Hiya, the youth-led nonprofit and creative movement focused on teen mental health, belonging and suicide prevention, has been selected as a recipient of the Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grant Program, administered in partnership with Youth Service America. The grant will help
power Hiya’s youth-driven initiative, “Check On Your People,” a project centered on reminding teens they are seen, valued and never alone.
With this support, Hiya will mobilize young leaders across Omaha during Youth Service Month to assemble and distribute more than 200 care kits filled with encouragement tools, mental wellness resources, positive messages and items designed to help teens feel supported. Volunteers will also create handwritten follow-up postcards to continue spreading connection and kindness.
“This grant means so much because it shows that youth ideas matter,” said Alejandra Wells, founder of Hiya. “When young people are trusted to lead, real change happens. We’re grateful to Hershey and Youth Service America for believing in our vision.”
Community members are invited to help bring the project to life. Hiya is currently seeking youth volunteers, in-kind donations, and financial supporters to help expand the reach of the initiative. Needed items include journals, fidget tools, self-care products, snacks, stickers and uplifting note cards.
Those interested in supporting can volunteer or donate by contacting info@goshophiya.com or visiting GoShopHiya.com.