Adam's Apples Foundation
Adam’s Apples Foundation is a non-profit organization established to address and prevent mental health issues facing youth today. Adam's Apples Foundation facilitates connection and mental health literacy programming in our schools by encouraging interpersonal communication, understanding, and education among elementary and high-school students through four programs: the Apple Program, the Core Connector Initiative, Adam's Apples Youth Council, and our Scholarship Program. What began in 2016 with a single bowl of apples strategically placed within a school to offer students a healthy snack quickly evolved to become a key gathering place for students to connect, socialize, and converse. It was from this ‘seed’ that the Apple Program grew, now in 30 schools in the Lower Mainland. Apple Bowls are filled daily and students are encouraged to “take two” – one for themselves, and one for a friend, and start a conversation. This simple concept facilitates face-to-face connection in a tech-driven world where youth are more disconnected than ever, facilitating a safe and inclusive space for youth to feel supported by their peers and create meaningful connections. From this seed has grown comprehensive programming that holds the Apple Program at its core, while expanding to a mental health literacy program, the Core Connector Initiative (CCI), developed in partnership with the University of British Columbia. The module-based program is designed to help students gain mental health knowledge and peer support competencies. Today, with a passionate and respected team of educators, healthcare professionals, and business leaders, Adam’s Apples Foundation operates in 30 schools and community centres in Burnaby, Delta, Richmond, Surrey, and Vancouver, with demand to expand the program in BC. AAF’s mission – Connecting Youth One Conversation at a Time – resonates at all levels.
