H2O honored for work with at-risk teens

n 2019, Heart Haven OutReach (H2O) was honored with multiple awards for the programs they offer that partner with the community in serving local students. These programs and activities have been designed to help teens struggling with self-esteem issues and problems in school, life skills and social competencies, and understanding that they are lovable, capable, and worthwhile.

Because the nearly 3,350 youth served since H2O opened in 2005 are multi-dimensional and their needs can be complex, H2O has developed a full spectrum of programs and activities that give youth the opportunity to learn successful study strategies, find support and guidance in dealing with difficult circumstances, be exposed to more positive methods of conflict resolution and anger management, learn social and emotional skills, and develop new strengths and interests with other youth and positive adult role models.

H2O's weekly schedule includes:

Mon: "Connect for Success" Tutoring for high school students

Tue: "Real Life" Support Groups for middle and high school students

Wed: "Good Clean Fun" Recreational activities for high school students

Thur: "Going Deeper" Character and Life Skills Education for high school students

Fri: "Good Clean Fun" Recreational activities for middle school students

Mon-Fri inside Valley View School District High School and Middle Schools:

"Talk It Out" Social/Emotional/Behavioral Support:

Mondays: Romeoville High School, A.V.M Middle School, and Lukancic Middle School

Tuesdays: Jane Adams Middle School

Wednesdays: Bolingbrook High School

Thursdays: Humphrey Middle School

Fridays: Brooks Middle School

Throughout the week: 1to1 Mentoring

Heart Haven Outreach's many honors during 2019 were based in large part on its successes and growth. Nearly 500 students participated in H2O's 2019 programs and activities, an increase of 27% over 2018, with attendance up 34% year on year. H2O also offered 29 additional programs in 2019, an increase of roughly 10% from the previous year.

H2O could not serve our community's youth in this way without the dedication of its many volunteers and the strong support of its community partners. Details of those will be found In the third and final part of this series.

For more information about Heart Haven Outreach, visit http://www.hearthavenoutreach.org.