Community Resources
A HEALTHY COMMUNITY IS A CONNECTED COMMUNITY
Connections to resources and relationships are how we build a healthier, more resilient, and more fulfilled future.
Our mental health affects every aspect of our lives, from how we feel about ourselves, our relationships, and the world to how we solve problems and perform at school or work. Mental health is no less important than our physical health. In fact, good mental health is an essential ingredient to our overall well-being.
All of us, at all ages, experience fear, sadness, anxiety, or stress. These experiences can affect anyone, and those living with mental health conditions deserve our support, compassion, and care.
Across the nation, we are experiencing a crisis specifically among children and youth concerning their mental health and emotional well-being. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an advisory, calling attention to the urgency of this matter, stating the challenges American youth face today is “unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate.” This crisis is real, widespread, and most importantly – preventable and treatable.
Supporting the mental health of children and youth will require a whole-of-society effort.
Here at the Y, we believe connections to resources and to one another can be the difference between opportunity and adversity.
THE Y'S ROLE
As a leader in the mental and behavioral health field for more than 40 years, we use the latest and best evidence to inform interventions, innovate services, and enhance programs to create a meaningful and lasting impact. We understand there isn’t a universal blanket to tackle this mental health crisis. That’s why we continue to offer specialized programs and therapeutic supports that represent our community’s voice, diversity, experience, and unique needs.
While the past two years have been filled with rapid changes, stress, grief, exhaustion, and uncertainty, our YMCA Community Support Services team continues to serve our community in important and relevant ways.
MOVING INTO ACTION
Throughout the month of May, the YMCA of Kankakee County is taking part in a community-wide campaign to raise awareness for the youth mental health crisis and offer direct support to children, youth, parents, and caregivers across Kankakee County.
Be Kind to Your Mind: A Mental Health Guide for Young People - Download
Throughout the month of May, we are hosting weekly support groups for parents and caregivers to learn positive parenting techniques while connecting and sharing with others.
Be Kind to Your Mind: A Mental Health Guide for Parents & Caregivers - Download
PARENTING & CAREGIVER SUPPORT 101: A CONVERSATION WITH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS
Parenting is hard. But it doesn't have to be. Join us to:
- Learn parenting techniques to reduce stress and navigate difficult situations
- Connect with others on the joys and challenges of parenting
- find answers that can strengthen your family's mental health and well-being
Throughout May, the following branches will be hosting a support session. Download a flyer for your respective branch for more information. Sessions are free and open to the public.
You can find a list of local resources below!
Ill.gov ( specifically pages – 4-6 ) https://idoc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idoc/communityresources/documents/10-iroquois-kankakee-livingston-mclean-resource-guide.pdf
KankakeeHealth.gov https://www.kankakeehealth.org/documents/about-3/community-health-needs-assessment-and-improvement-plan-1/mapp/2021-2/469-community-health-status-assessment-2/file
Mental health America of Illinois https://www.mhai.org/get-help
Suicide & crisis Life Line https://988lifeline.org/
Open Path https://openpathcollective.org/
Duane Dean https://www.duanedean.org/services
Kcc.edu https://www.kcc.edu/student-resources/counseling-and-referral-services/
DISCLAIMER:
Some of the following resources have not been created by Kankakee Area YMCA. As such Kankakee Area YMCA, in any way whatsoever, cannot be held responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked from these web pages.
