South Carolina Afterschool Alliance launches “Healthy Futures Afterschool” initiative to support youth well-being and prevention
May 19, 2026
The South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) has launched Healthy Futures Afterschool, an initiative designed to strengthen youth well-being and prevent substance misuse by equipping afterschool programs, staff, and families with the tools and resources they need to support healthy choices.
“Afterschool programs are often the places where young people feel safest, most connected, and most seen,” said Zelda Waymer, President and CEO of SCAA. “Healthy Futures Afterschool is about making sure those trusted spaces also have the resources and support needed to help young people navigate real-life challenges and build healthier futures.”
As part of the initiative, Boys & Girls Club of the Crescent Region (BGCCR) has started implementing Healthy Futures Afterschool within its afterschool programs and will offer it this summer. Through the partnership, BGCCR is hiring and training college students to deliver the evidence-based prevention curriculum. Additional program components include: Mental Health First Aid training for afterschool staff to help identify signs of mental health challenges and connect youth with support, therapeutic summer programming for high-risk youth, prevention and wellness resources for families; and, expanded mentorship, peer support, and youth engagement opportunities.
“We know that prevention starts with relationships, mentorship, and consistent support,” said Troy Thames, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of the Crescent Region. “By integrating Healthy Futures Afterschool into our programs, we have an opportunity to meet young people where they are, strengthen protective and prevention factors, and help families build healthier futures together.”
Healthy Futures Afterschool is supported by the Richland County Opioid Recovery Fund, aligning local prevention efforts with broader public health priorities and community needs. The initiative comes at a critical time as communities across South Carolina continue facing increasing concerns related to opioid misuse and youth mental health.
“At its core, this work is about connection,” Waymer added. “When young people have trusted adults they can talk to, it changes outcomes. This initiative is about strengthening those connections before young people reach a crisis point.”
Afterschool programs, families, and community partners are encouraged to learn more by visiting https://www.scafterschool.com/healthy-futures-afterschool/.
The South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA)
The South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) partners with state government agencies, municipal leaders, foundations, higher education, business leaders, the arts community, local school districts, after school program providers and other critical stakeholders to form a supportive statewide network for afterschool and summer learning programs. SCAA works with its partners to raise awareness, increase sustainability, and promote the importance of quality afterschool programs. For additional information please visit http://scafterschool.com/.
