WHO WE ARE

OUR STORY

Since opening its doors in 1980, Challenge Discovery Projects (CDP) has been committed to promoting social and emotional wellness for youth and their families in Greater Richmond through school-based and community programs focused on preventing and addressing issues related to behavioral health, substance use, bullying, and trauma. 

CDP delivers equitable and accessible mental and behavioral health care services at no cost to clients and program participants. The objective of these programs is to prepare youth to become active contributors to the community by breaking down barriers to social and emotional skill development, mental health care, and substance use therapy. 

Our dedicated team of counselors serves approximately 500 clients and program participants annually – regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, language, or ability. Clients and program participants primarily range in age from 10 to 22 years old. CDP's offerings include:

• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs: In partnership with schools and community organizations, CDP’s SEL programs are led in classrooms, after school, and over the summer.

• We Matter Gun Violence Prevention Initiative: CDP supports cohorts of the SEL-oriented We Matter Gun Violence Prevention Initiative at Powhatan Recreation Center and River City Middle School.

• Mental Health Services: Counselors provide mental health therapy and substance use treatment at our Jefferson Avenue outpatient clinic as well as at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center. As a safety net provider, CDP fosters community wellness by implementing culturally competent preventative strategies proven effective by the Centers for Disease Control.

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Counseling: CDP’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Counseling Services (DHHCCS) provide comprehensive outpatient emotional health services that are accessible to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.