Reboot, Reset, Renew: Entering 2026 with Intention and Care
The start of a new year often brings pressure to make resolutions or rush into change. At The Steve Fund, we approach this moment differently. As we embark on our 2026 journey, we are taking time to reflect on what the past year has demanded of young people, particularly those from underserved and under-resourced communities, what it has revealed, and what it calls us to prioritize moving forward.
Over the past year, young people have continued to navigate overlapping challenges that affect mental health and emotional well-being. National data and lived experience alike remind us that social polarization, fear and uncertainty, and barriers to mental health care remain deeply present realities.
Even in the face of these stressors, young people continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and collective power.
We have seen young people organize across communities to protect access to education, advocate for justice, and make their voices heard through civic engagement. We have witnessed students, activists, and emerging leaders push forward conversations about mental health, belonging, and equity, often while managing their own stress, grief, and uncertainty. These moments remind us that hope is not passive; it is built through connection, action, and care.
As you reflect on the year behind you, this may be a time to reassess what matters most. Priorities shift. Relationships may need tending. Some goals may deserve renewed energy, while others may need to be released. Letting go rather than revisiting what no longer serves you can be an act of self-preservation.
Above all, we encourage young people to reinvest in their mental health and well-being. Support does not have to look one way, and it does not have to be navigated alone. The Steve Fund offers a range of free, culturally responsive resources designed to meet young people where they are.
One such resource is My Digital Sanctuary (MDS), a digital safe space created to support reflection, grounding, and emotional wellness. Through guided exercises, storytelling, interactive tools, and affirming content, MDS invites young people to pause, reconnect with themselves, and find moments of calm amid the noise. Whether you are seeking inspiration, stress relief, or a reminder that you are not alone, MDS is available whenever you need it.
In moments of acute distress, immediate support is also available through the Crisis Text Line. Simply text STEVE to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor, 24/7.
As this year unfolds, remember: growth is not linear. You can pause, correct your course, and begin again as many times as needed. Move gently. Protect your joy. And know that The Steve Fund remains committed to walking alongside young people, this year and beyond, as we collectively build pathways toward healing, connection, and possibility.
