Trauma-Informed Awareness Day in Illinois is fast approaching on Thursday, May 23. Trauma-Informed Awareness Day is a celebration of overcoming adversity that highlights the importance of prevention, community resilience, and trauma-informed care. This year, the Bright Promises Youth Council is taking over! Youth leaders from across Chicagoland will take over Bright Promises social channels for a full-day of youth-made content and youth-hosted virtual events. As we countdown, we draw inspiration from the impactful contributions of our Youth Council members last year. We’re moved to share the profound words of Michaela, a youth leader from @luv_institute. Her poem, “Dear Black Girl,” is a homage to the resilience and beauty of Black womanhood. Join us in celebrating her voice and the essence of what it means to be a muse of her own story. Read the entire poem in the comments and Michaela’s reflections: https://buff.ly/3wgavIF #TraumaAwareness #TIAD2024 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma #YouthVoices #CommunityHealing #makeadifference #inclusion #empathy #socialjustice #Poetry #Identity #Resilience #Empowerment
Hey, parents and caregivers! 👋 Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery with your kids? Dive into the world of self-awareness with our latest gem from the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub and our partners at the Illinois Afterschool Network. The “SEL Activities Pocket Guide: Self-Awareness” activity helps your little ones identify their feelings, recognize their strengths, and appreciate their unique selves, setting a solid foundation for confidence and emotional intelligence. Elevate your child’s journey to self-awareness and equip them with the skills to thrive in every aspect of life. Check it out here (for free!): https://www.brightpromises.org/bright-communities #BrightCommunities #SELatHome #SEL #weeklyfeature #EmpowerYouth #BrighterTomorrow #BrightPromises #Community #ChangeMakers #BrightFutures #CommunityImpact #CommunityLeader #nonprofit #Chicago #CreatingOpportunities #BrightPromisesPartnerSpotlight #LearnWithBrightPromises #BuildingBrighterFutures #FridayMotivation #friday #FearlessFriday #FeatureFriday #FridayForFuture #FridayFacts #FridayFreebie #FridayFocus
Save the date: The sixth annual Trauma-Informed Awareness Day in Illinois is on May 23, 2024 –a day to celebrate overcoming adversity, community resilience, and trauma-informed care. This year, the Bright Promises Youth Council will takeover Bright Promises Foundation for the day, sharing their experiences with us. As we approach Trauma-Informed Awareness Day 2024, we’re proud to reshare some of the powerful words of hope offered by our youth leaders last year. Let’s take a moment to honor their commitment to fostering healing and building our communities up. #TraumaAwareness #TIAD2024 #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma #TraumaInformedAwareness #YouthVoices #CommunityHealing #inclusion #empathy #socialjustice #traumahealing #traumarecovery
Hi, families! 👋 Looking for a heartwarming storytime experience for your kids that encourages children’s ability to learn? The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is packed with simple yet effective activities chosen by experts to teach your kids the social and emotional skills they need to thrive in school and in life. Join us for a journey with our recorded story: 'Me Gusta Como Soy!' from our valued partners at @vocelkids. This week, dive into this enchanting story that celebrates self-esteem, diversity, and the joy of being unique. It’s an excellent resource for parents and caregivers looking to instill positive values and confidence in children through the magical world of storytelling. Watch (for free!) here: https://buff.ly/4a4pseZ #BrightCommunities #SEL #freeresources #SELatHome #SEL #weeklyfeature #EmpowerYouth #BrighterTomorrow #BrightPromises #Community #MotivationMonday #MondayMotivation #MondayInspo #MondayMantra #MotivationalMonday #MotivationalMondays #MondayNight #MindfulMonday
Hey there, parents and caregivers! 👋 Are you navigating challenging yet vital conversations about race and racism with your kids? We've got just the thing to support you. The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is packed with simple yet effective activities chosen by experts to teach your kids the social and emotional skills they need to thrive in school and in life. Dive into VOCEL's Masterclass series 'How to Talk to Kids About Race.' This week’s featured resource is designed for anyone eager to find thoughtful, age-appropriate ways to discuss race and racism with their children. Featuring insights from guest speakers Nat Vikitsreth and Siemone Smith, this session promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to foster meaningful conversations at home. Learn more and access this resource here (it's free!): https://www.brightpromises.org/sel-resources/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-race #BrightCommunities #SEL #freeresources #SELatHome #SEL #weeklyfeature #EmpowerYouth #BrighterTomorrow #BrightPromises #Community #ChangeMakers #BrightFutures #CommunityImpact #CommunityLeader #nonprofit #Chicago #CreatingOpportunities #BrightPromisesPartnerSpotlight #LearnWithBrightPromises #BuildingBrighterFutures #FridayMotivation #friday #FearlessFriday #FeatureFriday #FridayForFuture #FridayFacts #FridayFreebie #FridayFocus
Join Bright Promises Foundation and our partners BUILD Chicago, Project: VISION, and Chicago Freedom School on Wednesday, 4/17 at 11:00a CST for a free webinar about the positive impact of developing youth as leaders in our communities. During this webinar you will learn the many benefits of empowering and equipping youth to lead. You will walk away with specific, actionable steps that you can take to tap young people’s inherent strengths as leaders. Can’t attend on 4/17? You don’t have to miss out! A recording of the webinar will be sent to everyone who registers. Sign-up for free on our website at www.brightpromises.org/events. #Webinar #EmpowerYouth #BrighterTomorrow #BrightPromises #Community #ChangeMakers #BrightFutures #CommunityImpact #CommunityLeader #nonprofit #Chicago #CreatingOpportunities #BrightPromisesPartnerSpotlight #LearnWithBrightPromises #BuildingBrighterFutures
Black students are suspended far more frequently than their white peers for comments and behaviors tagged as disobedience or disruption, which can include dress code violations, talking back to teachers and being too noisy. A recent study by the Hechinger Report found that school administrators suspended Black students for behaviors labeled as defiant, disruptive or disorderly, at rates well above those for white students, according to data collected from nine states over five school years. Behavior perceived as disrespectful or threatening in one classroom may be considered tolerable in another, depending on who’s listening and who’s speaking. That’s when racial and cultural differences between educators and students can come into play. Researchers say that racial disparities inside schools tend to reflect what’s happening in society as a whole and that income level does not explain the discrepancies. So what can we do about it? Experience and training can provide adults with tools to address young people's conduct without suspending them. Self-regulation, especially in stressful situations, is also key for adults. Are you a teacher, parent, or caregiver looking for tools to help resolve conflict and reinforce positive behavior in children and youth? Check out the Bright Communities SEL Resource hub for fun, engaging, and FREE resources and activities that help kids (and adults) work on the skills they need to thrive in school and in life!: https://www.brightpromises.org/bright-communities #BrightCommunities #SEL #freeresources #SELatHome #SEL #weeklyfeature #EmpowerYouth #BrighterTomorrow #BrightPromises #Community #ChangeMakers #BrightFutures #CommunityImpact #CommunityLeader #nonprofit #Chicago #CreatingOpportunities #BrightPromisesPartnerSpotlight #LearnWithBrightPromises #BuildingBrighterFutures #WellnessWednesday #WednesdayWisdom
Hey, parents and caregivers! 👋 On the hunt for free resources to help your little ones with important stuff like handling their emotions, sharing what they feel, and making new buddies? The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is packed with simple yet effective activities chosen by experts to teach your kids the social and emotional skills they need to thrive in school and in life. This week, we're excited to feature a resource from our partners at the Illinois Afterschool Matters designed to boost your child’s mood and self-esteem. The Complete SEL Parent Activity Pocket Guide is your go-to for engaging activities to enjoy with your child, enhancing their self-awareness, kindness, and confidence. Don't miss out on the “Best Possible Self” activity – it’s a hit for lifting kids’ spirits, fostering hope, and building stronger coping skills. Explore the resource here (for free!) by copying the URL into your browser or watching our Instagram story: https://www.brightpromises.org/sel-resources/sel-online-parent-activity-guide #BrightCommunities #SELatHome #SEL #weeklyfeature #EmpowerYouth #BrighterTomorrow #BrightPromises #Community #ChangeMakers #BrightFutures #CommunityImpact #CommunityLeader #nonprofit #Chicago #CreatingOpportunities #BrightPromisesPartnerSpotlight #LearnWithBrightPromises #BuildingBrighterFutures
Congratulations to all of the Chicagoland organizations who were selected to receive grants through the Yield Giving Open Call announced this week! We are delighted to see several of our past and current partner organizations recognized for their incredible vision and impact, including @alternativesinc and @hanacenterchicago and organizations led by past annual Award recipients including @thecfsy We continue to feel the radiating positive impact of MacKenzie Scott's historic investment in Bright Promises Foundation and our mission to find, fund, and share solutions to the most urgent, underrecognized needs of Chicagoland children and youth. Thank you MacKenzie Scott and @yieldgiving. Your transformational investment is helping us build our partnerships with leading community organizations and fulfill our mission in new and exciting ways! #brightpromises #yieldgiving #community #partnership #strongertogether #Chicago #ChicagoYouth #giveback
The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is now in English and Spanish! Bright Communities is a new website dedicated to providing parents, caregivers, educators, and service providers with fun, engaging, and free Social Emotional Learning (SEL) resources to support the mental health and development of important life skills in children and youth. This website offers a collection of high-quality resources that have been curated by experts in the field of social emotional learning and mental health. No login or registration is required! All you need is an internet connection to access a wide range of meaningful and helpful resources. Whether you're a parent looking for activities to do with your child, a teacher seeking lesson plans, or a professional looking for expert advice, you'll be able to find it on the Bright Communities website. Visit the Bright Communities website at www.brightpromises.org/bright-communities #brightpromises #children #youth #SEL #mentalhealth #youthmentalhealth #socialemotionallearning #freeresources
Welcome to February. Our month of bright, good and precious promises. #gregerhabor #ihope #iHope #welcometofebruary #monthofbrightpromises #monthofgoodpromises #monthofpreciouspromises #monthofgodspromises #goodpromises #brightpromises #preciouspromises #spokesman
Bright Promises Foundation is now accepting Letters of Intent for the Healing, Leading, Changing grant initiative. Through this multi-year initiative, Bright Promises is partnering with youth-serving organizations to support trauma-informed programs that explicitly address childhood trauma caused by racism. Organizations with youth programs that interact with the greater community and programs that promote youth activism are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please read the 2024 Guidelines for full program and eligibility details. If eligible, complete the Letter of Intent Form by February 23 at 5:00pm CST. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3S7erma #brightpromises #foundation #grantopportunity #funding #chicago #children #youth #chicagoyouth #traumainformed #healing #resiliency #partner #community #giveback #philanthropy #trustbasedphilanthropy #youthempowerment #youthdevelopment #elevatingyouthvoices Image provided by grantee partner Gads Hill Center.
Are you passionate about supporting mentoring programs for youth? Us too. Are you passionate about supporting organizations that prevent violence by addressing gaps in mental health services? Us too. Are you passionate about helping fathers and father figures strengthen their relationships with their children and communities? Us too. Are you passionate about expanding leadership opportunities for girls and gender non-conforming youth? Us too. There are so many ways to empower and nurture Chicagoland children and youth. With your gift to Bright Promises, you can invest in the issues you are most passionate about, magnifying the impact of your gift to reach even more children and families. Bright Promises is partnering with leading community organizations across Chicagoland to unlock children and youth's full potential. Make your gift to Bright Promises Foundation by this Sunday, 12/31 to support all of the ways you are passionate about helping children and youth. Donate online at https://buff.ly/411NW5w Pictured: Guests interacting with youth leaders representing grantee partner organizations at Bright Promises 2023 Awards. Photos by Yvette Dostatni. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Last year, Bright Promises launched a special fund created in honor of retired Executive Director, Iris Krieg, that supports programs where youth are actively engaged in working for social justice and the equitable treatment for themselves and others. The fourth ever organization to receive a grant through the F.A.I.R. Fund is Storycatchers Theater. Storycatchers Temporary LockDown program provides incarcerated youth access and opportunities to engage with expanded artistic forms of self-expression including poetry recitation, written anthologies, stand-along songs, and short scenes. WIth Bright Promises support, Storycatchers is helping these adolescents develop the capacity to envision and pursue productive and meaningful post-release lives. This flexibility regarding artistic output enriches the program’s capacity to maximize collaborative aspects of artistic production. This guides system-impacted youth to develop cooperative practices and behavioral management skills. The collaborative process of artistic expression, together with counseling and conflict resolution techniques, help youth learn critical skills such as communication, leadership, and collective problem-solving. Once young people recognize the root causes of their challenges, they can begin learning to manage their behaviors so that past struggles do not determine the shape of their futures. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Last year, Bright Promises launched a special fund created in honor of retired Executive Director, Iris Krieg, that supports programs where youth are actively engaged in working for social justice and the equitable treatment for themselves and others. The third ever organization to receive a grant through the F.A.I.R. Fund is Equip for Equality. Equip for Equality’s Education Justice Project (EJP) gives legal help to students with disabilities who experience police contact, court involvement or incarceration, or are at-risk of these things. Sources estimate between 65-70% of youth involved in the juvenile justice system have a disability. In the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, 100% of youth in juvenile prisons have at least one mental health diagnosis. The juvenile legal system is ill-equipped to address the needs of these young people, yet youth with disabilities are overrepresented in it. With Bright Promises support, Equip for Equality will work to secure appropriate services for youth with disabilities in the community while reducing their involvement in the juvenile legal system. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the increased number of children qualifying for Early Intervention and Special Education services for developmental delays and other diagnostic categories, such as autism spectrum disorder, has been staggering. The parallel challenge of provider shortages in the field is only perpetuating the already existing inequities for low-income children in urban environments. With Bright Promises support, Onward House is engaging a speech-language pathologist (SLP) consultant to train staff, furthering Onward House’s commitment to enhancing the services for children with disabilities. This investment will help Onward House to be more responsive to the needs of the children and families they serve, supporting the growth and development of the whole child and preparing them for success in school and life! #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Through our EQUIP early childhood grant program, Bright Promises helps organizations build their capacity to better serve children ages 0-5 and their families. This year, with Bright Promises support, Children's Place is providing their Early Learning staff targeted training on Instructional Support and intensive, coordinated follow up, observations and feedback to support long-term, sustainable implementation. Through this training teachers are becoming better equipped to respond to each child’s unique learning style and to engage in and provide improved learning opportunities that will help all children to grasp and benefit from the material. This equips teaching staff to provide the best support and prepare children for kindergarten and academic success. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
This year, through our early childhood capacity building grant program EQUIP, Bright Promises is partnering with Chicago Commons to administer a leadership development training workshop for ten of its early childhood leaders. Through this project, Chicago Commons is achieving quality improvements within its four primary centers located in Humboldt Park, Pilsen, and Back of the Yard. Leaders are learning to actively listen and engage with their staff, enabling them to better understand individual perspectives, concerns, and aspirations. By establishing a more positive organizational culture from the top down, Chicago Commons is cultivating more positive interactions between trained educators and their leadership team, resulting in a more quality learning environment for the children served within their early childhood education centers. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Bright Promises is proud to support the @realyouthinitiative, a program which develops revolutionary consciousness and community among currently and formerly incarcerated youth to work towards the abolition of prisons and the conditions that produce them. This year, Bright Promises honored Denzel Burke and Destine Phillips, co-founders of the R.E.A.L. Youth Initiative, with the 2023 Elevating Youth Voices Award. Denzel is a community builder, facilitator, and organizer. Destine is an activist and entrepreneur. Together, Denzel and Destine hope to take their lived experiences as formerly incarcerated youth to create positive change among incarcerated youth. When they were serving their time, Denzel and Destine needed genuine acceptance of their true selves. They needed attainable role models to inspire hope for their future and connections to people and ideas. They also needed outlets outside of their detention walls to help create a safe space to envision their future and goals. With their commitment to R.E.A.L, Denzel and Destine recognize that imprisoned youth are in dire need of similar opportunities. And with this reversal of roles, they hope to change the course of the future for other youth, as it has for them. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
As our team rests in preparation for all of the exciting things to come in 2024, our cups overflow filled with gratitude for all of our grantee partners whose work is the heartbeat of our mission. Bright Promises is proud to partner with organizations like @luv_institute to bring healing from trauma brought about by violence and racism through restorative justice practices and arts expression. With Bright Promises support, Love, Unity, & Values Institute has expanded their staff's capacity through restorative practice certification and advanced training in trauma-informed care. This past year, 8 youth ages 14-17 participated in the creation of the Freedom School Mural as expression of their journey healing from racial trauma. Executive Director Cosette Nazon-Wilburn shared, "This mural at Woodlawn Charter School was inspired by students who took part in the Freedom School Project through the LUV Institute. Through videos, storytelling and a curriculum called “Choices in Little Rock,” students were able to view history through iconic stories like The Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School 65 years ago." Photo shared by Cosette Nazon-Wilburn (@cowilburn) #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Community violence and exposure to trauma are causing a mental health crisis unlike any other among Black and Brown youth in Chicago. Oftentimes, young people who are struggling with trauma-induced symptoms can have a harder time succeeding in school and maintaining their physical health (The Impact of Gun Violence on Children & Teens, EveryTown, 2023). With @alternativesinc trauma-informed lens, they recognize that the circumstances their youth are often in, whether it is struggling in school, reported “behavioral issues” and more, are frequently through no fault of their own; Alternatives Youth Development programs provide young people with authentic opportunities to develop their leadership skills and demonstrate their abilities as leaders and change-makers. This year, Bright Promises is partnering with Alternatives to enhance their Leadership Development Program by integrating principles of Restorative Justice and Trauma-Informed Care to support young people as they move along a continuum of healing, growing, and thriving. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
This year, @palenquelsna leveraged Bright Promises support to launch an organizing fellowship and selected 5 youth to participate. Youth fellows attended organizing workshops and created initiatives to respond to problems they identified in the community. From this work, Appreciation Fridays at partner school, Schurz High School, was created. Staff at Palenque LSNA shared, "As a response to gun violence students experienced at school in which 3 students were harmed, we chose to show up as a community and show love to the students of Schurz." The Youth Fellows work did not stop there, though. "From there, parents and students decided that in order to increase the feeling of safety, we should keep doing Appreciation Fridays once a month. At Schurz High School, we created a community Friday curriculum for a class of immigrant and ESL students. We worked with them on Fridays and taught them about their community and what their rights were and how they can be changemakers in their community. To culminate their community Fridays, they conducted a survey in their own internal circles about what their community needs are. They assessed the data and had conversations about how they can make a difference beyond their classroom. Many of the students in that class joined other ongoing programs we have in the organization and also went to Springfield to lobby for immigrant and workers’ rights." #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired Images shared by youth leaders Nelly and Saraid as part of Trauma Informed Awareness Day 2023.
Bright Promises is partnering with @ucanchicago to support the Project Visible Man program. Named for Ralph Ellison's writing, "Invisible Man", this mentoring program provides young men support as they navigate the journey into Manhood. Project Visible Man is the oldest of the UCAN's youth development programs, in operation for over 15 years. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this longevity is that individuals who experienced the program as youth are now leading it as UCAN staff. As UCAN offer opportunities for youth to demonstrate independence and flourish as the leader they want to be, they are working to ensure the young people they serve have the support network and consistent presence they need. With Bright Promises support, UCAN is providing ongoing trauma training to all staff, including a multi-part clinical philosophy suite of trainings, with aligned trainings focusing on diversity and inclusion. These trainings are not only delivered to client-facing staff but to all UCAN employees, helping to enhance UCAN's trauma-informed culture. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
"Black girls are often erased from social movements, and it's time for people to see, hear, and believe us." Girl/Friends The recent "Ready to Lead" report reveals, "Black girls are more likely to self-identify as leaders than any other ethnic group." This could not be more true for the youth leaders of @alongwalkhome (ALWH). ALWH works intergenerationally, through a Black feminist lens, to achieve gender and racial justice by centering the leadership of Black girls and gender-expansive young people of color on reshaping culture and policy through advocacy, youth-led programming, and shifting dominant narratives. With Bright Promises support, A Long Walk Home is expanding The Girl/friends Leadership program. Through this program Black girls and gender non-conforming youth ages 12-18 throughout Chicagoland to participate in a two-year art intensive and social justice leadership program. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired Images from 150th Anniversary Elevating Youth Voices program in 2019.
We are so grateful for our grantee partners, and for the generous support of our donors like you who make our mission possible, and we want to share our Attitude of Gratitude far and wide! This year, Bright Promises partnered with @girlsincchicago to support the launch of the citywide Ambassador program. The Ambassador program, which is open to all Chicago girls, welcomes girls of color who live in historically disinvested communities to select an advocacy topic of interest to them and implement a yearlong series of activities to advance the issue. Ambassadors selected hair discrimination as the issue they wanted to address this school year. Throughout the year, girls learned more about the Crown Act and educated others on this topic. While Illinois has legislation that prohibits hair discrimination, there are no nationwide legal protections against hair discrimination. Many of Ambassadors wear their hair naturally and/or have locks or other protective hairstyles; helping educate others about the damaging effects of hair discrimination was a cathartic experience for them and made them feel validated. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Partnering with those who have lived experience in the issues we are working to address is a core value at Bright Promises. Our EQUIP early childhood grantee partner @ahouseinaustinchicago is dedicated to hiring staff from the community as they understand the children and parents in a unique way. While hiring staff that understands the community brings great value, it does require A House in Austin to find new and unique opportunities to train and provide support for their staff. With Bright Promises support, this year A House in Austin is providing staff and volunteer training led by speech and occupational therapists and additional curriculum to respond to the needs of the diverse families they serve. For many of the children served through this partnership, A House in Austin is their first experience being away from their parents. This is important for the child, but also the parent. Many of these families have experienced trauma and struggle with the idea of separation. A House in Austin offers high quality services that build the trust and confidence of the families to get them ready for their next step. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
This year, Bright Promises is partnering with @concordiaplace to ensure that anti-bias education is the foundation of their early care and education programs. This impacts not only their interactions with children, families and staff, but will also shape their curriculum to ensure that it follows anti-bias principles and is culturally relevant. With Bright Promises support, Concordia Place delivered “The ABC's of Anti-Bias Education" training to staff, resulting in 93% of participants reporting an increased knowledge of anti-bias and inclusion in early childhood. Participants said: "I learned about the history of racism, AND that I can feel comfortable talking about race and exploring differences.” "I learned SO Much! The origins of race, ways to talk to my preschooler about race, how to be mindful everyday about how I’m responding to race and what media I am bringing into our home.” "I learned new ways of approaching topics of race and bias with my children."" "I learned how important it is to talk to children young, including (especially) my white child. " #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
In 2022, Austin had the highest rate of homicides among the city’s 77 community areas, with 45 reported (Chicago Tribune). Most of the youth served by Bright Promises' grantee partner BUILD Inc. are from the Austin neighborhood, where many have witnessed or been victims of violence. With Bright Promises support, the @buildchicago Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is encouraging young people, ages 16-24, to find their voice and develop confidence in themselves as leaders, while giving them a platform to address issues that are important to them, their peers, and their communities. The overall goal of the program is to support youth leadership and civic engagement by developing young Chicagoans as local leaders by providing safe, meaningful work experiences, mentorship from caring adults, and high-quality out-of-school time programming - when youth are most at risk - that helps youth to heal from trauma and thrive. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
✨Hope shines bright in the future we make. ✨ During this special time of year, we rely on our generous community of supporters like you - who value supporting families and empowering children and youth- to stand behind every young person that we serve, because that is what it takes. When children and youth thrive, we all thrive. Thank you for being a part of making that a reality for more children and youth across Chicagoland. #AttitudeofGratitude #brightpromises #hope #inspiration #giveback #donate #givingseason #community #chicago #chicagoyouth
We are giving thanks for our amazing community of supporters and partner organizations who make our mission to improve the lives and futures of Chicago children and youth possible. To engage more deeply in healing from racism-based trauma, @aaanmarkaz (Arab American Action Network) is providing capacity-building training for their staff and youth leaders. With Bright Promises support, AAAN grew their team of youth who are knowledgeable about racism, racial profiling, and racism-based trauma. This expanded team of youth leaders then facilitated workshops, alongside AAAN staff, that engaged youth program participants in an exploration on how racism and racial profiling have affected their lives and the lives of their families and the community more broadly. As a result of these workshops, the AAAN’s public-facing work is sharper and more clearly defines the roles of healing and racial-based trauma as they affect our community. AAAN is now in a position to lead the community in public discourse about understanding racism through a trauma-informed lens." #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
With Bright Promises support, youth leaders from @gadshillcenter are producing and broadcasting podcasts focusing on racism and racial trauma, including discussing and researching topics; interviewing peers, family members, and community residents; writing scripts and recording and editing the podcasts; and broadcasting the podcasts to other students, family members, and community residents (and perhaps beyond thanks to the power of the internet!). Through this project, youth at Gads Hill Center are developing leadership and advocacy skills and the capacity to identify systems and policies that perpetuate racism and the solutions to create change. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
In the last year, @chifreeschool leveraged Bright Promises support to significantly expand training for their team of youth leaders - program alumni who co-lead programming with staff. While young people have always co-led programs, Chicago Freedom School realized that they needed deeper training in order to grow more fully into their leadership roles. Youth leaders participated in nearly 40 hours of in-depth training on CPR, First Aid, urban emergency first response preparedness, conflict de-escalation, and transformative justice. Results from the Freedom Fellowship evaluation showed that 100% of participants believe it’s important to take a stand for social justice. Additionally, 85% strongly agree that they can solve problems in their schools by working together, as compared to 77% pre-program. These improved skills and confidence are foundational to young people feeling validated, empowered, and prepared to address racial injustice, which is a proven method for healing from racial trauma. #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired
Bright Promises is proud to partner with some of the most forward-thinking and deeply rooted community organizations serving children and families in Chicagoland This past year, Bright Promises partnered with the @northwestcenterchicago to expand the Belmont Cragin Youth Leadership Council, more than doubling the size of the council from 7 to 18 youth. Youth leaders met with adults in the community and discussed intergenerational trauma, including race-based trauma, and how it’s impacted them over the course of their lives from youth to older adults. During these discussions, youth learned about the race-based trauma that older adults in the community faced in the mid-20th century when they were youth, specifically around the Civil Rights Movement era and the racism in Chicago in the 1970s and 1980s. "This youth program keeps young people in the community occupied and active in their community,"" one parent shared. ""My child’s academic performance has improved. It keeps them productive,"" another parent celebrated; ""The program has helped them out a lot...it has lifted a lot of stress from their shoulders." #communitypartner #grantee #spotlight #attitudeofgratitude #givingseason #giveback #brightpromises #hopeshinesbright #hope #community #impact #yearinreview #rewind #givingthanks #grateful #inspired Images provided by Northwest Center
Your gift to Bright Promises Foundation makes a big impact on the lives of little kids! Did you know that 100% of your donation to Bright Promises Foundation will go directly to high-quality in-school and after-school programs serving thousands of children and youth across Chicagoland? The positive impact of your donation to Bright Promises radiates across 26 zip codes, benefitting children and youth at more than 45 schools and after-school programs. Make your gift securely online at brightpromises.org #radiatepositiveimpact #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #youthempowerment #chicagoyouth #giveback #community
Thank you to West Monroe for your generous support as Sponsors of the Bright Promises 2023 Awards! Thanks to you, Bright Promises and our community partners will be better able to elevate youth voices so that the children and youth of Chicago can lead us into a better, brighter future! We are grateful to be working with West Monroe to #radiatepositiveimpact! #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #youthempowerment #chicagoyouth #getinvolved #community #giveback
Thank you to Prue and Frank Beidler for taking action to #radiatepositiveimpact with your generous support as Ally Sponsors of Bright Promises 2023 Awards! Together, we are working to create a brighter, more supportive future for children and youth across Chicago. Your investment in Bright Promises and our community partners touches the lives of thousands of young people in more than 50 zip codes across Metro Chicago. We are grateful to be working together to #radiatepositiveimpact! #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #youthempowerment #getinvolved #giveback #community
Thank you to Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis for your generous support as Ally Sponsors of the Bright Promises 2023 Awards. We are grateful for your support and partnership as we work together to make a difference in the lives of children and youth across Chicago. Together, we #radiatepositiveimpact! #brightpromises #elevateyouthvoices #youthempowerment #getinvolved #community
Thank you to the Wilson-Gonthier Family Fund for your generous support as Ally Sponsors of Bright Promises 2023 Awards! We are so grateful for you. Together, we #radiatepositiveimpact throughout Metro Chicago by elevating youth voices and building a community where children and youth can thrive! #brightpromises #elevateyouthvoices #youthempowerment #getinvolved #community
Thank you to Gaylord and William Gieseke for your generous support as Ally Sponsors of Bright Promises 2023 Awards! We are inspired by agents of change like you who are taking action and making a difference in the lives of children and youth across Metropolitan Chicago. Together, we #radiatepositiveimpact! We are so grateful for your continued support. #brightpromises #elevateyouthvoices #youthempowerment #chicagoyouth #getinvolved #giveback #community
Thank you so much to CDW for your generous support as Ally Sponsors of the Bright Promises 2023 Awards! Thanks to you, Bright Promises and our community partners will be better able to address Chicago children's needs, so they can strive for their dreams! We are grateful to be working with CDW to #radiatepositiveimpact! #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #youthempowerment #chicagoyouth #getinvolved #community
At Bright Promises Foundation, we believe it takes an ecosystem of strong, sustainable, and impactful community-based organizations working to help kids thrive at home and in school, learning the skills needed to succeed and keep them healthy in body and mind. Thank you to @wintrust for partnering with Bright Promises to build the future our children need and deserve as Advocate Sponsors of Bright Promises 2023 Awards. We are so grateful for your generous support! Together, we #radiatepositiveimpact. #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #youthempowerment #chicagoyouth #getinvolved #giveback #community
The young people that Bright Promises and our community partners serve are exceptional, but they are not the exception. Thank you so much to the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation for investing in the bright promise in every young person with your support as Advocate Sponsors of Bright Promises 2023 Awards. We can build the better, brighter future our children deserve. We are grateful to be working together with the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation to #radiatepositiveimpact! #brightpromises #youthempowerment #elevatingyouthvoices #community #giveback
Bright Promises is committed to elevating our impact. We have a bold vision and a plan to do even more to improve and strengthen the systems that serve our youth. Thank you so much to @kpmg for supporting this vision as Advocate Sponsors of the Bright Promises 2022 Awards. We can build the better, brighter future our children deserve. We are grateful to work with @kpmg to #givekidsachance! #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #youthempowerment #giveback #community
Across Chicagoland, brilliant young people are waiting to lead us into a better, brighter future. Thank you to @allstatefdn for radiating positive impact by investing in Chicago children and youth with your generous support as Advocate Sponsors of the Bright Promises 2023 Awards. Your investment in Bright Promises and our community partners touches the lives of thousands of young people in more than 50 zip codes across the greater Chicago Metro Area. We are grateful to be working together to #givekidsachance! #brightpromises #chicagoyouth #community #elevatingyouthvoices #radiatepositiveimpact
Thank you so much to Discover for your generous support as Presenting Sponsors of the Bright Promises 2023 Awards! Thanks to you, Bright Promises and our community partners will be better able to address Chicago children's urgent, under-recognized needs. We share Discover's commitment to building a sustainable and equitable world and are grateful to work together to #radiatepositiveimpact! #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #presentingsponsor #discover #community
Thank you so much to Azteca Foods for your generous support as Presenting Sponsors of the Bright Promises 2023 Awards! Thanks to you, Bright Promises and our community partners will be able to radiate positive impact by creating opportunities for Chicago children and youth to reach their full potential, especially those who have been historically and systemically denied those opportunities. We share Azteca Foods commitment to bringing sunshine into people's lives, and we are grateful to be working together to radiate positive impact! #brightpromises #elevatingyouthvoices #chicagoyouth #aztecafoods #presentingsponsor #community
The Bright Promises 2023 Awards Panelists sure do radiate positivity! Join us on Thursday, November 2, at the Bright Promises 2023 Awards and enjoy an inspirational and motivational panel discussion where Bright Promises' community partners will explore how one opportunity, one relationship, one investment can change a young person's life. The "Radiating Positive Impact" panel will feature: Chase Larkin, Youth Development Coach, UCAN Nadiah Alyafai, Youth Program Coodinator, Arab American Action Network Juvilee Hernandez, Youth Organizer, Northwest Center The panel will be moderated by Shari Runner, CEO and Founder of the Humanity Institute and Bright Promises Lifetime Trustee. #brightpromisesfoundation #brightpromises #radiatepositiveimpact #meetthepanelists #2023awards
It's time to introduce our final honoree! Bright Promises Foundation is thrilled to announce it will honor Jessica Yavitz, Vice President of the Chicago Fire FC and Executive Director of Chicago Fire Foundation, with the 2023 Champion for Children Award. This award recognizes Jessica’s outstanding contributions as a philanthropic and community leader and her exceptional dedication to helping children and youth in Metropolitan Chicago reach their full promise and potential. Jessica will be honored alongside fellow change-makers Maria Woltjen, Founder of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, and Denzel Burke and Destine Phillips, Co-Founders of the R.E.A.L. Youth Initiative, at the Bright Promises 2023 Awards on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 6-9p at Lacuna Lofts. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit https://buff.ly/3tJCleP #BrightPromises2023Awards #brightpromises
You guessed it...it's time for another honoree spotlight! Bright Promises Foundation is thrilled to honor Destine Phillips and Denzel Burke, Co-Founders of the R.E.A.L. Youth Initiative, with the 2023 Elevating Youth Voices Award. This award recognizes Destine and Denzel's outstanding dedication to empowering children and youth and amplifying youth voices in Metropolitan Chicago. The Elevating Youth Voices Award is accompanied by an honorarium of $5,000 to further Destine and Denzel's knowledge and work on behalf of vulnerable children Destine and Denzel will be honored alongside fellow change-makers Maria Woltjen, Founder of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, and Jessica Yavitz, Executive Director of the Chicago Fire Foundation, at the Bright Promises 2023 Awards on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 6-9p at Lacuna Lofts. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit https://buff.ly/3tJCleP. #BrightPromises2023Awards #brightpromises #honoreespotlight
It's time to get to know this year's honorees! Bright Promises Foundation is thrilled to announce it will honor Maria Woltjen, Founder and recently retired Executive Director of the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights, with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes Maria's outstanding contributions as an advocate and community leader, and her exceptional dedication to helping children and youth in Metropolitan Chicago reach their full promise and potential. Maria will be honored alongside fellow change-makers Jessica Yavitz, Executive Director of the Chicago Fire Foundation, and Denzel Burke and Destine Phillips, Co-Founders of the R.E.A.L. Youth Initiative, at the Bright Promises 2023 Awards on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 6-9p at Lacuna Lofts. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit https://buff.ly/3tJCleP
Volunteers Needed! Join our team of volunteers at the Bright Promises 2023 Awards on Thursday 11/2 and help make in a difference in our community! Volunteers will receive a complimentary 2023 Awards event ticket. Examples of volunteer roles including helping youth leaders set up and take down their interactive displays, checking attendees in at the registration table, and helping attendees find their assigned tables. To sign up, email [email protected] with the subject "2023 Awards Volunteer" by next Thursday, October 26. #brightpromises #giveback #getinvolved #chicagoyouth #volunteer #community #nonprofit
DID YOU KNOW? -- According to a survey by the @aakomaproject, nearly half of Youth of Color have been exposed to at least one source of racial trauma. 53% of Black youth experience moderate to severe depression from racism and bullying during their time at school. Around 20% have been exposed to racial trauma often throughout their educational journey. Explore more of the research and findings about the mental health of Youth of Color at the The AAKOMA Project, Inc. website. #backtoschool #racism #racialtrauma #RBTS #youthmentalhealth #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport #chicagoyouth #brightpromises #mentalhealthawareness
The youth leaders on the Bright Promises Youth Council had so much to share on Trauma Informed Awareness Day that we are extending our #YouthTakeover Shujaa is a member of the Bright Promises Youth Council representing @chicagofreedomschool. Together with fellow youth abolitionists Drea, Shujaa presented at the 2023 American Educational Research Association Conference to shed light on abolition efforts in order to create more effective and healthy learning environments. Here, they made connections between surveillance tactics that were used on enslaved peoples & how that has carried over into educational spaces for youth. “As Black and Brown students in this country, our trauma lies deep in America’s history of bondage . To heal, we must educate, and to educate we must research.” - Shujaa, Bright Promises Youth Council Member #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
Accepting Nominations for Bright Promises 2023 Awards! Do you know a leader who is dedicated to creating opportunities for every child in Metropolitan Chicago to flourish and thrive? Bright Promises is seeking nominations of exemplary leaders dedicated to serving children in either a professional or volunteer capacity. Nominees can be current or emerging leaders of any age and come from any field, including but not limited to public or community service, education, community organizing, arts, business, DEI, faith-based work, journalism, law, medicine, and philanthropy. Honorees will be honored at Bright Promises 2023 Awards celebration on November 2, 2023. Deadline to nominate: June 30 #linkinbio #brightpromises #2023Awards #chicagoyouth #youthempowerment #community #giveback #nominate #getinvolved #philanthropy #nonprofit
THANKS FOR INCLUDING US!! The youth leaders of the Bright Promises Youth Council recommend checking out these #traumainformed and #healingcentered resources: Zalayah, a youth leader representing Girls Inc. of Chicago on the Bright Promises Youth Council recommends that you follow @youthformentalhealth. "Youth for Mental Health is a youth organization that offers many mental health resources. It is important for youth to lead organizations as they can relate in their own lived experiences. Without mental health support, there is no way to understand or heal from trauma." - Zalayah Ava is a youth leader from Girls Inc. of Chicago and member of the Bright Promises Youth Council. She recommends you follow Gyrls In The HOOD Foundation. "H.O.O.D stands for HEALTHY, OPTIMISTIC, OUTSTANDING, AND DETERMINED. Gyrls in the Hood serves girls in the SouthSide of Chicago and provides resources so that they may live a healthy life." Michaela, a youth leader from The LUV Institute, recommends Gyrl Wonder, a nonprofit that empowers Black and Brown girls. Amaya from Alternatives recommends The Empower Lab. #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
#TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
#TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
JJ, the Bright Promises Youth Council Guide, shares what it means to them to be trauma-informed and healing centered in a reflection titled "Two key ingredients in my recipe for trauma-informed care for myself, as well as the healing others." JJ shares: "Deep listening, and reflection (at many levels of depth) are two key trauma-informed ingredients incorporated into my recipe of my own care, which then further influences my approach to working in solidarity with others. Examining deeper listening was one of the popular guidelines in justice work that we used in the Bright Promises Youth Council (BYPC) to help foster thoughtful sharing space. We also used reflection as the base of our personal work in this experience. While there is a surge of interest in self-care to address everyday stress, I’ve found that for myself, a lot of the popular shares seem to lack understanding about or acknowledgement of systems of trauma embedded in our cultures. Trauma can change the way our brains and bodies work. The social impacts of trauma are many and varying, so there is no universal “fix”. Even still, these strategies we’re seeing shared more and more are, in my view, a unique form of mutual aid and care, sharing reminders and resources can be great starting points to kickstart an approach customized to meet our needs, helping us better navigate our path through wellness. I am developing myself to consider reflecting more and exploring which tools and methods are most alluring/practical to us. As a space holder, I’ve been moving to intentionally seek out moments to offer time, tools, or even just gentle reminders to incorporate reflection into the work or the experience." Read JJ's full reflection on the Bright Promises website. #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
#TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
The youth leaders of the Bright Promises Youth Council recommend checking out these #traumainformed and #healingcentered resources: Zalayah, a youth leader representing @girlsincchicago on the Bright Promises Youth Council recommends that you follow @youthformentalhealth. "Youth for Mental Health is a youth organization that offers many mental health resources. It is important for youth to lead organizations as they can relate in their own lived experiences. Without mental health support, there is no way to understand or heal from trauma." - Zalayah Ava is a youth leader from @girlsincchicago and member of the Bright Promises Youth Council. She recommends you follow @gyrlsinthehoodfoundation. "H.O.O.D stands for HEALTHY, OPTIMISTIC, OUTSTANDING, AND DETERMINED. Gyrls in the Hood serves girls in the SouthSide of Chicago and provides resources so that they may live a healthy life." Michaela, a youth leader from @luv_institute, recommends @gyrlwonder, a nonprofit that empowers Black and Brown girls. Amaya from @alternativesinc recommends @theempowerlab. #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
Flashbacks by Nelly As she walks down the street, She can no longer feel The same warmth of the atmosphere she used to feel. And the houses, the people, the plants are no longer the same. As she closes her eyes, she remembers the smell coming from the Mexican restaurant as she used to walk home from school, Which reminds her of her hometown in her native land. As the tears roll down her cheeks, she embraces the anger, the fear and despair That the luxury of the privileged people causes her to feel, And equals her family’s displacement. As she looks around, and recognizes that she is standing on the unfamiliar, inhospitable land, She clenches her knuckles, and her heart skips a beat Every time a desperate thought passes through her mind. Crushed and hopeless, she slowly sits down on the refreshing grass and closes her eyes, And the wounding memories suddenly appear. She recalls being five and going to the park near her house with her parents, Watching squirrels, chasing dogs, playing on the playground. She recalls being ten and going to the same movie theater that was just a walk away. Her school friends and she gather at the same time outside before the movies starts to buy ice cream from the paletero. She recalls being happy and free, Living in the cozy little house with a little garden that her grandmother started back when she was still young... [Poem Continued in Comments] For Trauma Informed Awareness Day, Nelly, a youth leader on the Bright Promises Youth Council representing @palenquelsna, wrote a poem about her personal experience with housing insecurity and the trauma that people affected by gentrification experience. #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
#TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
"People tend to try to ignore their trauma in hopes that it will go away. This is one of the worst ways to deal with trauma. It’s important to remember that ignoring or avoiding symptoms of trauma isn’t a healthy coping response (in fact, avoiding them can make things worse)." - Aryian Aryian, a youth leader from @ucanchicago and member of the Bright Promises Youth Council, recommends these tips on how to heal from trauma: Seek proper therapy Maybe you’re already aware of your trauma and want to take the next step. Or maybe you’re having trouble figuring out the cause of the trauma that’s manifesting in your everyday life. In both cases, a trauma-informed therapist will be your best ally in the healing process. Learn your triggers It’s especially hard when a trauma response hits you when you don’t expect it. You may be at the grocery store or getting gas, and suddenly, a trigger catches you off guard and you feel an immense sense of danger or dread. To help prevent such a reaction, it’s important to learn about your own trauma triggers and what might set them off. Try guided meditation If your brain is constantly bombarded by horrible memories, both meditation and mindfulness can be a healing practice. Practice self-care In your head, there may be two actors running the show: You and your trauma. So, if your trauma causes you to be unkind or harmful to yourself, it’s important to work against it. Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-heal-from-trauma/ #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
What does being #traumainformed and #healingcentered mean to Saraid, a member of the Bright Promises Youth Council representing @palenquelsna ? "Being healing-centered means embracing a trauma-informed approach where individuals and communities feel nurtured, supported, safe, and empowered. It involves recognizing the impact trauma has by creating safe spaces that promote these important discussions. By fostering empathy, understanding, and a culture of care, communities can embark on a collective journey towards ensuring that schools, communities, and cities become spaces where everyone's unique needs are met. Together as a community we are able to build a foundation for a compassionate and trauma-informed society that embraces healing and promotes the well-being of all." Saraid created this collection of photos to represent what being trauma informed and healing centered means to them. #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
Dear Black Girl By: Michaela "The sun amidst the darkness You walk with hesitance on the earth that birthed you On the soil that nourished you Ignorant to the power you behold Unaware of your stripped innocence Your name was stolen You were dreadly marked upon arrival from the womb “You are doused in the gravest of sin” The tenderness in your spirit grew thin Your supple skin shriveled at the slightest touch Your hair brittle and cut Black girl, you are the sun concealed by the greyest of clouds Your heart creates rhymes replicating smooth jazz and echoing symphonies That can only be felt in the depths of the soul Through your skin I’d create stories and folktales the human brain couldn't imagine Id help you see that your hair has a soul It has mind of its own and it roams Lingering and weaving its way to heal those it touches Cry no more Wipe those beautiful brown eyes You are the muse Black girl, you are the sun concealed by the greyest of clouds You are your mothers prayer You are the laughter of your daughters You are the flow of your sisters hips on a friday night Your grandmother's hopes and dreams You are me And I am you Black girl, you are the sun concealed by the greyest of clouds" This powerful poem was written by Michaela, a youth leader from @luvinstitute and member of the Bright Promises Youth Council, reflecting on her identity as a Black woman. Read the whole poem and Michaela's reflection here: https://www.brightpromises.org/story/trauma-informed-awareness-day-youth-takeover-dear-black-girl #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
Today is Trauma Informed Awareness Day! Trauma Informed Awareness Day is a state-wide recognition of childhood adversity that highlights the importance of prevention, community resilience, and trauma-informed care. Today we will elevate the voices of the youth leaders from Bright Promises Youth Council via a day-long social media takeover. We will share pictures, poetry, personal reflections, and other original content created by the Youth Council members to help you become more #traumainformed and #healingcentered. #TIAD2023 #traumainformedawarenessday #youthtakeover #brightpromises #traumainformed #healingcentered #trauma #healing #chicagoyouth #chicago #takeover #awareness #advocacy #getinvolved #community #giveback #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealth #childhoodtrauma
Bright Promises Foundation is honored and delighted to welcome our inaugural class of Lifetime Directors - Paul Arthur Bodine, Shari Runner, and Jon Will. Lifetime Directors are former Board members with exemplary service to Bright Promises Foundation who made significant contributions to the organization. Lifetime Directors act as ambassadors for Bright Promises Foundation and its mission, fostering goodwill, building connections, and raising awareness. Welcome to our Lifetime Directors, and thank you for all that you do for Bright Promises and the children and youth we serve! Get to know our Lifetime Directors on our website. #linkinbio #brightpromises #foundation #philanthropy #nonprofit #nonprofitleaders #nonprofitleadership #lifetimedirectors #volunteer #giveback #chicago #chicagoyouth #thankyou 📸 by @seriophotography, [image description]: Paul Bodine applauding youth leaders at the Elevating Youth Voices Fair.
We are growing! Bright Promises Foundation is excited to introduce four new members to our Board of Directors. “We are delighted to welcome Neelamjit Kaur Dhaliwal, Randall D. Hardy, Jason Nierman, and Nicholas Bruce to the Bright Promises Foundation’s Board of Directors," said Board Chair Gaylord Gieseke. "We look forward to their contributions to our long-term success”. Each of these Directors brings valuable knowledge, skills, and relationships to Bright Promises that will help to advance our mission to create better lives and brighter futures for Chicagoland children and youth. Visit our website to get to know our newest Directors. #brightpromises #foundation #chicago #chicagoyouth #philanthropy #giveback #volunteer #nonprofit #nonprofitleadership #nonprofitleaders #innovation #socialgood #socialimpact 📸 provided by grantee partner Chicago Youth Centers
HMPRG is proud to support #BrightPromises youth media takeover on Trauma-Informed Awareness Day! On 5/25, Bright Promises will feature the voices of their Youth Council and their home organizations via a social media takeover. Follow #TIAD2023 to be part of the action. #HMPRG #ACEs #TraumaInformedAwarenessMonth