T
he Wellness & Prevention Center is a local nonprofit providing prevention education and clinical mental health education to youth and families in South Orange County. As we wrap up our 11th year serving the community, we would like to share some of the highlights from our work.
Clinical mental health
services:
We made incredibly meaningful updates to our Community Clinic, where we serve young people ages 12 to 25, and their families, year-round. We owe many thanks to these community members who supported us in making the wonderful updates:
• John Forney and the Capistrano Unified School District Facilities team
• Larry Maddox and School Outlet
• Katelyn Gardner Photography
• Vincent and Christopher Eber
And a huge thank you to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce for celebrating the occasion with us!
This year, our clinical team provided services to over 200 young people throughout South Orange County and across eight Capistrano Unified School District secondary schools. We were honored to add Newhart Middle School and Capistrano Valley High School to our partnership, with the district to continue our efforts to make mental health care more accessible. Consider donating today to support these critical services.
Prevention education:
The prevention department was busy throughout the year bringing mental-health and substance-use awareness education to middle and high school students in South Orange County. With our programs and activities, we reached 205 youth with community-driven activities, 256 youth in Mental Health First Aid Training and 142 adults in Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
At the beginning of the year, we trained 256 students at San Clemente High School in Teen Mental Health First Aid. This training equipped them with the skills to support others, foster positive attitudes, and build confidence in how to recognize and respond to mental health concerns among their peers. We also collaborated with Saddleback Valley and Capistrano Valley High Schools’ Alternative to Suspension programs. As part of their curriculum, these programs offer a proactive approach to teaching the skills, habits, and behaviors necessary for success in both school and life. Throughout the school year, we reached 100 students with education on mental health, self-care and substance use — specifically focusing on vaping and alcohol use.
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the WPC team hosted two weeks of engaging activities at Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Capistrano. From succulent potting to creating personalized self-care tins, students were given a safe space to talk about mental health and learn about resources available to them.
In partnership with the City of Laguna Niguel, we had the opportunity to host monthly Wellness Wednesday events. In November, we led a succulent potting workshop, highlighting the mental health benefits of gardening. In January, students created vision boards to reflect their goals and aspirations for 2025. In March, we were joined by the UPLIFT Youth Foundation for a calming and restorative yoga session.
allcove San Juan Capistrano:
allcove San Juan Capistrano (operated by the Wellness & Prevention Center) broke ground in January 2025 at 27125 Calle Arroyo near the 5 Freeway and Ortega Highway. The buildout is approaching completion in the next four weeks, with a soft opening scheduled for Aug. 18. allcove is a drop-in, integrated youth mental health center developed by the Center for Youth Mental Health and Well-being within the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. The center provides accessible and affordable mental health and wellness services, education and career services, and peer and family support for young people aged 12-25.
We look forward to another year of supporting even more youth and families with the addition of allcove San Juan Capistrano and the continuation of our clinical and prevention programming in the community. We thank the community members who participated in our programming and supported us through donations and volunteer time. Please visit wpc-oc.org to learn more about our work and how you can contribute to the well-being of young people and families.
Lauren Gallegos, ACSW, is the Director of Prevention at the Wellness & Prevention Center and oversees the Youth Suicide Prevention Media and Outreach Campaign Program funded by the Center at Sierra Health Foundation.
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