The Dos Pueblos High School Foundation celebrated the opening of its Wellness Center, an initiative aimed at supporting student mental health and well-being on the Dos Pueblos High School campus.
The Feb. 11 event was highlighted by an open house, and included speeches from DPHS Principal Bill Woodard; Bethany Bodenhamer, DPHS dean of Student Engagement; DPHS Foundation trustee Jennifer Ono; and DPHS student representatives Nicole Barger and Pessia Fygenson.
As well as tours of the new facility, the open house fetured a self-care information table, and therapy dogs from Santa Barbara Therapy Dogs. Food was provided by DPHS Student Culinary Program.
“The Wellness Center represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of high school students,” the foundation said. “It provides a safe, supervised location for students to take physical, mental, or emotional breaks during their school day, centralizing mental health and wellness resources while offering spaces for individual and group counseling.”
“The DPHS Wellness Center demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to our students’ overall well-being,” said Angela Montanez, the school’s new full-time Wellness Center coordinator. “It sends a powerful message that mental health is a priority as important as academic success.”
Montanez’s posiion, which began in January, is fully funded by the DPHS Foundation for the next two years.
Key features of the Wellness Center include:
● A full-time Wellness Center coordinator who provides drop-in services for students.
● A dedicated space for community agency mental health professionals including Family Service Agency, Santa Barbara Hospice, CALM, CADA, BeWell, and Alateen.
● Short-term solution based counseling and referral services.
● A Peer Leader Program for wellness mentorship.
● Monthly themed wellness campaigns with corresponding lunchtime activities.
● A Wellness Pantry stocking non-perishable foods, school supplies, and hygiene items.
“This project truly reflects the spirit of our community,” said Jennifer Ono, former president of the DPHS Foundation and current fundraising chair. “The incredible support from our donors has been essential in making this vision a reality.”
“As students, we’re incredibly grateful for this investment in our mental health. The Wellness Center is a crucial resource for many of us navigating the challenges of high school life.” said Fygenson, Associated Student Body representative.
The Wellness Center was made possible through support of community donations, including:
● Deckers Brands – $100,000+
● John C. Mithun Foundation – $40,000+
● The Schley Family – $20,000+
● An anonymous donor – $20,000+
● Mike & Meryam Molyneux – $10,000+
At Deckers, we believe in the power of young people and their potential to shape the future,” said Michelle Apodaca of Deckers Brands. “We are committed to supporting the youth of our community, and we recognize the critical role mental and emotional well-being plays in their success.
“We are proud to partner with the DPHS Foundation on the Wellness Center, which is providing a safe and supportive space for students to thrive.”
“A heartfelt thank you to our Foundation Board members, fundraising chair Jennifer Ono, and our generous community donors for their unwavering support,” Bodenhamer said at the ceremony. “I am also deeply grateful to Principal Woodard for believing in this vision, and to the Santa Barbara Unified School District for prioritizing student wellness.
“Most importantly, I want to thank our incredible students for using their voices to advocate for their needs, for pushing for greater access to mental health support, and for genuinely caring about their peers.”
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