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        Stamford-based nonprofit hosts mental health centered event for 3rd year

        The event featured a day filled with activities and resources aimed to provide the community with insight into the various mental health topics that impact youth.

        Angelica Toruno

        Feb 23, 2025, 12:42 AM

        Updated 7 hr ago

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        Kids Helping Kids (KHK) hosted its third annual Hope Day at UConn in Stamford on Saturday. The Stamford-based nonprofit that encourages children to take the reins on ideas and projects tackled mental health. The event featured a day filled with activities and resources aimed to provide the community with insight into the various mental health topics that impact youth. “I see a lot of younger people here today, and people my age too, and so I know it’s important for the whole community to get it, but I know especially catering towards younger people who are also going to be the future of this community is particularly important, that they know that along with physical health, mental health is equally as important,” said Izzy Hartman, an KHK volunteer. Annabelle Falencki, who also volunteers with KHK, says this event is a more personal one. Falencki was misdiagnosed twice before she received a proper diagnosis for bipolar disorder. It’s an experience she is willing to share in an effort to help break the stigma regarding mental health. "I'm very open about my mental health and I have been since my proper diagnosis, and people come to me about their mental health not knowing what to do, andI think the idea of that is that you are not alone,” Falencki said. Kids Helping Kids is always open to new volunteers. The nonprofit has monthly meetings. The next one is on March 12 at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. "I have seen firsthand when kids feel empowered and they recognize their inherit worth to make a difference in the community,” said Jennifer Bentley, executive director of KHK. The nonprofit’s next event, Handled With Care Boutique, will be on Friday, April 25 at Yerwood Center.