Support KidsMatter initiatives during Mental Health Month
Two opportunities this month to support proactive strategies for well-being
During Mental Health Awareness Month, KidsMatter encourages the community to join in a suite of proactive programs and strategies — not only to recognize mental health concerns, but also to support and uplift youth and families for a future of well-being.
KidsMatter, in collaboration with their partners, is committed to equipping peers and adults with the tools to recognize, understand and respond to mental health challenges among young people. Its mission since its founding in 2001 has been to build resilient kids who say no to destructive choices and yes to endless possibilities. They help young people build assets and tools to manage the societal pressures and stresses of everyday life. They view mental health awareness as a shared responsibility — one that involves families, educators, health care providers and the broader community working together to reduce stigma and promote open dialogue.
KidsMatter promotes youth mental health, in collaboration with their partners, year-round through the following initiatives:
• Youth Mental Health First Aid: These trainings teach adults and teens to identify signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth, to provide initial help and to offer connections to appropriate care. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, trauma, social media and bullying. KidsMatter also supports a new initiative developed by Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli and community partners — the Unlocking Hope Suicide Disrupter Training — in partnership with the Alive Center.
• Community forums and panels: In collaboration with our broad base of donors, supporters and community partners, including the Collaborative Youth Team and the GPS Parent Series, KidsMatter hosts and supports free mental health forums addressing current stressors affecting teens, including online safety, depression and suicidal ideation.
• Mental health resources: KidsMatter provides a comprehensive suite of resources on topics including digital awareness, substance use, depression and mindfulness, along with guidance on parenting strategies and self-care practices to support mental well-being.
This month, KidsMatter is hosting two fundraising events to support our work in youth mental health. Join us at the following events, where a portion of sales will help support and empower youth in our community.
• Dine at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at 436 S. Route 59 in Naperville anytime during open hours through Saturday, May 10, and the restaurant will give 15% percent of the total bill to KidsMatter to support youth mental health. Four-legged friends are welcome. Mention KidsMatter, or use the code 01NAPERVILLE, when ordering for dine-in or carryout to participate. Restaurant hours are 10 a.m. to midnight daily.
• Drop by the Kendra Scott jewelry boutique from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 23, at 55 S. Main St., Suite 111 in Naperville, for an in-store shopping party! Browse and buy signature KidsMatter pieces and other fine accessories, while you enjoy light refreshments and small bites throughout the day. Kendra Scott will donate 20% of percent of all in-store purchases during the event to KidsMatter. Or, shop online from May 23-25 and use the code GIVEBACK-JJKJQ to participate remotely.
KidsMatter is grateful to all of the volunteers, donors, and partners who make this impactful work possible. They encourage the community to engage in daily practices that promote mental well-being, such as spending time outdoors, getting adequate sleep, taking social media breaks and otherwise doing things that bring joy. Together, they all can contribute to a community environment that understands it is “OK not to be OK” and supports anyone in need of mental health help.
For details about Youth Mental Health First Aid and to view the list of partners, visit kidsmatter2us.org/ymhfa-training/. To browse the mental health resources, visit kidsmatter2us.org/resources/. To donate in support of our youth mental health initiatives, visit kidsmatter2us.org/ways-to-give/donate/.
About KidsMatter:
Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth oriented human service organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities. Established in 2001, KidsMatter has received the Naperville Chamber of Commerce 2014 “NFP of the Year” Award, 2015 “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award” and Illinois Principals Association 2016 “Building School Community Bridges Award” for its work helping young people build developmental assets including positive values, healthy relationships, and self-esteem. With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start, KidsMatter equips youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources, and youth recognition. A community leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnership with parents, educators, and an extensive network of community resources to help kids and families thrive.