On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the International WeLoveU Foundation and HDR, Inc. collaborated for the grand opening of the calming room. It was held at University High School in Newark, NJ. 

About the Calming Room 

The calming room project started as an idea in early 2023. By July 2023, the idea came to fruition when the HDR Foundation awarded WeLoveU a grant for $26,668. In short, the calming room is a dedicated space for students to relieve stress and manage emotions. In 2022, the CDC released new data from the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES) that 44% of U.S. students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness after the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that the calming room on mental health includes increasing one’s ability to self-nurture, increasing resilience, and improving self-esteem.

The classroom transformation falls under WeLoveU’s education and community well-being initiatives. WeLoveU volunteers dedicated over 420 hours to constructing the room for about ten weeks. Photos from weekly construction and additional benefits are available here.

Speeches from Partners & Beneficiaries

Before cutting the official grand opening, the agenda called for speeches. University High School Social Worker Dr. Lawren Monroe hosted the ceremony. She said, “I am so excited about this new endeavor.” “We are finding that a number of our scholars deal with so many more social and emotional issues… we find they need additional support. This is an opportunity for our scholars to have somewhere safe to talk and focus more on their mental health.” 

Following her remarks, a video highlighting the room’s construction played. Afterward, Principal Flournoy-Hamilton came forward. She explained, “Ever since COVID-19, I have noticed an increased need for support for our student’s social and emotional well-being. I was motivated to find money and resources to bring this calming room. I had this idea to bring a relaxing and calming room to our school.” 

Shortly after, Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger Leon spoke. He touched on the importance of mental health for students and faculty. He relayed his passion for fostering good mental health. 

Then, Alex Post, the director of global partnerships and calming room construction lead, spoke. “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.”

Sophia Cinamella, HDR Foundation grant champion and senior marketing coordinator, came forward next. She is also a WeLoveU volunteer. “The HDR Foundation supported the funding for this grant because it aligned with their core pillars, one of which is education. Since we have an HDR office in Newark and have partnered [before], this project was a perfect fit.” Additional speakers include Carolyn Granato, assistant superintendent of student support services, and two high school scholars, Jonnah Mann and Thomas Melendez.

After the speeches, WeLoveU presented University High School with 40 new Chromebooks. The donation was made possible by Vivacity Tech’s generosity. Lastly, all parties moved to the calming room to cut the ceremonial ribbon. Students then saw the space for the first time. They sat on the new sofas and bean bag chairs and began playing games.