NEWARK, NJ — The International WeLoveU Foundation (WeLoveU) is excited to announce the launch of its new Calming Room in University High School, designed to provide students with a dedicated space for stress relief and emotional management. Equipped with soft lighting, tranquil colors, comfortable furnishings, noise-canceling headphones, and other calming elements such as plants, oil diffusers, activities, and a stationary bike, the calming room offers students a safe space to destress, decompress, and regain focus before returning to class. Whether seeking solace alone or with the support of a school counselor, students have access to various calming activities to facilitate emotional reset and optimal learning.
Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton said, “In our school, we recognize the need to support the whole child, and this includes the social-emotional needs of our scholars. Being responsive to the emotional needs of our scholars means supporting their ability to perform at their highest potential academically.” She added, “We are grateful to the WeLoveU Foundation and the HDR Foundation for providing the funding to further respond to the needs of our scholars.”
The HDR Foundation awarded WeLoveU with a grant of $26,668 in July 2023, and construction began in earnest in October 2023. The room is now open after ten weeks of construction from volunteers who dedicated over 420 hours and a few furniture deliveries later.
“The WeLoveU Foundation is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our youth. We’re thrilled to provide University High School with a calming room, ensuring a safe space for future generations. This room will empower students to navigate life’s challenges and thrive academically and emotionally as nurturing students’ mental health is paramount to their success and happiness,” said Alex Post, WeLoveU’s Director of Global Partnerships and Calming Room Construction Lead.
In response to recent reports revealing the significant stress levels among high school students, with 45% admitting to feeling stressed almost daily and 61% citing stress over academic performance, the WeLoveU Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the student experience. Through the Calming Room project, WeLoveU and University High School aim to foster an environment that promotes focus, academic success, improved mental health, and increased school attendance.
-30-
About the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation
Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001— which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of people in her community and her efforts inspired the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of many. Over the past two decades, WeLoveU has extended its reach to over 73 countries in 249 regions, impacting countless lives through initiatives spanning emergency relief, education, health, environment, and community well-being. With the dedication of over 300,000 volunteers worldwide, WeLoveU inspires a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.