The Brain and Body Coalition

12/20/2025

Grateful beyond words 🤍

Over the past year, The Brain and Body Coalition has had the privilege of working with so many incredible students—each one bringing something unique, powerful, and meaningful to our mission.

There has been something especially impactful about Calvin Park.

Calvin didn’t just show up—he led. He launched a campaign addressing stigma connected to men and mental health and kicked off his own campaign, intentionally connecting with professional athletes to expand conversations around mental wellness. He navigated multiple academic spaces to advocate for mental health education and became a true role model for our BBC Youth Ambassadors.

As Calvin steps into new spaces and continues to do great things, his journey reminds us why The Brain and Body Coalition remains committed to supporting youth and the people who support them. When young people are empowered, the impact reaches far beyond the moment.

We are proud of you, Calvin 💙

12/15/2025

Just a reminder as we continue to move and support folks throughout the state of New York self-care will always be essential, and the outdoors will always be the core of the work we do!! stay safe stay balanced and be well.

12/08/2025

Healthy Study Habits:
📖 Balance your study routine with sleep, meals, and movement. A structured schedule reduces overwhelm and keeps your mind sharp during finals!

12/06/2025

💬 Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Reach out to a friend, mentor, or counselor. Sharing what’s on your mind is a powerful way to release pressure and feel supported.

12/04/2025

🧘‍♀️ Tip for finals: Take short, intentional breaks! Stretch, walk, or just breathe deeply for 5 minutes. Giving your brain a pause can boost focus and reduce anxiety.

12/04/2025

While you are working hard preparing to do well on your exams or your next big goal. Remember that taking care of your mental health is a strength and will also help you as you work to achieve your goals.

12/02/2025

Finals are coming, and we’re thinking of all the college students we support! Academic stress and peer pressure can feel overwhelming, and sometimes these challenges can increase thoughts of self-harm or su***de. 💛

This week, we’re sharing tips and tools to help you manage stress, take care of your mental health, and navigate this season safely. Stay tuned — we’ve got you! 💪✨

11/26/2025

We’re so excited for you to meet our amazing youth ambassadors and interns! 🌟 Their passion, leadership, and lived experiences play a powerful role in shaping the work we do at The Brain and Body Coalition.

Visit the newly updated section on our website to get a closer look at who they are, why they serve, and how they’re helping us break barriers and build community. 💙

YouthLeadership

11/26/2025

As we enter a season that brings many emotions, I want to share an important update from The Brain and Body Coalition. Since 2022, we’ve supported over 7,000 youth and families—but today, our community is grieving a heartbreaking loss.

Ayden Jordan, a bright and kind participant in our Kids Coping and Casting program, tragically lost his life in a car accident this week. Our hearts are with the Jordan family as they navigate unimaginable grief.

We’re asking our community to come together in love and support. If you’re able, please consider donating to help Ayden’s family with funeral arrangements: https://gofund.me/29a5b7fdc

Please continue to check in on one another, especially our youth. If you have resources that may support Ayden’s mother or sister, reach out to me directly.

There are losses that break a family. And then there are losses that break … Jenna Dupilka needs your support for Honoring Ayden: A 17-Year-Old Taken Too Soon

11/24/2025

Grief can make concentration, motivation, and routine really difficult for teens. If schoolwork starts to slip, approach with understanding rather than discipline. Ask what support might help—extra time, a check-in system, or simply space to breathe.

👉🏾Tip: Help them break tasks into manageable steps and remind them that healing takes time.

11/24/2025

For teens, grief can look like anger, frustration, or irritability. These reactions are often shields for deeper pain. Instead of reacting to the behavior, acknowledge the feeling behind it: “I can see you’re overwhelmed—I’m here when you’re ready.”

🤔Tip: Validate the emotion and help them name what they’re feeling without shame.

11/22/2025

Just because I’m quiet doesn’t mean I’m okay.
Silence can be a signal—not a solution. Teens often pull inward when dealing with stress, loss, or grief, and parents may not always know what’s happening beneath the surface. Create space for honest check-ins, gentle questions, and moments where it’s safe to say, ‘I’m not alright.’ Healing starts with being seen, heard, and supported.

Tip for Parents & Teens:
💚• Parents: Ask open-ended questions like “How has your heart been feeling lately?” rather than “Are you okay?”
• Teens: It’s okay to speak up even if you don’t have the right words. Sharing a feeling is a step toward relief.💪🏿
• Both: Make emotional check-ins part of your weekly routine—5 minutes can make a difference.🤗