SMILE Award winners 2023

Youth Guidance – recipient of Lifetime Achievement Company SMILE award

[fusion_dropcap boxed="yes" boxed_radius="0" class="fusion-content-tb-dropcap"]Y[/fusion_dropcap]outh Guidance, of Chicago, stands at the forefront of championing social emotional learning support. It recognizes the profound impact it has on the well-being and future of the youth it serves.

Youth Guidance serves the most vulnerable populations. These groups are facing unprecedented challenges and societal pressures. By fostering mental wellness as a foundation for personal growth, academic success and positive life outcomes flourish.

Providing evidence-based, trauma-informed curriculum through dedicated weekly group sessions, Youth Guidance aims to dismantle the stigma. This includes fostering open conversations and creating a supportive environment where mental health concerns are
met with empathy, understanding and effective intervention.

Their programs include: social-emotional learning program (SEL) Evolve, Becoming A Man® (BAM®) and Working on Womanhood (WOW).

Youth Guidance is committed to providing resources and tools. This equips young individuals with the skills to manage stress, cope with adversity and build emotional intelligence. Youth Guidance’s advocacy for youth mental health is rooted in a deep commitment to nurturing the holistic development of young individuals.

By promoting open dialogue, eradicating stigma and providing essential tools for resilience, the organization endeavors to create a future where every young person can thrive emotionally, academically, personally and have a brighter future.

Rhainazelle Manzano Recipient of Prestegious Individual SMILE Award

Rhainazelle Manzano of California, stands as an advocate for youth mental health, employing a comprehensive approach that integrates policy, practice, community engagement and leadership.

Active involvement in innovative case management protocols highlights her dedication to pioneering data-driven approaches. Rhainazelle’s academic background ensures the latest advancements benefit young individuals. Engagement with

The National Society of Leadership and Success and volunteering reflects her commitment to holistic well-being, positively impacting the lives of youth facing mental health challenges. Rhainazelle’s inspiration for advocating youth mental health stems from her genuine empathy and unwavering passion for the children she worked with fueled her commitment to championing an individualized approach to behavioral therapy.

Witnessing tangible improvements in behavior, emotional regulation, and overall well-being solidified her dedication to advocating for effective policies and practices. Her academic journey empowered her to bridge the gap between research and practice

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