, and strengthening the communities we serve through programming intended to promote mental health. To support this work, we hired our first Mental Health Director in 2022. In 2023, the Mental Health Team expanded to include three new Mental Health Specialists. We have raised over $400,000 in grant funding to support mental health efforts in our communities. The Impact: Upcoming Events Mental Health Mindful Media: Helping your Teen Navigate the Digital World with Balance This workshop is designed to help cultivate a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology and digital media for you and your teen. Free to all. January 22, 2026 Social-emotional Learning Experience Join us at Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center in Livingston for a special social-emotional learning experience led by our Mental Health Specialist, Helene Cierzo. Families will enjoy: • A child-friendly mindfulness activity to support emotional regulation • A chance to meet our caring staff, explore our classrooms, and see what makes the Peanut Shell community so specialThis is a great opportunity for new families to get to know our center, learn about our approach to whole-child development, and experience the supportive environment we create every day. February 16, 2026 Peanut Shell Early Learning Center 706 Regent St., Building #7 Livingston, NJ Let's Explore! Balancing Acts: Empowering the Sandwich Generation Caregivers This interactive workshop is designed to provide practical tools, emotional support, and community connection for those managing multi-generational caregiving roles. February 26, 2026 A Parent Workshop: Ensuring Child Readiness & Success Strategies for Toilet Training Your Child Learn how to: • Assess your child's readiness • Create a healthy routine for toilet training • Create a safe space for your child's success March 26, 2026 Connected & Protected: Cyber Safety and Digital Wellbeing for Families FREE Parent Workshop Keeping children safe online while promoting healthy tech use is more important than ever. This free interactive workshop gives parents practical strategies to manage risks, set screen time boundaries, and build positive digital habits. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, learn monitoring tools, and gain confidence supporting their family’s digital wellbeing. Open to ALL. April 16, 2026 Express & Refresh: Creative Paths to Wellness - FREE Workshop Unwind, explore, and recharge! This interactive workshop helps adults reduce stress, boost self-awareness, and nurture well-being through creative expression.Free to ALL. April 23, 2026 Sign Up Now! QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone to help. Those who attend the training will earn a certificate in suicide prevention from the QPR Institute. May 15, 2026 Reserve Your Spot! Mental Health Awareness Month - Nurtured Heart Approach Training What is the Nurtured Heart Approach? The Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA) is a trauma-informed, relationship-based model that consists of 3 Stands™: Absolute No, Absolute Yes, and Absolute Clarity. The approach empowers children and adults to direct their intensity towards achievement, ultimately leading toward self-regulation and self-actualization. This workshop does not include a certification. May 21, 2026 Request Community Mental Health Information The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges supports the mental, emotional, and social well-being of our communities by offering opportunities for physical activity, socialization, education, and community-based referral for services. If you're interested in learning more about the mental and social benefits of a Metro YMCA membership, need assistance in locating a community-based mental health resource, or would like to speak to a member of the Mental Health Team, please complete the following form.  Request Support ## Request Community Mental Health Information Mental Health Team About the Team Jennifer, Helene, and Nora join Laura in expanding the mental and emotional support the Metro YMCA is able to offer our staff and members. You may see us in your child’s school-aged childcare program, supporting positive behavior, or working with our fitness teams to educate members on the mental and emotional benefits of exercise. If you’re looking for assistance with connection to a local mental, emotional, or behavioral resource, don’t hesitate to ask! ## Mental Health Team #### About the Team Jennifer, Helene, and Nora join Laura in expanding the mental and emotional support the Metro YMCA is able to offer our staff and members. You may see us in your child’s school-aged childcare program, supporting positive behavior, or working with our fitness teams to educate members on the mental and emotional benefits of exercise. If you’re looking for assistance with connection to a local mental, emotional, or behavioral resource, don’t hesitate to ask! ### Laura McCann ##### Mental Health Director Laura brings over twenty years of experience in public service, with more than a decade as a social worker in community and healthcare settings. Laura holds an LSW in the state of New Jersey and has led teams of mental health professionals for ten years. Laura has experience supporting the mental and emotional well-being of individuals from birth through the end of life, and approaches all with a trauma-informed and inclusive lens. Laura and her family are also members of the South Mountain YMCA. ### Jennifer Brown ##### Mental Health Specialist Jennifer brings experience as a dedicated guidance counselor. There she had worked closely with students and parents to providing essential support and resources, facilitating open communication and helping students develop coping mechanisms and resilience.  Most recently she founded a non-profit with the primary aim to offer emotional support and a sense of community for people who are dealing with loss.  She has also created a youth program that focuses on emotional growth, self-confidence and community building. Jennifer and her family have also been part of the Montclair YMCA community as members for over 10 years. ### Helene Cierzo Helene brings over 20 years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Certified ADA Coordinator, Certified Attachment Therapist, and Certified Nurtured Heart Approach® Trainer. Helene has supported individuals and families with a variety of neurological, developmental, and sensory needs across the lifespan, including early childhood through adulthood. She has worked in public and private educational settings as well as community environments. Helene is passionate about creating inclusive, accessible environments, supporting meaningful accommodations, and fostering a sense of belonging for individuals of all abilities. ### Nora Zobele Nora brings 10 years of experience working with youth and adolescents in multiple settings while supporting their social, and emotional needs. She’s worked as an after-school and camp counselor and holds a Master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in schools. Nora started her career as a middle school counselor, where she worked closely with teachers, administrators, and families to ensure student success. Nora’s passion and drive to work in youth development in evident; she believes the YMCA’s mission and core values are in alignment with her own personal values. She takes a creative approach when developing youth programming, which allows participants to feel excited about learning and growing. ###### 3 min read #### Celebrate Earth Day: Simple Ways to Reconnect with Nature Nora Zobele, Mental Health Specialist: Apr 21, 2026 Each year on April 22, Earth Day reminds us to think about how we care for our planet. 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