Town Hall: A Discussion on Empowering Pelham's Youth

On October 22nd, Pelham Together gathered the community for its Fall Town Hall, centered on the theme: “Empowering Pelham’s Youth.” The evening was rich with shared stories and heartfelt discussions on what it means to truly support our youth through mentorship, connection, and mental health support.  

Laura Caruso, Director of Pelham Together, opened the event by expressing her appreciation for the diverse crowd, which included local civic leaders, school district representatives, elected officials, parents, caregivers, mental health professionals, and notably, members of PT’s Youth Council. “Seeing so many of you here tonight,” she shared, “reminds us of the powerful support and commitment we share to make Pelham a welcoming place for all young people.”  

Annemarie Garcia, Director of Community Programs, introduced the evening’s agenda, emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer mentorship. She noted how research shows these programs foster self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and meaningful connections among youth— all factors that help prevent high-risk behaviors and support emotional and social development. “Mentorship is really about kids seeing each other as role models and guides,” Annemarie said. “It’s about building a community where they feel seen and supported.”

The Power of Youth Mentorship  

The evening’s conversation turned to the Youth Council and Middle School Club, led by Youth Advocate Danielle Marrero. Youth participants spoke about the impact of peer mentorship, sharing personal stories that highlighted the significance of these relationships. A high school senior recalled how, as a middle schooler, he was welcomed by the older students on the high school hockey team—a gesture that had a lasting impact on him. “It made me feel like I belonged, and now I want to do that for others,” he shared.  

Program Growth  

Danielle introduced two standout initiatives, “Say Hi Day” and “Project Happiness”, both originally high school-led events that have now expanded into the middle school. Say Hi Day encourages students to greet someone new, breaking down social barriers and promoting a sense of community. “These small interactions can mean the world,” Danielle noted. Project Happiness, a program where students create and distribute “Happiness Bags” with tools and crafts for managing emotions, has also grown to reach younger students. “We’re showing them that it’s okay to feel, and here’s how you can navigate it,” said one of the students involved.  

Expanding Mentorship Programs  

The Youth Council also shared plans to introduce the “Kids Helping Kids” program, where older students mentor younger ones on kindness, friendship, and peer support, easing transitions into middle school and fostering connections. The Council highlighted their plans for this year’s “Pelham Overnight,” an event expanding to include middle schoolers and more community members to raise awareness about youth mental health. Another initiative, “Tailgate Together,” brought students of all ages together in support of Pelham’s football team and strengthened school spirit. “It’s all about building Pelham pride together,” a Youth Council member reflected.

Supporting Youth Mental Health through Counseling  

The conversation shifted to mental health, with Counseling Director Kim Trapasso sharing that PT Counseling has provided over 350 sessions to Pelham youth since its June 2023 launch. “We’re here to help every young person who needs support, whether it’s emotional resilience, self-awareness, or simply a space to feel heard,” she explained. With sliding-scale fees from $0-$100, PT Counseling is accessible to all. The counseling interns shared insights into their work supporting students in Pelham schools. “We’re focusing on critical areas like loneliness and friendship skills,” one intern said. Another spoke about the ongoing Girls Talk group, which helps navigate friendships, transitions, and safe social media use.

Looking Ahead  

The evening concluded with a call to action, inviting attendees to get involved with Pelham Together’s youth-led programs. “We’re just getting started,” one Youth Council member said enthusiastically, urging everyone to lend a hand, a voice, or an open mind to support these initiatives.

This Town Hall was a powerful reminder of our community’s commitment to empowering Pelham’s youth. Through mentorship, mental health support, and creating spaces for young voices to be heard, we’re helping build a brighter future for them, together.