Protect the future of student mental health in Carteret before the next school year begins.
Every student deserves support.
For nearly two decades, Wellspring’s Pathways Program has been a lifeline for students in and around Carteret, offering mental health counseling, leadership development, life skills training, recreation, and a safe space to grow.
Thanks to deep community support and strong relationships within the school environment, this program has thrived. However, this year, a $224,000 funding gap, due to shifts in available resources, is placing Pathways at serious risk.
Without immediate community support, hundreds of students may lose access to the services they rely on, at a time when mental health needs are greater than ever.
Your donation today will:
- Keep trusted counselors in the schools where they are needed most.
- Preserve safe spaces like Pathways’ lunch and after-school programs.
- Support life-changing student leadership clubs like SADD, Girl Talk, GSA, and Incorruptible.Us.
- Ensure that no student feels alone when facing challenges like anxiety, depression, bullying, or academic struggles.
Pathways isn’t just a program. It’s a lifeline.
Give before September 1 to help us bridge the funding gap and ensure every student has the support they need to succeed.
Why Your Support Matters
- More than 4,300 counseling sessions were delivered this year alone.
- Over 400 Carteret students each year receive individual mental health counseling and support.
- Over 700 Carteret students participate in skill-building and supportive group sessions.
- Over 280 crisis interventions helped students in urgent need.
- 1,800+ hours were spent supporting student mental health and development across Carteret and Metuchen.
Without Pathways, hundreds of students will be left without critical support during some of the most important years of their lives.
Voices of Support
“Programs like Pathways are lifelines for our students providing critical mental health support right where it’s needed most. We must do everything we can to preserve these services and protect the future of our young people.”
— Senator George Helmy, United States Senate (see full address)
When leaders in our government recognize the power of school-based programs like Pathways, it reinforces what we see every day: Pathways changes lives.
Joanna Joaquin, Principal of Carteret High School, shared this message to support our campaign:
“As a high school principal, I can’t stress enough how important mental health is, especially for today’s teenagers. When I arrived at CHS almost three years ago, I was immediately blown away by the services that Pathways, our youth-based service program, provides for our students.”
“Pathways is a game changer. It’s not just about mental health support — it’s a complete support system. Whether it’s crisis care, a safe space during lunch, or leadership-building through clubs like GSA, SADD, and Letters for Rose, Pathways is there.”
“Students know they can turn to Pathways — no questions, no judgment, just support. They even help staff and parents. In today’s world, where the mental health crisis is undeniable, schools cannot do it alone. Pathways is that essential partner. I couldn’t be more grateful for the work they do every single day.”
Your support today ensures that Carteret’s students continue to have a safe place to turn, caring adults to guide them, and opportunities to build a stronger future, right inside their schools.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you a local business looking to make a lasting difference?
Corporate sponsorships are available and can include recognition on our website, social media, and event materials.
Please contact us by clicking the button below to learn how you can partner with us to support the future of Carteret’s youth.
Donate Today
Join our Summer of Support and help us build a stronger, healthier future for Carteret’s students.