By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. May 24, 2026
An El Dorado County man is turning heartbreak into hope through a growing effort aimed at supporting students and increasing mental health awareness across the region.
Dylan Souza, who grew up in El Dorado County, launched “Walk for Jenna’s Joy” after the loss of his mother, Jenna Sue Souza, in 2023. The fundraiser and scholarship initiative was created to honor her memory while helping students facing emotional and mental health challenges.
Souza said the mission became deeply personal after his family experienced what he described as a sudden and devastating mental health crisis.
“In 2023, I lost my mom unfortunately to mental health illness. It was very acute and fast onset,” Souza told KCRA. “I was wanting to bridge the gap between the community and the schools.”
The annual “Walk for Jenna’s Joy” fundraiser raises money for scholarships and mental health awareness programs designed to support young people navigating emotional struggles, grief, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Souza said he hopes the event also helps normalize conversations about mental illness, particularly among students and families who may hesitate to seek help.
“After she passed away, I was like that’s a perfect way for her to live on and give joy to other people, just like the joy she gave me throughout my entire childhood,” Souza said.
Mental health advocates say the effort comes at a critical time for El Dorado County and communities across California, where schools and public health agencies continue working to address rising mental health concerns among youth and young adults.
According to the El Dorado County Behavioral Health Division, the county provides crisis services, youth mental health programs, and substance use treatment resources for residents across the region. The agency’s mission includes delivering “trauma-informed” and community-based mental health services for residents regardless of ability to pay.
Organizations such as NAMI El Dorado County have also expanded outreach efforts, support groups, and educational programs aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental illness. The nonprofit notes that approximately one in five people experience a mental health condition, underscoring the growing need for community support and early intervention.
Scholarship programs tied to mental health advocacy have increasingly emerged nationwide, particularly for students impacted by suicide, grief, and emotional trauma. In El Dorado County, community foundations and nonprofits continue investing in scholarships and wellness initiatives supporting local youth and families.
For Souza, the mission remains rooted in preserving his mother’s legacy while helping others feel less alone.
Community members interested in learning more about “Walk for Jenna’s Joy” or supporting mental health initiatives can also access local resources through El Dorado County Health and Human Services and NAMI El Dorado County.
