The University of Chicago School of Medicine and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana partner to support healthy children and families.
Together, the organizations aim to increase the mental health resources and social support available to youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. Boys & Girls Clubs has more than 5,000 members in 10 clubs in Northwest Indiana in Lake and Porter counties.
Through a three-year, $300,000 investment, the University of Chicago School of Medicine will fund two full-time social workers to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ social and emotional programs. The youth programs focus on early detection and intervention strategies that address mental health, trauma, grief, and abuse.
The two organizations began planning the partnership as UChicago Medicine prepares to open its Crown Point health system facility in spring 2024.
“By working together, we can provide more resources to more people, and grow programs that make a significant difference in people’s lives and well-being,” Amy Ross, executive vice president and chief strategy and growth officer at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, said in a press release.
UChicago Medicine will also provide training to Boys & Girls Club staff on trauma-informed approaches to youth and family programs.
“Today’s youth face a number of unique and unprecedented challenges, making it more important than ever to ensure they have the right resources and support to help them reach their full potential,” said Mike Jessen, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs. “Our long-standing, transformative partnership with the University of Chicago School of Medicine allows us to significantly enhance our youth social and emotional health programs to do just that.”
As part of the partnership and contribution from the University of Chicago School of Medicine, all donations to the Boys & Girls Club will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, during the Back to Learn campaign in September.
“Together, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our club’s children and paving the way for them to become productive, responsible and caring citizens,” said Jessen.
