Empowering Youth Voices Through Expression
Who We Are
The Mental Health Gallery is a youth-led initiative created by students participating in Project Altogether, a leadership and community service program of Talented Tenth Social Services (TTSS).
This platform was created to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations about youth mental health through creativity, education, and community engagement.
We believe that:
Mental health matters.
Youth voices matter.
Community support matters.
About Project Altogether
Project Altogether is a youth leadership and community service afterschool program designed to bring students together to address real issues affecting their peers and community, and is sponsored by the Dunham Foundation. The program currently works with students in 6th-8th grade in Distrct 131.
Through Project Altogether, students:
Identify community needs
Develop service projects
Practice leadership skills
Collaborate with local partners
Build confidence and communication skills
Create meaningful impact
Project Altogether centers youth voice and empowers students to take ownership of solutions.
About This Community Service Project
The Mental Health Gallery
The Mental Health Gallery was created as a youth-led mental health awareness initiative to accompany our Youth Minds Matter campaign designed to:
Increase awareness about youth mental health
Reduce stigma around anxiety, depression, and other conditions
Encourage healthy coping strategies
Promote help-seeking behaviors
Strengthen peer support and community connection
As part of this campaign, students organized:
Youth Minds Matter Spirit Week
Green & White Ribbon Awareness
Positive affirmation initiatives
Brain break activities
Creative expression opportunities
Resource sharing for local support services
The Gallery serves as a digital extension of these efforts, and a space where students can express themselves through art, writing, and reflection while learning about mental health in a safe and supportive environment.
💚🤍 The Meaning of the Youth Minds Matter Ribbon
The Youth Minds Matter Ribbon represents youth mental health awareness, support, and hope.
This ribbon was created to symbolize the importance of caring for both our minds and our communities.
💚 Green: Mental Health Awareness & Healing
Green has long been associated with mental health awareness around the world.
It represents:
Emotional well-being
Growth and healing
Renewal and resilience
Support for those facing mental health challenges
Green reminds us that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health.
🤍 White: Hope, Peace, and Support
White represents:
Hope for recovery
Compassion and understanding
Peace of mind
Community support
White symbolizes the belief that no one should have to struggle alone.
Together, the green and white ribbon represents:
Awareness of youth mental health challenges
Encouraging open conversations
Reducing stigma
Supporting friends, classmates, and community members
Promoting healthy coping and help-seeking behaviors
About Talented Tenth Social Services (TTSS)
Talented Tenth Social Services (TTSS) is a community-based organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and uplifting youth and families through leadership development, culturally responsive programming, and community engagement initiatives.
TTSS focuses on:
Youth leadership and empowerment
Academic and personal development
Mental health awareness
Community service and civic engagement
Family support and advocacy
Our mission is to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead positive change in their schools and communities.