HERSHEY, Pa. — Kohl’s has awarded $100,000 to Penn State PRO Wellness to help fund a program that works with schools to create measurable improvements around the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model, with a particular focus on mental wellness. The yearlong Circle of Wellness program includes an in-person workshop for staff members and encourages schools to create action plans that form a bridge between schools and communities through community engagement activities. It also provides materials, takeaways and technical support to schools to achieve their goal.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Kohl’s and expand into the behavioral health space with middle and high school students, as well as school staff,” said Dr. Deepa Sekhar, executive director of Penn State PRO Wellness. “The Kohl’s Circle of Wellness program helps staff with self-care and how to manage student mental health. Penn State PRO Wellness will be assisting schools over the next year with implementing an action plan for achieving realistic, tangible and sustainable wellness changes in their schools and communities.”
On Oct. 24 and 25, Penn State PRO Wellness kicked off the program by hosting 61 staff members from 37 central Pennsylvania middle and high schools at a mental health workshop. Attendees learned how to manage student mental health, encourage student-initiated wellness and improve employee self-care.