At StreetSquash, the importance of mental health is more than just a public relations sentiment. It is a priority. We take concrete steps to ensure the well-being of our students and families. That is why we have a dedicated social work department, with two full-time social workers, Anthony and Kylie, and seven social work student interns.

The department engages students through group workshops on topics like mental toughness, resilience, and mindfulness, and also offers individual counseling sessions to any student who needs or wants support.

During the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, StreetSquash has been fortunate to have a social work intern who also plays squash. He has been a valuable asset in helping students channel their emotions on court.

StreetSquash Executive Director Jen Wohl says the social work department is a crucial part of the organization’s programming.

“We’re at the intersection of community, squash, and whole child development,” Jen said. “We’ve long since realized that you have to treat the whole child. You can provide any kind of squash intervention or academic intervention you want, but if a child is not in a position to receive it, your interactions won’t be successful.”

In line with our strong and continuous dedication to mental health, StreetSquash is honored to be a recipient of a grant from Head In The Game, a program by the Beyond Sport Foundation. This multi-year initiative was designed to tackle the pressing youth mental health crisis by providing both teens and the adults assisting them with the resources required for their success. With Head In The Game, our social work team obtains top-notch training, digital tools, and a nationwide learning community centered on coaching and caregiving with an emphasis on mental wellbeing. These resources enhance our capacity to foster secure, encouraging spaces where mental well-being is emphasized on and off the court. By integrating these tools into our programming, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and fully supported.

Taylor S., a high schooler who meets with one of our full-time social workers for an hour every week, understands that she and her peers should not be afraid to ask for help when it is needed.

“It’s not only about the therapist that’s helping you,” Taylor said. “I think it’s important to realize that you have a problem, and that you’re actually hurt, so you can fix the problem.”

For Taylor, her counseling sessions have made a big difference.

“I feel like it’s working and it’s nice having someone to hear me out,” Taylor said. “I now know what to do when I’m stressed and know how to find ways to help me chill.”

Caregivers are also involved in the process. When appropriate, counseling sessions are conducted with both students and parents. There is also Parenting Journey, a curriculum that uses strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches to build confidence and resilience and lay the foundation for a strong family dynamic where all members can thrive.

Yanise Rodriguez, whose daughter is in high school and attends individual sessions at StreetSquash, is now participating in Parenting Journey for a second time.

Yanise says she sees a change in her daughter.

“She’s showing progress and more potential,” Yanise said. “I notice the difference in her wanting to do more and wanting to engage more. She wasn’t like that before Kylie and she wasn’t like that before StreetSquash.”

For herself, Yanise says Parenting Journey has been transformative.

“I love the nonjudgmental, open, comfortable zone that Anthony provides,” Yanise said. “I’m a single mom who works for the post office, which is a very demanding job. Anthony made me realize how much I need to self-reflect more and how it can affect my parenting sometimes.”

Community is a major component of the social work program. In addition to Parenting Journey, the department hosts Boys’ and Girls’ Groups, where students can share their experiences in a safe, welcoming space.

There are also Family Squash Nights, where the social work and squash departments come together to create a fun experience for participants and their families to play and learn squash together.

“One of the many beautiful things about our social work department is the holistic approach we use in supporting every one of our participants,” Kylie said. “Not only do we offer free and accessible therapy, we also ensure the caregiver and family unit are supported. In addition to the resources we offer here, we help connect them to support in their schools, the community, and beyond.”

For Yanise, that sense of community is real.

“Being a single mom, it’s not easy doing it by myself,” Yanise said. “With the help of StreetSquash, it’s really given me the support I need. They say it takes a village to care for a child. StreetSquash is my village.”

Meanwhile, a recent article in Chalkbeat noted that many New York City schools expected to receive funding for mental health staff over the next few years, but those funds will now be cut at the end of 2025. Many of the schools that would have benefited are in Harlem and East Harlem. In light of these cuts, the need for programs like StreetSquash, which has never relied on federal funding, is more urgent than ever.

“With the way things are now and all the cuts to certain programs, I hope StreetSquash continues to remain in the neighborhood,” Yanise said. “You are in the right neighborhood at the right time, and I wish nothing but blessings for StreetSquash because you offer a lot for us.”