On December 2nd and 3rd, students from Girls Preparatory School (GPS) and Notre Dame High School, along with community volunteers, will join Partnership for Families, Children and Adults (Partnership) to launch “Hopscotch for Happiness,” a playful and uplifting Giving Tuesday initiative focused on boosting mental well-being.
“We are using this opportunity to engage with our community in a unique way and highlight the importance of mental health during the Holiday Season,” says Kevin Hyde, CEO, Partnership. The nonprofit, whose specialty is trauma-informed care, has a strong counseling component. He adds, “We are grateful to have help from GPS sixth graders and honor students from Notre Dame.”
Throughout the day, sidewalks in parks and in front of various businesses will be decorated with hopscotch grids—each one inviting community members to pause, jump, and experience the mental health benefits of movement and connection.
The Mental Health Benefits of Hopscotch
While hopscotch may seem like a simple childhood game, it has meaningful benefits for emotional well-being. The rhythmic, focused movement can improve balance, coordination, focus, and social interaction—all of which support healthier minds and bodies.
“Exercise improves our mood through a powerful combination of brain chemistry, psychology, and human connection,” said Beth Bowman, LPC-MHSP, CPCS, Clinical Supervisor of Partnership’s Counseling Program. “When we move—even in simple ways like hopscotch—our bodies release endorphins that lift our spirits. Movement also lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, helping us feel calmer and more grounded. Over time, consistent physical activity reduces anxiety and depression and builds resilience to daily stress.”
Hopscotch also encourages:
- A sense of accomplishment
- Healthy distraction from stress
- Improved focus and concentration
- Friendly interaction and cooperation
- Confidence-building as skills improve
- These benefits align directly with the goals of Partnership’s Counseling Program, which promotes emotional resilience and wellness.
A Giving Tuesday Celebration of Community
The Hopscotch for Happiness campaign embodies the spirit of Giving Tuesday: uplifting one another, strengthening community connections, and promoting practices that support mental health.
“Giving Tuesday is about coming together in ways that make our community stronger,” said Kevin Hyde, CEO of Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. “This hopscotch initiative brings fun and positivity for all ages to our sidewalks while reminding us that caring for our mental health can start with simple, joyful moments.”
Community members are encouraged to find a hopscotch grid, join in, and share photos or videos using #HopscotchForHappiness and #GivingTuesday.
