The Piedmont Unified School District Wellness Center fall fundraising campaign is off to a strong start thanks to a generous $30,000 gift from Dress Best for Less (DBFL).
“The emotional well-being of teenagers plays a key role in their success and happiness, and DBFL is proud to support the Wellness Center in achieving this goal,” said DBFL President Nagisa Yamamoto. The donation will fully offset the cost of a Wellness Center counselor, helping keep mental health and wellness services free and accessible to Piedmont students.
The gift will enable the Wellness Center to support the stipend for a counseling intern for the 2026-2027 school year, keeping mental health and wellness services free and accessible for Piedmont students. Partners like DBFL are essential to the long-term viability of the Wellness Center.
Founded in 1982 to support Piedmont schools, the non-profit DBFL retail store accepts and resells new or gently used items, donating profits to the community while supporting sustainability efforts by keeping clothing and household goods out of landfill. Community members can support DBFL’s work by shopping at the retail store on Piedmont Avenue or volunteering.
The PUSD Wellness Center serves students at Piedmont High School, Middle School and Millennium High School. Counselors provide free, confidential counseling on campus and connect students and families with community resources. Students can seek scheduled or drop-in support for challenges including academic stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflicts and substance use concerns.
During the 2025-26 school year, Wellness Center counselors provided over 1,620 therapy sessions to students while another 100 students received ongoing, individualized support. The Center also offers students healthy snacks and health resources on a drop-in basis, another way it creates a welcoming space.
This year, the Wellness Center Support Committee must raise an additional $50,000 to ensure that the Wellness Center can continue offering the same level of support to Piedmont’s students. Donors of $500 or more will receive an invitation for two to a sponsor reception at a private home in Piedmont.
Those who contribute $1,000 or more will also have their names added to the Gratitude Wall outside the Wellness Center at Piedmont High School, an artist-designed installation of translucent tiles, each featuring the name of a generous donor who has helped support the Wellness Center. Inaugurated in May of 2026 and rotated annually, the wall recognizes the families and community members whose generosity helps support counseling hours and a safe space for Piedmont students.
Contributions help fund counseling staff stipends, program supplies and student support activities. This year’s fundraising campaign, which launched Aug. 12, will help the Center continue offering its current range of programs and services.
To contribute to the 2026 campaign or learn more, visit Piedmontwellness.org
To learn more about shopping, donating or volunteering with DBFL, visit dressbestforless.org