Mental health awareness through storytelling & community dialogue |
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JANUARY MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT
When Silence Turned Into Honesty
“Growing up between cultures can mean even close friendships don’t always fully “get” you.”
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It began with silence, just a few minutes that opened the door to something deeper at Notre Dame High School. Soon, students were naming feelings many carry quietly: loneliness in the middle of friendship, the weight of recognizing when a friend is hurting, and the fear of not knowing how to help. They spoke openly, to each other as much as to us, and in that moment, the room transformed.
If your Bay Area school is interested in hosting a youth mental health workshop, reach out to us at team@rcoz.us.
Guiding Young Voices. Meet Our Youth Programs Advisor, Gita Baliga-Savel
“Working with students is the joy of my life. I wish Rcoz had existed when I was growing up and I know it will change how South Asian youth and families talk about mental health.”
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We’re excited to welcome Gita Baliga-Savel as a new advisor to Rcoz, supporting our Youth Programs.
An educator and author based in San Jose, CA, Gita brings over 16 years of experience supporting students from age 10 through graduate school. She has worked with teens around deeply sensitive issues with compassion and care, while also helping them build essential skills for critical transition years.
Gita holds a BA in English from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
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Upcoming events
Feb 7, 2026 -Chalo Baatein KarenTM (Let’s Just Talk) with Dr Hari Nair. The topic is I Love My Child, But I Don’t Know How to Help. To reserve your spot, click here.
Feb 7, 2026 - 2026 High School Changemaker Early Bird Application deadline
May 30, 2026 -Rcoz Annual Gala - details coming soon
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Now Accepting Applications for the Rcoz High School Changemaker Program!
“In our society, mental health is neglected. Through this program, I learned that feeling weak isn’t a flaw, it’s part of being human. It was bold, eye-opening, and life-changing.” - Ali (2025 HSCM graduate)
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Interested in mental health, storytelling, or using your voice to create change?
The Rcoz High School Changemaker Program (HSCM) is a 4-week immersive experience for South Asian high school students who want to explore mental health in a real, relatable way while building leadership, communication, and creative skills. Now in its third year, HSCM is for students ready to challenge stigma and change the conversation in their communities.
Click here to apply!
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