The Sturgis Youth Advisory Council (YAC) continues to make a lasting impact on the well-being of young people in St. Joseph County. Committed to supporting youth initiatives, the council recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Youth For Christ of Southwest Michigan to expand its Rebalance program—a critical initiative focused on mental health support for teens.

Supporting Youth: A Commitment from Sturgis YAC

The Sturgis Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people in St. Joseph County. As a group of passionate youth philanthropists, YAC members identify critical needs in the community and award grants to programs that address these challenges. One of their top priorities is supporting youth mental health, recognizing the growing need for resources that help young people navigate stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being.

In alignment with this priority, the Sturgis YAC has awarded a grant to Youth For Christ of Southwest Michigan to enhance its Rebalance Program, a initiative designed to support students in developing emotional resilience, self-awareness, and positive decision-making skills.

Understanding the Rebalance Program

The Rebalance Program, offered through Youth For Christ of Southwest Michigan, provides a structured yet welcoming environment where students can learn practical mental health strategies. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants engage in activities that teach calm-down techniques, character values, goal setting, and the importance of building trusting relationships. By addressing mental, emotional, and social well-being, Rebalance equips young people with the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Youth For Christ of Southwest MI Executive Director, Chad VanDosen, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s growth:

“This grant is opening the door for this program to expand into more schools, communities, and lives. We have already seen the impact Rebalance has on the overall well-being of teenagers, and we are excited and committed to keep this going.”

With mental health concerns on the rise among teenagers, programs like Rebalance play a crucial role in providing a sense of belonging and trusted adult mentorship. According to Youth For Christ, 90% of participants report a greater sense of belonging, 81% form trusted relationships with adults, and over 74% improve self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, and decision-making skills—all essential elements for maintaining strong mental health.

Burr Oak Campus Life Director, Branson Hernandez, highlights the holistic benefits of the program:

“Rebalance is not just about the teens’ mental health but the teen as a whole, this program is helping the teen is many areas of their life.”

A Collaborative Approach to Youth Well-Being

The collaboration between the Sturgis Youth Advisory Council and Youth For Christ exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions. By working together to address youth mental health needs, they are creating lasting change and helping young people build a strong foundation for the future.

The Sturgis Youth Advisory Council remains dedicated to identifying and funding initiatives that enhance the lives of local youth. Through grants like this one, YAC is making a meaningful difference, ensuring that young people in St. Joseph County have the resources and support they need to thrive.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $30M foundation committed to serving the charitable needs of our community and enriching the quality of life for all people in the Sturgis area. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about now and for generations.

For more information on grants or donor services, email sacf@sturgisfoundation.org.