The challenge
When the U.S. Surgeon General declared an epidemic of loneliness in 2023, it hit home for the Health Education Council (HEC) and Sutter Health. They had already seen what isolation was doing to community health—especially for kids. Cultural stigmas and lack of trust in institutions were keeping too many families, particularly in Hispanic communities, from talking about mental health or seeking help. HEC and Sutter knew they needed a new way to reach families and open up these conversations in a meaningful, culturally relevant way.
The opportunity
HEC and Sutter turned to 3fold to develop a tool that could spark conversations about youth mental health—not just for kids, but for the families and communities that surround them. Together, we asked: What if the most effective way to educate families wasn’t a campaign or a flyer—but a story?
Our approach
We worked alongside HEC to create Nina’s Neighborhood, the first in a children’s book series designed to help families explore youth mental health through familiar, culturally grounded stories. Written for elementary-aged kids, the book follows Nina—a young girl struggling to understand why she feels distant and disconnected from her family and friends. As the story unfolds, readers learn Nina’s experience mirrors that of her grandmother, who is also coping with life changes and feelings of isolation.
The book is intentionally designed for families to read together—bridging generations, breaking down stigma, and using storytelling to start real conversations about feelings, connection, and healing. We embedded HEC’s real programs and resources into the narrative, making sure the story didn’t just raise awareness—it led families to action.
The result
With 49 vibrant illustrations and a heartfelt, relatable storyline, Nina’s Neighborhood became more than just a book. It became a tool for building trust, sparking dialogue, and connecting families to real support services in their community.
By meeting families where they are—culturally, emotionally, and developmentally—we helped HEC and Sutter Health turn a public health priority into something deeply personal and accessible.
