This grant allowed for the utilization of evidence-based biofeedback programming and increased staff for the Boy & Girls Club Northern Indiana Corridor (BGCNIC) Emotional Wellbeing Team (EWB) team.
The EWB Team was formed with the primary goal of providing preventative programming and early intervention to youth who are at high-risk of developing a mental health disorder. Through the program, these youth develop protective factors for academic success and overall well-being, including developing skills in resilience, growth mindset, and healthy expression of emotions.
In 2023, the EWB team purchased Mightier Biofeedback Kits (Mightier) for 26 BGCNIC sites and trained staff on how to utilize Mightier for youth selected for this prevention program. This grant renewed the annual subscription for the 20 Mightier tablets and enabled the EWB team to:
- Recommend club members to the Mightier program based on early signs of emotional or behavioral concerns;
- Work with club staff on collecting baseline and outcome data; and
- Facilitate the program for 20 minutes two times a week for six weeks for each participating youth.
This grant also continued funding the EWB Program Specialist, who is responsible for:
- Training staff and club members on Mightier:
- Mightier data collection;
- Club member referral triaging; and
- Serving as a facilitator for general staff training on trauma-informed practices.
Impact
The use of Mightier helps children utilize emotional regulation skills and demonstrates reduced symptoms of aggression and disruptive behavior
The funding of the EWB Program Specialist ensures access to behavioral health prevention services and trauma-informed practices
