About Us

Our mission is to build a coordinated countywide nonprofit network to meet the behavioral health needs of Napa County’s youth. Because all young people deserve the tools to and support they need to lead happy, healthy lives.

SHINE is a group of connectors, advocates, and providers aimed at addressing county-wide needs and improving youth wellness. SHINE, which stands for Student Health Improvement through Nonprofit Excellence, was founded with the belief that acting alone isn’t enough when it comes to addressing the mental health needs of young people in our county.

While we face the future with hope, the reality is that the situation is dire. An unprecedented number of young people are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office says that mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people in our country.

Likely because of social media, economic and political volatility, cultural instability, climate change (including rampant wildfires), and a global pandemic, more and more of our youth are experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

Mental health issues are real, common, and treatable. But without a collective and concerted effort focused on simultaneously treating and preventing the mental health issues our youth face, we will never get ahead of the challenge.