Some 50 community leaders, school administrators, local government representatives, and concerned parents gathered recently for a Family Service Agency (FSA) luncheon focused on youth mental health.

The event, held at the Santa Maria Public Library, showcased FSA’s comprehensive approach to supporting youth mental health across Santa Barbara County and highlighted the organization’s impact in the community.

“We all need help sometimes, and FSA is universal in their approach in that FSA serves the entire county and communities in which they live, meaning there is ‘no wrong door’ to access services for anyone in need,” said Teressa Johnes, FSA Board member.

Johnes emphasized FSA’s unique ability to serve individuals across the entire lifespan, from prenatal care to senior services for those in their golden years. 

The event included presentations on the current state of youth mental health, both nationally and locally. Alarming statistics were shared, including that 49.5% of fifth-graders report frequent sadness, and 14% of 11th-graders report having serious thoughts of suicide.

Speakers emphasized that trauma is a significant risk factor for nearly all mental health challenges but highlighted that positive interventions can make a crucial difference. 

Carolyn Silva, LMFT, who oversees FSA’s School-Based Therapy program in partnership with Santa Maria Bonita School District, discussed the program’s significant growth from serving 116 students last year to more than 215 students currently.

Silva said 153 of these families require assistance in Spanish or Mixteco.

She shared a compelling case study of a young boy named Alan who overcame debilitating anxiety through FSA’s services.

“Alan’s story is a powerful reminder of how anxiety can shape a young person’s life but also how, with the right support, dedication, and gradual steps, healing and growth are possible,” Silva said. “His journey is one of many — one of over 215 just this year to be exact.”

Lt. Paul Van Meel of the Santa Maria Police Department provided a law enforcement perspective, emphasizing that early intervention in youth mental health pays dividends to the entire community by reducing crime and drug use and improving public safety for all.

“The mental health of our youth is not just a concern; it is a responsibility we all share,” Silva said. “As a community, we must continue to recognize the challenges our young people face and take action to ensure they receive the support they need.”

The event was supported by Good Farms; Dignity Health; ATSU; Judy Nishimori; Sanger, Hanley, Sanger, & Avila; Kia Santa Maria; Community Bank of Santa Maria; Patty Herrera; Robert Janeway; Teressa Johnes; Field to Table Catering; and MDL Events.  

The next FSA community education event, Community in Bloom: Our Collective Role in Improving Youth Mental Wellness, will be May 8 at the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Faulkner Gallery.

For more, visit https://give.fsacares.org/CommunityInBloomMay2025.