Expanding Youth Wellness with Support from Delta Dental

Expanding Youth Wellness with Support from Delta Dental

Healing often begins with small, meaningful moments: a safe space, a listening ear, or the reassurance that you matter. At Larkin Street Youth Services, our Wellness Program provides these moments every day for youth ages 18–24, helping them build strength, resilience, and the tools to thrive.

Thanks to the generous support of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, we can expand mental health services, reduce wait times, and reach even more youth with the care they need to grow and succeed.

This grant helps us:

• Offer more individual and group therapy, reducing wait times and increasing access.
• Expand culturally responsive programming, like identity-affirming support groups and wellness events that nurture emotional and physical well-being.
• Provide weekly check-ins for youth waiting for services, keeping them connected and engaged.
• Increase drop-in counseling at housing sites, removing transportation and scheduling barriers.
• Integrate innovative therapies, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Virtual Reality therapy, giving youth new ways to process challenges safely and creatively.

The Impact in Their Own Words

“I’m satisfied with the counseling session I received, Hope was very helpful and relieved my stress. I’m thankful for all the helpful services provided here.”

“[I found most helpful about counseling] the ability to have a fresh new perspective on things I may be frustrated, stuck, and depressed on. That along with the reassurance of an unbiased person makes me feel like a human….Couldn’t ask for much else. The mental ease and general life motivation I get from therapy is something unlike anything else. Nothing is a must-do and I love that especially about therapy, or at least in this therapist’s [Kamryn’s] case. Leading with an approach of learning about me rather than trying to teach me to be “normal” has been the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced. It’s also not like I’ve become a totally different person, I just feel good now.”

“[What I found most helpful about therapy is] that I can talk to my therapist without judgement.”

These reflections show how meaningful support can help youth grow, gain confidence, and build the skills to thrive in their lives.

Gratitude for Partnership

We are deeply grateful to the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation. Their support allows us to expand access, reduce barriers, and provide youth with the tools and confidence to flourish. Together, we’re helping youth heal, grow, and move toward brighter futures.