The Californer - One Circle Foundation Launches Calm & Connected, a New Youth Mental Health Curriculum

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SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Californer -- One Circle Foundation, a leading organization in Circle-based programs, curricula, and training for adults who support youth across the U.S. and internationally, proudly announces the launch of Calm & Connected: A Guide to Personalized Grounding and Mental Health, a 12-session youth mental health curriculum designed to support emotional well-being, resilience, and self-discovery for youth ages 11–18.

Mental health challenges among U.S. adolescents continue to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year, significantly higher than a decade ago. In response to this urgent need, Calm & Connected offers a proactive, strengths-based approach that helps youth understand there are many ways to explore, communicate, and heal. The 12-session curriculum begins by building group safety, shared agreements, and a foundation for understanding mental health and personal capacities. Middle sessions engage youth in practical, youth-centered activities that support emotional well-being, while final sessions focus on reflection and integration, helping participants apply their strengths to support ongoing mental health and personal growth.

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"Calm & Connected was created to give youth space to breathe, to be seen, and to find tools that actually fit who they are," said Shayla Benson, Director of Curricula at One Circle Foundation.

Calm & Connected integrates seamlessly into any group setting where safety and trust have been established. The curriculum equips facilitators with practical tools to support youth mental health in accessible, meaningful ways without requiring a clinical background.

A defining feature of Calm & Connected is its community-informed design. Topic selection was shaped by feedback from One Circle Foundation's network of facilitators, ensuring the curriculum reflects the real needs and experiences of youth and the adults who support them. This collaborative approach grounds the curriculum in both lived experience and best practices.

Research continues to show that connectedness is a key protective factor in youth mental health. According to the CDC, strong relationships with supportive adults and peers can significantly reduce the risk of poor mental health outcomes. Rooted in the Circle process, Calm & Connected creates space for meaningful connection, reflection, and belonging, fostering environments where youth feel seen, heard, and valued. This release marks One Circle Foundation's 29th curriculum, aligning with 29 years of advancing its mission.

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"My hope is that this guide helps youth recognize their capacities, build confidence, and find tools that truly fit who they are," said Benson.

To learn more about Calm & Connected: A Guide to Personalized Grounding and Mental Health or to purchase the curriculum, visit onecirclefoundation.org. For general inquiries, contact One Circle Foundation at info@onecirclefoundation.org or call 415-419-5119.

One Circle Foundation (OCF) is a 501(c)(3) based in San Rafael, CA, that prepares caring adults with excellent accredited training, user-friendly activity guides, and innovative approaches to facilitate research-based Circles for transformational youth development across the U.S., Canada, and internationally. Founded in 1997, OCF has trained over 23,000 professionals, reaching more than 230,000 youth worldwide. Learn more at https://onecirclefoundation.org/. For media inquiries, contact moorea@onecirclefoundation.org or call 415-419-5119 x703.