News from YFC

Join us for a night of fun & games in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month on Thursday, May 10 at Mickey Finn's Brewery.  Whether you're a trivia master or a "newbie", the trivia pros at Egghead Pub Trivia will test your wits, tickle your funny bone and assure that a good time is had by all. 

Ticket price includes an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad buffet, along with dessert and a cash bar.  Have fun while helping us raise money to provide mental health counseling services for low-income Lake County residents. Doors open at 6:00, and Trivia begins at 7:00.  For more information, or to purchase tickets or sponsorships,  click here.

Hats off to the ladies of Youth & Family Counseling’s Auxiliary!  Thanks to their efforts, these incredible women raised over $150,000 in support of YFC’s mission to provide mental healthcare to those who need it, regardless of ability to pay.

Our May 4th Food for Thought Luncheon was a terrific success! Guests were inspired by the message of our keynote speaker, Shannon Heffernan, mental health reporter for WBEZ radio, and enjoyed the Knollwood Club's lovely amenties and cuisine.  Our event was extra special this year, as friends and family gathered to recognize Jim Shackelford, YFC’s retiring Clinical Director, who is stepping down after seven years at the helm of our agency.  Jim shared highlights of his impressive 50 year career, and touched our hearts with his warm Southern storytelling.  

Food For Thought celebrated the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, and raised almost $25,000 to provide mental health counseling to low income, underinsured families in our community. 

Growing up is tough, no matter who you are. But for children who are marginalized – those who are refugees, immigrants, undocumented, LGBTQ, or in a religious/racial minority – life stressors have become even more onerous due, in part, to recent political developments. According to a joint report from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the Illinois Childhood Trauma Coalition, there is evidence that bullying is on the rise, as some students have interpreted current political rhetoric as permission to mistreat students of color and minority status.  Fear of deportation and separation from family trigger feelings of hopelessness and helplessness in refugee and immigrant children.