Hi Friend,

As a child and family service organization, we talk a lot about how strong families create thriving children, but what does it really mean to thrive?  

When families first turn to Brightpoint for help, they are often struggling just to get through the day – they are surviving. This is especially true for those who have experienced trauma.  

Brightpoint offers school-based mental health services in Winnebago County and Chicago’s south and west sides that are generously supported by donors like you. School-based programs are designed to address children’s mental health needs in a place they already feel safe so they can develop healthy, stable relationships, and succeed in school and overall.  

Taylor* is an 11-year-old girl with a history of trauma who worked with a therapist in Brightpoint’s school-based therapy program.  

One day, Taylor’s bus dropped her off at the wrong house after school, and she chased the bus down the street until she caught up to it. While this would be upsetting for any child, Taylor’s past abandonment made this experience so much more than that. 

Taylor’s anxiety became so bad that she was vomiting in her classroom and no longer felt safe at school – the place she should feel the safest outside of her home.  

Taylor was struggling to get through her days – she couldn’t pay attention in class or enjoy time with her friends. She was surviving, not thriving. 

With support from her therapist, Taylor began working through her anxiety to move past the traumatic experience. As a school-based program, the therapist was able to work with all the adults in Taylor’s life, including parents, teachers, the school nurse, and even the bus driver! This wouldn’t be possible in a traditional private practice office. 

Taylor learned how to cope with her stress and felt a little safer in her school each day. With help from donor-supported therapy services, her smile returned to her face, and she became confident – she was thriving! 

I share this story with you to show how much our mental health services help children and youth overcome daily struggles so that they can thrive. Taylor’s story is just one example of how generous support and partnership from people like you improve the lives of children and youth in our communities.  

We simply wouldn’t be able to offer these critical services without your support. You play an important role in making sure we can continue offering mental health care to children and youth in need.  Thank you so much! 

All the best, 

Kimberly Schulte
Manager of Corporate & Foundation Grants 

*Name is changed for privacy