SOUTH BAY, Fla. — A free event in western Palm Beach County is helping children and teens with their mental health awareness.
"Soil to Soul" took place at the Federation of Families in South Bay on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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The program was part of a joint venture Student Body Health along with the Federation of Families of Florida, Inc. and Healthier Glades.
Students, faculty and youth volunteers came together to plant flowers and paint flower pots during an outdoor garden event.
Organizers said they hoped to bring kids together for a therapeutic arts and crafts activity that they can take home and care for the plants as they learn to care for themselves.
Student Body Health said its mission is to boost mental morale and positive health practices for children.
Alexis Bardy, an 11th grader at G-Star School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, started the program as a way to help her peers cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine.
Bardy's school project is now receiving national attention from Philanthropy Tank, which awarded her a $7,000 grant and mentorship.
"Alexis is really giving us the A to Z on how to be healthier, specifically given this environment," said Corey Murphy of Philanthropy Tank.
Friday's event was part of Mental Health Awareness Month.