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Bella is Breaking the Silence on Teen Mental Health

Recognizing a growing need within her community, Gold Award Girl Scout Bella Fajardo took action to combat stigma and increase awareness around teen mental health. Her project, Breaking the Silence on Teen Mental Health, focused on equipping teens with strategies to navigate challenges like anxiety and depression—while also making mental health education more accessible.

Partnering with local therapist Marli Gelfand and NAMI New Jersey (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Bella organized a workshop series hosted at the Westfield Memorial Library. Each session focused on issues specific to teens and gave attendees practical tools to care for themselves and recognize when their peers might be struggling.

To extend her impact beyond the workshops, Bella also developed and distributed informative pamphlets throughout her community. These brochures included facts about teen anxiety and depression, tips for stress management, and resources for local and national mental health support.

Bella was inspired by what she saw in her own school—peers silently navigating overwhelming stress and emotional challenges without the tools or support they needed. She saw how a lack of education contributed to stigma and misunderstanding, and she knew she could help change that.

“Girl Scouting gave me the confidence and tools to help those around me and has given me a passion for volunteering and creating sustainable change,” Bella shared. “Above all, it has made me a more courageous, confident, and empathetic leader.”

Thanks to Bella’s leadership, her project will continue making an impact. The partnership she forged between NAMI NJ and the Westfield Memorial Library will keep events and resources available for teens and families. Her brochures remain in circulation—spreading awareness, knowledge, and hope.

Congratulations to Bella on earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting!

October 24, 2025