Mental, Emotional and Social Health (MESH) Initiative at the JCC Indianapolis
Beginning in 2022, the JCC Indianapolis piloted a mental, emotional and social health initiative in its summer camps and is looking to expand year-round into all its youth programs, including early childhood and afterschool care.
Mental, Emotional and Social Health (MESH)
Jewish tradition teaches us of our obligation to ensure equal access for all people in ways that accentuate the value, dignity, and capabilities of every individual. JCC Indianapolis‘ MESH Initiative supports the mental, emotional, and social health & well-being of children, their families, and staff members who lead youth programs. We wish to provide this support to make a positive, inclusive, and rewarding experience for everyone we serve.
Our Vision for the MESH Initiative
Our goal is to offer families a safe and nurturing place where their children can simply be themselves, while developing at their own pace and reaching their full potential. In fulfilling that goal, the MESH Initiative will offer children and youths with special needs—from children who suffer from mental health issues, autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome) and ADHD, to vision and hearing impairments—the support they need to fully participate in community life.
The MESH Initiative also takes into consideration the mental health needs of our staff who work with our youth program participants on a daily basis. Having MESH specialists available for consultation and advice is a great support to our teachers and counselors, as they can recommend and model effective behavior management techniques tailored to each individual child’s social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as training staff to build in more intentional inclusion through program differentiation and adaptations.