County education hosts successful Family Well-being Festival

The San Benito County Office of Education led and organized the first countywide Family Wellbeing Festival March 20 at Veterans Memorial Hall. The festival welcomed more than 400 attendees for an evening focused on mental health, wellness and community support, says a press release from the county office. 

The festival’s theme was “Empowering Families: Thrive Within Your Community,” a first-of-its-kind event that brought together local and state agencies, school districts and expert speakers to provide resources for families and children in San Benito County. 

The event focused on mental health awareness and overall well-being. The festival was funded by the CalHope Grant and Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiatives.

In partnership with San Benito County Behavioral Health, more than 20 organizations came together to offer resources and services to families, ensuring they have access to the support they need, says the press release. The festival created a welcoming space for conversations about mental health and well-being, reinforcing the power of community in fostering resilience.

A special highlight of the night was the student performances, featuring Social Emotional Learning-inspired dances and poetry by students from Rancho Santana, Aromas-San Juan Unified School District, Hollister Dual Language Academy (HDLA) and Hollister High School. “The event’s success reflects the San Benito County Office of Education’s commitment to student and family well-being. With such a positive response from the community, the Family Wellbeing Festival is set to become an annual event in San Benito County!” says the press release. 

Breakout session leaders at the Well-being Festival included Roy and Libby Sims from Ohm Yoga; Franz Magalit from Soluna; and David Flores from Mindful Life Project.

Agencies and organizations that participated include SPIN (Special Parents Information Network), Stars Therapy Services, YMCA of San Benito County, Youth Recovery Connections, San Benito County Public Health, Go Kids INC, Hollister Police Department, JMM Dance Co, Hollister School District, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Teen Kitchen Project, San Benito Couty Sheriff’s Office and Enterprise Academy of Martial Arts, Soluna, BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula, Charlie Health, Rebekah Children’s Services, Hollister High School, Baler Wellness Center, Suicide Prevention Service A Program of Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, San Benito County Behavioral Health, Gavilan College Hollister Campus and Youth Alliance.