Project Healthy Minds provides an integrated set of academic and mental health services for students and their families.
Supporting students in their education is a core activity of Project healthy minds. Like so many other aspects of the society, the pandemic has worsened inequities in education. We breakdown barriers that prevent young, underserved students from achieving education and career success. We are on a mission to close the learning gap, reduce the dropout rate and develop students of all ages and diverse backgrounds by allowing them an equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Volunteers will tutor students in various subjects, so they can grasp learning concepts to improve their confidence, grades and test scores. Are you passionate about helping a underprivileged student achieve his/her college dreams and fulfill their goals? If so, become a tutor with Project healthy minds and you will work directly with a student and help set them up for success on their journey through high school or college and beyond by sharing your wisdom.
People are much more resilient than we usually recognize. But when we encounter challenges and stress , we sometimes forget our strengths, lose touch with who we are and even forget what it feels like to be happy, engaged and in control. Our counsellors will help you build your resilience by tapping into your hidden strengths. We work collaboratively with you to create and hone new coping techniques and strategies. We know that being vulnerable and opening up is hard, so we work without judgement; assisting you in gaining clarity around your values and your priorities. Together we will solve problems, set goals and support you in staying accountable so that you can function at your highest potential.
There are more than 400,000 students in the state foster care system and each year over 20,000 age out. As youth get ready to transition to adult life, they may face significant challenges in accessing resources they need to become self sufficient.
A child’s journey through a foster care system is full of decision he/she did not make. Getting moved between houses, communities and families without much clarity on what would happen next. It is not easy. When foster youth age out of foster care they loose their network of support who provide for their basic needs. Struggling to face the challenges of adulthood they often reach lower levels of educational attainment and experience greater levels of homelessness.
Mentoring support: It all starts with trying to build a relationship so the young adult can confide in his/her mentor. Building trust happens over time and mentorship is a great way to give a child in foster care room to speak and be heard. Children in foster care and youth in transition need adults who will listen without judgement and help them process what they have been through. Project healthy minds mentors commit an hour a week to surround foster youth with a community of love and support. Consistent time can make a lasting impact.
Are you willing to be the stabilizing force they need while they piece together the events that have unfolded in their lives.
Skills training support: The Midwest evaluation of the adult functioning of former foster youth finds that youth previously in foster care were less likely to be employed and earned lower wages when surveyed at ages 19, 21,23 and 26 than young people in the general population. In a study of foster care alumni fewer than 1 in 5 reported receiving job training or workforce development services thru workforce investment act program providers within 3 yrs of leaving care. Although youth employment program have existed for decades there is not much evidence of their effectiveness. Project healthy minds seeks the support of people like to you to help youth enroll in job related training based on their individual skills. For eg., For a foster student who aspires to be a web developer provide financial help to enroll in a series of courses to attain the skills and help with finding employment.
Financial support :Youth out of foster care need financial support to survive. Support youth with their day-to-day needs to purchase groceries, rent expenses, clothing, furniture, pay utility bills, computer, phone etc.,.