Beat the Odds

The Beat the Odds (BTO) program was developed in response to a need for mental health awareness among the Black and Brown, Indigenous, People of Color in the Greater Springfield area. It is a youth-led group peer mentoring program, implemented under the guidance of a trusted adult. This youth program is unique as it encourages youth to Beat the Odds and Forget the Statistics by focusing on a mental health topic prevalent to youth in the group.

The youth came up with their own name, tagline, and mission which is: To break the cycle of mental health stigma by using youth voices to raise awareness about the impact of social pressures on youth mental health and to empower youth to be equal partners in the process of change for youth mental health care.  

BTO has expanded this year and is excited to welcome a new BTO youth group at the South End Community Center in Springfield! Now BTO will have two groups of youth working together to spread awareness and encourage their peers to Beat the Odds!