Celebrating Diversity and Driving DEI Initiatives this Black History Month

At Western Youth Services (WYS), diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental principles that fuel both our work and our overall mission to support youth mental health and well-being. As we welcome February and recognize Black History Month, we are dedicated to honoring the historical accomplishments of Black individuals, celebrating their resilience, and fortifying our […]
No Name-Calling Week: Encouraging Youth Through Respect and Understanding

Every January, No Name-Calling Week reminds us of the power of words and the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces for all young people. This initiative sheds light on the harmful effects of bullying, particularly verbal abuse, while also providing an opportunity to teach youth about respect, kindness, and empathy. Understanding How Bullying is Experienced […]
Mental Wellness Month: Tips for Prioritizing Youth Mental Health

Mental Wellness Month is celebrated annually in January. It’s a time to reflect and implement methods that can help improve overall mental health. At Western Youth Services, we are committed to supporting youth and families across Orange County as they navigate the challenges of mental health and all that it may bring. This month, we’re […]
Holiday Mental Health Awareness: Support and Resources for a Joyful, Balanced Season

December is known to be a time filled with festive celebrations. While this is true, it can also be a difficult season for some. It’s important to acknowledge that the end of the year can bring an abundance of stress, loneliness, and various emotional troubles. This time often exacerbates feelings people may endure year-round, including; […]
Join Western Youth Services for Giving Tuesday: Support Our Annual Fundraising Campaign

This Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd, 2024, we invite you to join Western Youth Services in kicking off our annual fundraising campaign, Giving Hope, Saving Lives. Giving Tuesday, a global movement established in 2012, encourages people and organizations to make a positive impact in their communities and through charitable giving. Recognized every year on the […]
International Survivors of Suicide Day: Honoring Lives and Healing Grief

On International Survivors of Suicide Day, we honor lost loved ones and share ways to find support, heal, and build resilience.
Transgender Awareness Week: Supporting the Mental Health of Transgender Youth

Understanding the unique mental health challenges for transgender youth during Transgender Awareness Week and ways to provide support.
International Stress Awareness Day – Stress Busters and Healthy Ways to Cope

This International Stress Awareness Day, we’re sharing stress-busting techniques to help youth reduce stress and build resilience.
Bullying Prevention Month: How Bullying Impacts Youth Mental Health and the Role of Prevention

With the start of a new month, Western Youth Services would like to highlight an extremely important cause: bullying prevention. October is National Bullying Prevention Month. This month serves as an opportunity for everyone to practice being kind, inclusive and to take action if you or someone you know is experiencing bullying. At WYS, we […]
OCD Awareness Week: Understanding and Supporting Youth with OCD

OCD Awareness Week kicks off on October 13th and continues on until October 19th. This week allows us to recognize and to celebrate those that live with OCD and how it affects their lives daily. OCD Awareness Week, launched in 2009 by the International OCD Foundation, aims to increase understanding and awareness of OCD and […]