Welcome to The Belonging Lab
Welcome to The Belonging Lab
A New Kind of Mental Health Movement
The Belonging Lab is a San Diego–based nonprofit working to prevent suicide and reimagine mental health care — starting with community.
We were founded by young people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide and overdose — and who believe no one should ever have to suffer in silence. That’s why we’re building a new kind of support system: one rooted in connection, creativity, and care.
We run peer-led programs, community research, and mental health-first spaces like Stay Café, where anyone can show up and feel like they belong.
“We exist because disconnection kills — but belonging can save a life.”
Aly Vredenburgh, Founder
Belonging is a protective factor against suicide.
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2021
“Lacking social connection increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.”
— U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, 2023 Advisory on Loneliness
69% of young people report feeling alone or like they don’t belong.
— Harvard Youth Poll, 2021
Join Us
Hours
Monday–Friday
10am–6pm
Phone
(619) 431-0319
Email
alyvredenburgh@gmail.com