In the 2023–2024 school year, 23% of 7th grade students in Capistrano Unified reported feeling so sad or helpless almost every day for two weeks or more that they stopped doing some of their normal activities. By 11th grade, this number rises to 28% (California Healthy Kids Survey).
Our young people are calling out for help—and there are not enough professionals or safe, welcoming spaces where they can turn for support.
There are many theories behind the alarming rise in youth mental health challenges: smartphones, the lingering effects of COVID-19, pressure to succeed, overscheduling. Most likely, it’s a combination of these and more. But no matter the cause, one thing is clear: our community lacks the resources needed to support our youth.
That’s why, in 2016, the Wellness & Prevention Center began asking young people themselves what they thought would support their mental health and well-being. That year, we hosted several Youth Leadership Summits, where teens came together to share their ideas and experiences. The message was loud and clear: they needed a youth drop-in center—a place to connect socially, access support services, and feel safe. They didn’t just ask for it; they worked to design it.
At the same time, Stanford University’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry was using state innovation funds to create allcove (allcove.org)—an integrated care center model for youth ages 12–25 that offered a blend of mental, physical, educational, and peer support in a welcoming environment.
After the success of allcove Palo Alto, the California legislature designated funds to expand the model and open five additional centers across the state. Inspired by our youth leaders and in partnership with the School of Human Ecology at UC Irvine, the Wellness & Prevention Center submitted a proposal to bring allcove to Orange County.
After years of planning, we are thrilled to share that allcove San Juan Capistrano will open this summer. Operated by the Wellness & Prevention Center in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Schueller of UCI, allcove San Juan Capistrano will offer an open door to all youth ages 12–25, providing:
- A safe social space
- Mental health counseling
- Physical health care
- Prevention education
- Academic and career support
- Family and peer connections
This center isn’t just built for youth—it’s built by them. Our Youth Advisory Group has led the way, shaping decisions around location, design, programs, and staffing. Some of the original young people who dreamed of a drop-in center in 2018 are now applying to work at allcove—a powerful full circle moment.
This vision could not have become reality without the generosity and commitment of our partners. Funding has come from CalOptima, the State of California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Round 4, the Behavioral Health Services Act, and many generous community donors.
Now, we are asking for your help to bring this vision across the finish line. To complete construction and ensure the space truly reflects what our youth envisioned, we have launched a campaign to raise $120,000 in 120 days. Every donation matters. No amount is too small.
Donate today: https://bit.ly/WPCbuild
Together, let’s show our youth they are seen, heard, and supported.
Please contact allcove@wpc-oc.org if you would like a tour!