At A Glance: In a crucial meeting, Wilton’s First Selectperson, Toni Boucher, and representatives from Kids In Crisis, along with Wilton Public Schools, addressed the urgent Wilton Youth Mental Health needs of students. They discussed the importance of the TeenTalk program and the need for increased funding to support and expand these vital services.
Kids In Crisis is at the forefront of providing mental health support to Fairfield County’s youth through its TeenTalk program. This program places Master’s-level counselors in schools, including Wilton High School, to offer much-needed mental health counseling. Our TeenTalk counselor has been at Wilton High School since 2017. And we are hoping to expand our Wilton Youth Mental Health services to the middle school, Middlebrook. The meeting, also attended by Kim Zemo Wilton’s Safe School Climate Coordinator, underscored the importance of this program and its positive impact on students’ well-being.
At the meeting, we presented a budget overview, highlighting the cost of maintaining a Master’s-level counselor at Wilton High School and the current funding gap. While Wilton Public Schools have been supportive with a substantial grant, there remains an urgent need to secure additional funding to continue these vital services.
First Selectperson Boucher, known for her commitment to the community, listened attentively to the concerns raised and the proposed solutions. Her engagement in this meeting demonstrates her recognition of the importance of mental health services in schools, especially given the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the mental health of students.
We are grateful for Ms. Boucher’s time and understanding of our shared goal of addressing the youth mental health crisis in Connecticut. And to so many supporters of the Wilton Youth Mental Health program in Wilton, including the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust and other individual donors who have given significantly to this program dedicated to ensuring that the mental health needs of Wilton’s youth are met. Special thanks also go to Sarah Heath, the Director of Social Services for the Town of Wilton, for her positive reception of our request and her willingness to help with her department’s part of the town budget.
This meeting marks a positive step towards bridging the gap in mental health services for young people in Wilton. With the support of community leaders like Toni Boucher, there is renewed hope for expanding the reach and impact of programs like TeenTalk, not only in high schools but also in middle schools, where early intervention can make a significant difference.
For those interested in supporting this important Kids In Crisis effort focused on Wilton Youth Mental Health, whether through individual, corporate, or foundation gifts, your contribution can make a huge impact. We welcome any support that can help us continue to provide and expand these essential services. Feel free to contact us to learn more about how you can contribute to this cause and make a difference in the lives of our young people.
