University of Chicago Medicine, Boys & Girls Clubs to partner

The University of Chicago Medicine and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana are partnering to support healthy kids and families.

Together, the organizations aim to increase the mental health resources and social supports available to the youth that Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana serve. Boys & Girls Clubs has over 5,000 members in 10 clubs across Northwest Indiana in Lake and Porter counties.

Through a $300,000 three-year investment, UChicago Medicine will fund two full-time social workers to support Boys & Girls Clubs’ social and emotional programming. 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 prepared to open the health system’s facility in Crown Point in spring 2024.

“Working together, we can bring more resources to more people, growing the programs that are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives and well-being,” said Amy Ross, UChicago Medicine executive vice president, chief strategy and growth officer, in a press release .

UChicago Medicine will also provide training to Boys & Girls Club staff on trauma-informed approaches for youth and family programming.

“Today’s youth face a number of unique and unprecedented challenges, which makes it more important than ever to ensure they have the proper resources and support to help them reach their full potential,” Mike Jessen, Boys & Girls Clubs president and CEO, said. “Our long-term transformative partnership with University of Chicago Medicine allows us to significantly enhance our social and emotional wellness youth programming to do just that.”

As part of the partnership and UChicago Medicine’s contribution, all donations to Boys & Girls Club will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, during its Return to Learn campaign in September.

“Together, we are committed to improving the health and wellness of our club kids and paving the way for them to become productive, responsible and caring citizens,” Jessen said.

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