Los consejeros, terapeutas y administradores de casos escolares de BPNC brindan sesiones de asesoramiento individual, grupal y familiar para estudiantes con problemas de salud mental identificables. El personal de BPNC también trabaja con las escuelas y las familias para coordinar las intervenciones terapéuticas y ayudar a las familias a abordar los problemas relacionados con la libertad condicional o el encarcelamiento, la hospitalización, la discapacidad o la separación familiar. La grave falta de recursos de salud mental para los estudiantes y las familias de Brighton Park sigue siendo una de las preocupaciones más apremiantes de las escuelas de nuestro vecindario. Muchos estudiantes sufren traumas como resultado de la violencia en la comunidad y los hogares, lo que resulta en problemas de comportamiento y en la incapacidad de tener éxito en la escuela. Actualmente, las escuelas no están bien equipadas para satisfacer las necesidades especiales de los estudiantes que enfrentan problemas de enfermedad mental.

‍

As a mentor, adult allies have the privilege of walking alongside young individuals, many of whom face immense challenges that go beyond the typical struggles of adolescence. They have endured family separation, mental health issues, homelessness, gun violence, racism, and other systemic barriers that have deterred them from accessing the opportunities they deserve. These youth have often been let down by the very systems and people they should have been able to trust. They may have internalized the harmful narrative that they are "bad kids," when in reality, they are talented individuals with immense potential, simply lacking the right support and resources to thrive.

‍

The role of a mentor is to challenge these misperceptions, empower the youth, and help them navigate the various academic, personal, community, and social obstacles they face. It's not about being prepared for every situation, but rather about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where the youth feel heard, validated, and empowered to become the leaders of tomorrow. Mentoring is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each young person's needs and experiences are unique, requiring mentors to be adaptable, empathetic, and committed to their growth. By doing so, we can help these resilient youth reclaim their voices, identify their strengths, and forge a path towards the future they envision for themselves.