In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, ThePlace2B held its third annual Youth Mental Health Forum on May 28, 2026.
The forum was designed to create a safe, welcoming space where youth could openly talk about mental health, share their lived experiences, and connect with peers and supportive adults. The goal was to normalize these conversations and help young people feel less alone while also connecting them with practical tools and resources they can use in their daily lives.
“This forum is about giving young people a place where they feel heard, supported, and empowered,” said Edwin Salazar, Director of Youth Engagement and Development at YWCA Quad Cities. “Mental health conversations are critical, especially for youth, and we want them to know they are not alone.”
Approximately 25–30 students participated in breakout sessions focused on grief, athletics, healing, and overall mental wellness. Each session encouraged open dialogue and reflection, allowing students to explore the challenges they face and the strengths they carry.
The sessions were led by community partners, including LaToya Trice from the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Delivered QC, The Gray Matters Collective, and Young Lions Roar. Each facilitator brought unique insight and experience, helping students engage in meaningful conversations around mental health and personal growth.
After the breakout sessions, students gathered for dinner and heard from The Gray Matters Collective Founder Haley DeGreve.
Haley shared her personal journey with mental illness and spoke about the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and prioritizing mental well-being.
“Your mental health matters because you matter,” said Haley.
The evening served as a powerful reminder that youth mental health matters, that every story has value, and that community plays a vital role in ensuring young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
