The HEY! Project — Contact & Programs

About — What we do

The HEY! Project is a York County–based nonprofit delivering mental-health–informed, social-emotional wellness programming for youth, young adults, and families across Central Pennsylvania.

HEY stands for Helping Empower You — we teach practical coping skills, not just motivation. Our programs align with the CASEL social-emotional learning framework.

Where creativity meets social & emotional wellness.

Our programs

SEL-Based Enrichment Workshops — creative, mental-health–informed, and delivered right in York City schools after school, so every student can access the support they need.

Delivery Partner ReProgram York

Where 8 York City K–8 Schools

Who We Serve Grades 2–8

Year 1 Reach ~600 students

Format After-school, in-school

Inside a session

01

Emotional Check-In

Students start by naming how they feel right now.

02

Skill-Building Mini-Lesson

A focused lesson on one coping tool or communication skill.

03

Creative Activity

Art, writing, or group exercises that bring the skill to life.

04

Group Discussion

Students practice healthy expression in a supported group.

05

Close-Out Reflection

A moment to name what they learned and what's next.

Sample workshops

Feelings Wheel Door Hanger

A visual tool to identify emotions and communicate the support they need.

Calm-Down Toolbox

A creative coping-skills resource with practical strategies for school or home.

Confidence & Self-Worth

Art + guided reflection on positive self-talk, strengths, and identity.

Creative Wellness Series

A 4- or 8-week enrichment series on emotional awareness, coping, confidence, and support-seeking.

Who it's best for

School enrichment After-school programming Family engagement events Student wellness initiatives Mental health awareness School climate & belonging Community partnership programming Behavioral/therapy support add-on

Ways to partner

Single Workshop
Four-Week Series
Eight-Week Series
Semester Enrichment
Full-Year Partnership
Schoolwide Day
After-School Program
Small-Group Support
Family Workshop
District Partnership
Educator & Staff Wellness Workshop

Safety & standards

PA Child Abuse Clearance

PA State Police Background Check

FBI Fingerprint Clearance

Mandatory Reporter Training

First Aid/CPR Certified

Incident Reporting & Safety Procedures

Workshops are enrichment-based and do not replace counseling, therapy, or clinical mental health services.

Our impact so far

By the numbers

Real reach, real results

8 York City schools

~600 students (Year 1)

2–8 Grades served

501(c)(3) nonprofit since December 2025. Students leave:

More able to name what they feel
More confident expressing emotions safely
Equipped with real coping strategies

Celeste' Kaough