TeenTalk Program Expansion in Darien

Expanding TeenTalk in Darien: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters

We are thrilled to announce that our TeenTalk Program is expanding in Darien, thanks to our community and donors’ incredible generosity and support. The Community Fund of Darien has contributed $30,000, and the Darien Health Department has provided an additional $40,000 towards the new TeenTalk position for middle school students. This expansion comes after a successful first year at Darien High School, and we are excited to bring this valuable resource to younger students in time for the upcoming school year.

How TeenTalk Works

TeenTalk is an exclusively designed program by Kids In Crisis that places our Master’s-level mental health counselors in Fairfield County middle and high schools. These compassionate and specially trained counselors help students navigate difficult personal, family, and school-related issues. TeenTalk Counselors provide confidential individual, group, and family counseling and preventive education on critical issues affecting young people’s health and well-being. They are skilled at identifying at-risk students and reaching out to those experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use struggles, trauma, and conflict-related stresses.

The Need for TeenTalk in Darien

The expansion to Darien’s middle school comes at a crucial time. Middle school is a unique period in child development, with increasing and nuanced social and academic demands. TeenTalk counselors can make meaningful connections with students and serve as vital conduits to additional support outside school hours and over breaks.

The need for expanded mental health support is clear. The Community Fund of Darien’s latest Thriving Youth Survey revealed concerning statistics:

• 19 percent of middle school students reported frequent anxiety.
• 11 percent reported frequent feelings of depression.
• 8 percent said they had considered suicide in the past year.

These findings underscored our community’s urgent need for additional mental health resources.

We sincerely thank the Community Fund of Darien and all our donors for making this TeenTalk Program expansion in Darien possible. Your support ensures that Darien’s middle and high school students have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive. As we aim to raise an additional $30,000 by the end of this month, we remain committed to having a TeenTalk counselor in place for the start of the school year.

Your donations are more than just financial contributions—they are investments in the well-being and future of our children. Thank you for standing with us and supporting our mission. Donations can be made online at the Community Fund of Darien’s website.

Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our community’s young people. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Kids In Crisis and the TeenTalk Program.

You can read the full article at the Darien Times by clicking HERE.