By offering targeted funding for innovation in school settings, these grants bring mental wellness to the forefront. They empower educators and community leaders to implement creative, responsive approaches that meet the evolving needs of students and families, while also reducing stigma and building stronger, more resilient communities.

This past year’s grantees both worked hard to equip students and families with practical tools to manage anxiety and build resilience.

Bnos Yisroel: Empowering Parents Through the SPACE Model

One powerful example of this work in action is Bnos Yisroel’s initiative to bring the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) model to local families.

SPACE is a research-based, parent-focused treatment model that takes a unique approach: rather than working directly with the child, it empowers parents as agents of change. Participants learn to respond more supportively to anxiety, reduce unhelpful accommodations, and guide their children toward greater independence and resilience.

With the help of the mini grant, Bnos Yisroel partnered with trained facilitator Shmuel Fischler to lead a structured SPACE series for parents. The program brought together a cohort of parents for a series of 6 sessions focused on building practical skills to support children experiencing anxiety and related issues.

The initiative began with an introductory lecture for the broader parent community, helping families better understand child anxiety, recognize common but counterproductive responses, and learn healthier strategies. Parents were then invited to join the full series for individualized support in applying the concepts at home.

The grant played a critical role in making this opportunity accessible. By helping offset program costs, it reduced financial barriers and encouraged participation among families who might not otherwise be able to attend.

Bais Yaakov Middle School--Sweet Connections: Building Awareness and Skills Among Middle School Students

While Bnos Yisroel’s program focused on empowering parents, Bais Yaakov took a direct approach with students, addressing a growing concern: rising levels of anxiety among middle school girls.

Noticing this trend within their school community, Project Need designed a small, discussion-based workshop specifically for 8th grade students, recognizing that their maturity allows for the level of reflection, openness, and vulnerability needed to engage meaningfully with mental health topics.

School Counselor, Mrs. Rivka Strum who coordinates the group, says, “Sweet Connections is a small, intentional space where middle school girls can pause, feel seen, and build trust amid the noise of their daily lives. Through predictable routines, gentle structure, and shared experiences, it helps ease anxiety while fostering connection, self-awareness, and resilience. Sometimes, the most meaningful support begins not with something big, but with something as simple as a table.”

Sweet Connections takes place with about 12 students at a time during lunch where students eat together, begin to share feelings, and practice listening, empathy and reflection. 

What makes this initiative particularly innovative for Sweet Connections is its format. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, this program offers a small, discussion-based setting - something the school has not implemented before. This intimate approach allows for deeper engagement and preventative wellness.

A Shared Vision for Impact

Together, these programs illustrate the power of targeted, community-driven solutions. By supporting both parents and students, JES’s Mental Wellness Mini Grants address anxiety from multiple angles - strengthening family systems while also equipping young people with the tools they need to understand and manage their emotions.

As we reflect on this year’s grantees, we are inspired by their creativity, responsiveness, and commitment to mental wellness. These initiatives not only meet immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for lasting impact.

Next Year’s Grantees

Next year’s mini grant recipients are Ohr Chadash Academy and Beth Tfiloh.

Ohr Chadash will implement a program, “Raising Emotionally Healthy Children in the Age of Technology,” designed for parents and educators. Through a “Techsmart” presentation, participants will explore the risks of excessive and improper technology use, gain practical strategies to help reduce children’s screen time, and engage in meaningful dialogue around this critical issue.

Beth Tfiloh will lead “Together in Learning: Where Families and Educators Learn as One,” an ongoing mental wellness initiative for the school community. The program will bring staff and families together to develop a shared understanding of children’s needs, beginning with a presentation by Dr. Carly Namdar and expanding into a series of evidence-based learning opportunities to support student well-being and strengthen alignment between home and school.

We can't wait to see these programs implemented next year and look forward to helping more schools innovate in the mental health realm. Contact JES for more information at Jtonti@jesbaltimore.org