WellLife launches PlayWell fund for youth in Suffolk County

WellLife Network (WLN), a nonprofit with locations across Long Island that provides behavioral health and related services, has launched the PlayWell Fund. The initiative, which was made possible by a $100,000 grant from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Community Grants Reinvestment Fund, aims to expand access to extracurricular activities for those in Suffolk County between the ages of five and 24 who are receiving behavioral health support.

“Increasing access to structured, holistic, and developmentally focused extracurricular activities is not only beneficial for achieving favorable clinical outcomes but also enriching the overall livelihoods and experiences of young people dealing with behavioral health challenges,” Sherry Tucker, chief executive of WLN said in a news release about the initiative.

The Community Grants Reinvestment Fund was designed to reinvest tax revenue from the legal cannabis industry into communities and populations that are “harmed by harsh drug policies, higher levels of criminalization and social and economic disadvantage,” according to the news release.  A total of $600,000 was awarded to six Long Island projects through this debut round of awards for the fund.

“Programs like the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund are so crucial to these efforts and we are grateful to the Office of Cannabis Management for selecting our project as a recipient of this grant, as it would not be possible without it. Seeing the tax revenue promised to our communities come to fruition in such a tangible manner is refreshing, as it will benefit countless underserved New Yorkers,” Tucker said.

Through the PlayWell Fund, WLN aims to address what it defines as a critical gap for youth from low-income families who often face systemic barriers to enrichment opportunities. The program will cover the costs of participation in sports, arts, music and educational programs, with the goal of enhancing emotional wellness, social development and leadership skills.

The PlayWell Fund is a collaboration among WLN’s program development team, clinical leadership and children and family services program. A recreation specialist will partner with case managers and clinicians to work with families, identify interests and coordinate enrollment in enrichment activities.

The program will be evaluated through enrollment data, family feedback and standardized mental health assessments. Drawing on over 20 years of experience with Medicaid-eligible and high-needs youth, WLN said it will partner with Suffolk County agencies and community providers for equitable, trauma-informed support that complements clinical services and fosters holistic, strength-based development for young people in need of support.