NVV Invests $2 Million to Support Youth Wellness on School Campuses

9/4/2025 - Saint Helena, CA - Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) today announces an additional $2 million in support of youth wellness programs in Napa County. This latest round of giving is part of NVV's ongoing Youth Wellness Initiative, funding programs that serve children and teens throughout Napa Valley. In the last school year alone, more than 8,000 local youth were served through the initiative.

"At the heart of our Youth Wellness Initiative is the belief that every young person deserves to thrive. We're grateful to be able to support programs that are there for kids during critical points in their development and when they need it most. Through the work of our incredible nonprofit partners, we're meeting them where they are - whether that's in school, at home or out in the community. Our hope is to make a real, lasting impact in their lives," said Caire Stull, Napa Valley Vintners grants review committee chair.

Thanks to the work of NVV's long-term nonprofit partners, local youth are gaining essential life skills like resiliency, coping strategies and healthy habits that will help them now and in the years ahead.

Grant Recipients

Mentis was awarded a $650,000 grant, bringing total lifetime funding from NVV to $7.2 million since 1998, marking 27 years of partnership.

Mentis focuses on mental health. Its Teen Wellness Cafés reach 2,000 middle and high school students annually, offering mental health discussions, coping tools and therapy. All NVUSD 7th-graders, at a key milestone in development, participate in monthly character-building programs. Mentis also trains youth and adults to recognize suicide warning signs and to know how to connect others to help.

Napa Valley Education Foundation (NVEF) received a $400,000 grant, bringing NVV's total support to $5.79 million since 2019.

NVEF supports student wellness and success. They provide mental health screenings for 16,000 students annually, facilitate case management, help operate on-campus Wellness Centers that see 250 students daily across seven campuses and engage 350 school staff in professional training and wellness conferences.

Aldea was awarded $400,000, a lifetime total of $10.6 million from NVV since 1996, celebrating 29 years of working together.

Aldea provides behavioral health and support services. Its Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) program addresses mental health and substance use through prevention and treatment. Aldea also offers mental health services for children in foster care and supports young adults transitioning out of foster care with housing and life-skills assistance.

On the Move was granted $400,000 for work at schools, totaling $6.8 million over 21 years as a recipient of NVV, beginning in 2004.

On The Move mobilizes youth to take action. Their youth-led programs are an effective early intervention strategy. Youth outreach coordinators engage students through peer support, wellness education and activities that foster connection. They also help create welcoming, inclusive spaces where students feel seen and heard. The program is on four campuses already and will expand to Redwood Middle School this year.

Up Valley Family Centers (UVFC) received $200,000 for work at schools, bringing the lifetime total awarded from NVV to $5.7 million over 21 years as a recipient of NVV, beginning in 2004.

On school campuses, located in the northern part of Napa Valley, UVFC helps operate student wellness centers and provide family support. They coordinate social and emotional wellness programs at school, coordinate intake, screening and intervention referrals for students, run prevention-focused groups for up valley teens and provide parenting and family support.

SHINE Napa Valley

Each grant recipient is also part of SHINE Napa Valley (Student Health Improvement through Nonprofit Excellence), a collaborative of nonprofits and county leaders working to address youth wellness through a coordinated, countywide approach. Among today's youth in Napa County, one-in-four report struggling with mental health challenges. Last school year, 55% of high school students used on-campus wellness centers, and over the last two years, 3,575 students have received behavioral health support.

NVV's Legacy of Community Investment

NVV's history of fundraising for the good of the community began in 1981 with the founding of Auction Napa Valley and continues today through Collective Napa Valley's year-round philanthropy program. To date, NVV has invested more than $245 million in community health, youth development and the environment to help build a stronger community.

Supporters and enthusiasts are invited to save the date for upcoming fundraising events. Coming up next is the Fine Wine & Experiences online auction in October 2025. Then, in January 2026, The Boca Raton Artisans of Wine & Food returns. Auction Napa Valley will return June 5-6, 2026 as the signature event of Collective Napa Valley. To receive news and updates, visit collectivenapavalley.org.

About Napa Valley Vintners

The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. NVV has invested more than $245 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County, and is a champion of inclusivity in its community and industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.

Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, [email protected]