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Local nonprofit It's Free to Dream funds a full year of citywide access for Milford youth ages 13–18, alongside existing support for Bridges Healthcare's child and family services
MILFORD, Conn. - Hartok -- Beginning September 2026, every teenager in Milford ages 13 to 18 will have free, unlimited access to Navi, a digital mental wellness platform that helps teens work through everyday challenges, from school stress to more serious struggles, in ten minutes or less. The initiative is fully funded by It's Free to Dream Foundation, a Milford area 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Navi (meetnavi.com) is not an AI chatbot. It is a private, self guided web application built by mental health experts and co-designed with teens. Its short activities are based on single session intervention research developed by Dr. Jessica Schleider of Northwestern University, an approach clinically shown to reduce hopelessness and improve wellbeing after a single use. The platform includes a safety plan and crisis resources, and works on any device with no cost, referral, or appointment.
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"I started this foundation in honor of my mother, Randi, because I believe no one should have to face life's struggles alone," said Ken Steeves, Founder and President of It's Free to Dream Foundation. "With Navi, every teenager in Milford now has real, evidence based mental health support in their pocket the moment they need it."
Milford, CT joins a growing national movement. Navi recently launched statewide in New Mexico, where youth advisory boards shape the platform for their communities. Milford will follow the same model, with a Youth Advisory Board recruited from Foran and Law high schools. "Navi was built with teens, not just for them. Real teen voice must be at the center, or the tool doesn't earn trust," said Julia Belt, CEO, Navi.
The fundraising effort also supports Bridges Healthcare, whose child and family services will be featured within Navi as a trusted local resource.
Key facts:
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Navi: A youth wellness platform co-founded by Julia Belt, Margaret Hines, and Dr. Jessica Schleider, co-designed with teens nationwide. http://www.meetnavi.com
Bridges Healthcare: Provides behavioral health services, including child and family care, to greater Milford. http://www.bridgesct.org
Navi (meetnavi.com) is not an AI chatbot. It is a private, self guided web application built by mental health experts and co-designed with teens. Its short activities are based on single session intervention research developed by Dr. Jessica Schleider of Northwestern University, an approach clinically shown to reduce hopelessness and improve wellbeing after a single use. The platform includes a safety plan and crisis resources, and works on any device with no cost, referral, or appointment.
More on hartok.com
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"I started this foundation in honor of my mother, Randi, because I believe no one should have to face life's struggles alone," said Ken Steeves, Founder and President of It's Free to Dream Foundation. "With Navi, every teenager in Milford now has real, evidence based mental health support in their pocket the moment they need it."
Milford, CT joins a growing national movement. Navi recently launched statewide in New Mexico, where youth advisory boards shape the platform for their communities. Milford will follow the same model, with a Youth Advisory Board recruited from Foran and Law high schools. "Navi was built with teens, not just for them. Real teen voice must be at the center, or the tool doesn't earn trust," said Julia Belt, CEO, Navi.
The fundraising effort also supports Bridges Healthcare, whose child and family services will be featured within Navi as a trusted local resource.
Key facts:
- Who: All Milford teens ages 13-18
- What: Free, unlimited access to Navi for one year
- When: Starting September 2026
- How: No app download, cost, or referral required; QR codes in schools and around the city
- Safety: Self guided, private, not diagnostic, no generative AI, includes crisis resources and a safety plan
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Navi: A youth wellness platform co-founded by Julia Belt, Margaret Hines, and Dr. Jessica Schleider, co-designed with teens nationwide. http://www.meetnavi.com
Bridges Healthcare: Provides behavioral health services, including child and family care, to greater Milford. http://www.bridgesct.org
Source: It's Free to Dream Foundation
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