Education Matters | Empowering Youth: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Launches Behavioral Health Program

By Hunter Hageman | March 2025

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance mental wellness among youth, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) have implemented a Behavioral Health Program designed to provide critical mental health support to youth aged 6 to 18. This initiative not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also aims to equip young individuals with lifelong emotional resilience and social skills. By focusing on holistic development, the program is reshaping how communities perceive and address mental health challenges among children and teens.

A Collaborative Vision Realized

The Behavioral Health Program, which officially launched in March 2024, stems from years of planning and vision by the BGCSDC team led by Danae Koeper, MSW, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health Services. With the hiring of its first mental health professional within a couple of months, BGCSDC took significant strides toward in-house mental health services. This program reflects the organization’s commitment to providing accessible, stigma-free mental health resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by youth today.

“It’s been incredible to see this idea become a reality,” shared Danae, the program’s architect. “We now have mental health professionals available in each of our six Clubs, working directly with our members during after-school hours, from 3 to 6 PM as well as during the summer. This direct access to mental health services is a unique offering that many Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide are not yet able to provide in-house.”

The term “mental health professionals” is intentionally used to encompass a broad spectrum of expertise, including social workers, psychologists, and clinicians. These professionals are crucial to tailoring interventions and strategies suitable for the diverse age groups served by the program. Their presence ensures that children have trusted adults to turn to during moments of need.

Comprehensive Services for Young Minds

The Behavioral Health Program offers a dual approach: individualized sessions and group education. Individual sessions are arranged when a need is identified by the youth, their family, or Club professionals. For instance, a child struggling with bullying or familial challenges can receive one-on-one counseling after obtaining informed consent.

In addition to individualized care, group sessions play a pivotal role in fostering resiliency and life skills education. These sessions are divided into age-appropriate cohorts:

Ages 6-8: Focus on foundational topics like bullying prevention and understanding the role of an “upstander.” These young participants are taught through interactive stories and role-playing exercises that help them recognize and respond to bullying behaviors in positive ways.

Ages 9-12: Emphasize issues like cyberbullying and healthy social interactions in increasing digital environments. Discussions around online safety, respectful communication, and empathy are central to this group’s curriculum.

Teens: Address complex topics such as emotional regulation, self-esteem building, and managing family or school-related stressors. Teen sessions often include discussions about peer pressure, anxiety management, and strategies for setting healthy boundaries in relationships.

The groups also employ interactive methods like role-playing, discussions, and techniques such as breathing exercises to teach coping mechanisms. By equipping youth with these tools, the program empowers them to navigate emotional challenges with confidence and resilience.

Community Impact and Milestones

Since its inception, the program has made a measurable difference. Over 200 children have participated in the program across the six Clubs. Using pre- and post-observation metrics, mental health professionals document behavioral changes and progress. This data-driven approach ensures the program’s efficacy and highlights its importance in addressing unmet needs.

“We see kids coming in with anxiety, anger, or emotional challenges, and we’re able to provide them with tools to navigate their world,” shares Danae. “The results are visible not just in their behavior but also in their overall confidence and engagement. Helping our youth be respectful and kind to one another in a world that can be difficult for them is paramount.  We teach our kids through therapeutic interventions how to better resolve conflict and regulate their emotions.   Kids who were once shy and timid may be the first to raise their hand in STEM lessons. Kids who never spoke are sharing highlights about their school day with us. That’s progress.”

Moreover, parents and members have expressed gratitude for the program, citing its accessibility and impact. Unlike private therapy sessions, which can cost upwards of $150 per visit, this program is accessible to all registered Club members at no cost, removing a significant barrier for many families in the community.

Addressing Challenges

Despite its success, the program faces significant challenges, primarily funding. In June 2024, the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs’ Opioid Awareness and Prevention Program was unexpectedly vetoed from the state budget, resulting in a $5 million loss. For BGCSDC, this translated into a $217,000 shortfall for the Behavioral Health Program.

Replacing this shortfall has been a top priority for BGCSDC leadership. A targeted fundraising initiative is underway, with several community foundations, including lead support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and individual donors already stepping up. This effort highlights the community’s recognition of the program’s value and the urgency of sustaining it. The funding shortfall also underscores the importance of public awareness. By rallying community support, BGCSDC aims to secure sustainable funding and expand its reach.

“Community-wide support for this program is not just about addressing immediate challenges – it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where our area’s next leaders can thrive emotionally and mentally,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of BGCSDC. “An investment in this program equips youth with the skills and resilience they need to face life’s complexities, ultimately helping them prepare for success.” 

Building Resilience for the Future

The program’s long-term goals include expanding the number of mental health professionals to serve more youth and extending the program’s reach to other Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The in-house model, a rarity among Boys & Girls Clubs, serves as an inspiring example for similar organizations nationwide.

The program also seeks to normalize conversations about mental health. By reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being, BGCSDC aims to foster a supportive environment where children feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed. These efforts contribute to a culture of acceptance and understanding, which benefits the entire community.

A Call to Action

As the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties continue its mission to empower youth, its leadership invites the community to join its efforts. Through awareness, advocacy, and financial support, everyone can contribute to the sustainability and growth of the Behavioral Health Program. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION on how to support this vital initiative, community members can donate or learn more about the program by visiting bgcsdc.org or by calling 941-366-3911.