The University of Chicago Medicine recently announced it is dedicating $300,000 over three years to help improve the social-emotional well-being of youth served by Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI). There are more than 5,000 members in ten Clubs across Lake and Porter counties. Through the investment, UChicago Medicine says it will fund two full-time social worker positions in support of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Social and Emotional Programming. A news release said the two organizations began planning the partnership as UChicago Medicine was preparing to open the health system’s largest offsite facility in Crown Point this past spring.
“With the opening of our state-of-the-art care center in Crown Point this past April, UChicago Medicine welcomes the opportunity to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana to strengthen mental health and educational resources for Northwest Indiana youth and families,” said Amy Ross, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at UChicago Medicine. “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.”
“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,” shared Mike Jessen, President and CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “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. 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.”
As part of this partnership and UChicago Medicine’s contribution, all donations to BGCGNWI will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, during its Return to Learn campaign from September 12-26, 2024. Here is a link for more information – bgcgreaternwi.org/return-2-learn .
