Aptakisic Jr. High “EveryBody Matters Program” participants give back

Aptakisic Junior High School (AJHS) launched the innovative EveryBody Matters (EBM) program, funded by Elyssa's Mission.

Eleven girls were chosen to participate in this 15-week program, with all girls benefitting from both the expertise of group leaders Beth Holzhauer (LCSW, Womencare Counseling Center) and Carolyn Lewis (LCSW, AJHS social worker), and also the dynamic interactions among the participating students.

The group recently applied their leadership skills by choosing to give back to their community, coordinating an effort to collect and then distribute food to their local Vernon Township food pantry.

Pictured collecting, sorting and loading donations for transport are EveryBody Matters participants (L to R) Emily Z., Sydney A., Jaclyn G. According to Carolyn Lewis, “the EveryBody Matters program at Aptakisic was more than successful with an overwhelming positive outcome. There was a perfect combination of parent support, student motivation, and facilitator enthusiasm. Most importantly, the girls identified for themselves how much they learned from the group and how they will use the skills learned in EveryBody Matters as they move forward to high school.”

In collaboration with Elyssa's Mission, Womencare Counseling Center has developed a comprehensive program called EveryBody Matters, designed to build resiliency in teens, giving them the tools they need to face life's stressors and adversities. EBM also focuses on building and enhancing a community's capacity to support its adolescents in making a safe passage from childhood into young adulthood. To learn more about Elyssa's Mission's EveryBody Matters program go to http://www.elyssasmission.org or call 847-697-9181.

Elyssa's Mission

Elyssa's Mission is a 501c3 nonprofit established in Illinois in 2006. Elyssa's Mission is a foundation dedicated to educating, funding, distributing, and implementing the SOS Signs of Suicide® program, as well as other prevention programs that are evidence-based and backed by mental health professionals. Elyssa's Mission takes a strength-based, public health approach to its work with a focus on providing support and resources to help with the painful challenges faced by today's teenagers. For more information go to www.elyssasmission.org