The Annex Teen Clinic believes every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered. In the 2024 – 2025 school year, the Annex brought its Health Mentor program to a middle school for the very first time, making vital resources and caring support available directly within the school community.
The Health Mentor program provides a consistent, trusted adult who can connect with students in classrooms, small groups, and one-on-one sessions. At Robbinsdale Middle School, Health Mentor Kailee worked closely with teachers and staff to meet students’ needs and build an environment where conversations about mental health and wellbeing could happen openly.
From the start, students made it clear that they wanted safe spaces to talk about their emotions and relationships. Kailee listened. She joined affinity and small groups, including ESL, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and African affinity groups, to hear students’ perspectives and establish trust. Each interaction begins with an invitation: “How would you like me to show up today?” This simple question empowers students to determine their own needs and ensures those needs are listened to and addressed in ways some young people may have never experienced before. As one student said, “This is the first time I have ever talked about my mental health with anyone.”
Throughout the year, nearly 300 students participated in presentations on topics such as mental health, friendships, and where to seek support. Many followed up with individual meetings, showing the trust that had been built. One student reflected, “Hearing that I’m not alone with what I am going through helped me.”
A student listening session proved especially impactful. Twenty-six young people shared what they wanted from the Health Mentor role and helped shape the program at their school. Their input not only guided the work but also reinforced that student voices are essential to creating meaningful support systems. Even small details, like inviting students to help decorate the Health Mentor room, made the space more welcoming and truly their own.
By the end of the school year, the Health Mentor program had become a trusted resource for hundreds of students. Kailee reflected, “Young people already have so many of the answers inside of them. My job is to create a safe space during the school day where they can explore those answers.” The Annex’s partnership with Robbinsdale Middle School demonstrates the profound difference that listening, validation, and care can make. By meeting young people where they are, the Annex helps them discover resilience, hope, and the knowledge that they are never alone.
The Annex’s partnership with Robbinsdale Middle School demonstrates the impact of building relationships between students and trusted adults in the schools. By centering student voices, providing safe spaces, and bridging connections to community resources, the Annex is helping young people build strength, find hope, and know they are not alone.
