Tulsa nonprofit supports Hispanic youth with free mental health services – KTUL

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by Alexis Cuttler
TULSA, Okla. — The importance of mental health is a conversation that's gaining more attention, but in the Hispanic community, it's often less openly discussed.
That's something Brittne Canizales, the Founder and Executive Director of The Elevate Project, said she has seen firsthand.
She started the nonprofit to address those challenges in a unique way, particularly in the east Tulsa area.
Canizales said the organization was created to help break the cycle of juvenile incarceration among Hispanic youth.
"One of the biggest things I see among the Hispanic youth that I serve is this idea that things shouldn't be spoken about or their mental health issues should not be talked about," Canizales said. "There's a little bit of a hesitation and sometimes, culturally, a taboo to come to a therapist or receive services."
The Elevate Project offers free services, taking referrals from outside sources, though it primarily works with probation officers.
The program focuses on those ages 15 to 24.
Canizales said the organization fills gaps she identified in east Tulsa.
"The holes that I saw were in the east Tulsa community, focusing on the Hispanic community, as well as providing more of a holistic approach. Not just mental health, not just substance abuse services, but expanding programming to provide skills classes, community service projects and field trips."
She said the goal is to create a space where young people feel supported and valued.
"They need connection, they need healthy relationships and they need a place to belong. When they don't feel like they have that at home or within their family, they will find it and sometimes not in the healthiest ways."
Canizales said giving teens and young adults a sense of belonging, purpose and connection can help them find positive outlets and hobbies; however, she emphasized the first step is to reach out for help.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.

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