In Jacksonville, students at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts are taking mental health into their own hands, leading the charge through the DA for Change club. A grassroots initiative, this club is part of a broader network of GROW Clubs in the Team Duval district that stand for "Gain Resilience. Obtain Wellness.," and are dedicated to peer-driven discussions on emotional and mental wellness, as reported by Duval County Public Schools.
Getting a taste of both learning and leadership, junior Camden Fretz, the club treasurer, said in a statement obtained by Duval County Public Schools, "It’s about growing. It's about learning about your own mental health while helping other students." Inside their classroom gatherings, around two dozen participants engage in conversations that range from managing stress to practicing mindfulness – not just for them, are these techniques valuable but also for the whole school community.
Likewise, Emily Dorvelus, the co-president of the club, emphasizes their supportive role, "We want to be there to help you," she told Duval County Public Schools. "We're not trained professionals, but if you need to talk to someone...we are here to do that and to provide that for students." This peer-to-peer model extends beyond conversation, with the club distributing Calming Toolkits—complete with small toys, affirmations, and resource cards—aiming to equip fellow students with practical support.
The beauty of the GROW club concept lies in the safe space it creates, allowing students to address tough topics in a supportive environment. Club members, having creating an atmosphere where the connection between peers is emphasized, are keen on including everyone throughout the school. "It helps to have that connection with other students who may or may not be facing the same exact issues as you," said Fretz, according to Duval County Public Schools.
Through the actions and ambitions of GROW Clubs and their members, there is a shared belief in the importance of bringing mental and emotional health discussions out of the shadows. "I think that the more we push these things out, the more people are going to see the importance of it," Dorvelus told Duval County Public Schools.
