BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified will partner with a teen-to-teen hotline that provides 24-hour personalized, inclusive support and resources for adolescents as part of its commitment to promote the healthy development of students and their families.

The Board of Education approved a partnership with TeenLine, a nonprofit, community-based organization funded by Cedars-Sinai Hospital that provides emotional support to youth through peer-based education, community outreach and online support.

TeenLine will work with District students through outreach programs, hotline services and provide remote training that will further engage youth leaders and promote career pathways and development.

“The mental health and well-being of our students is the District’s number one priority,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said. “Our goal is to help relieve stress and encourage students to advocate for mental health support.”

Through TeenLine, students can call, text, email or discuss a variety of subjects on the site’s message boards. Message threads include COVID-19 concerns, eating disorders, gender and sexuality, health and fitness, relationships, substance use, self-injury, suicide, homework help and success stories.

“Baldwin Park Unified continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to student mental health issues and awareness through countless community resources and local partnerships,” Director of Student Services Dr. William Avila said.

Implementation of the TeenLine partnership will begin at Baldwin Park High School as part of the LACOE Community Schools Initiative. Outreach will include virtual student presentations and parent workshops.

Students may reach out at any time to TeenLine through its website, send an email, post to a message board, call (310) 855-HOPE from 6 to 10 p.m. or text “TEEN” to 839863 from 6 to 9 p.m.