May News
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month.
This is a very important month for Safe Families PLUS. Foster Care Awareness Month is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and potential of young people in foster care, while also acknowledging the challenges they often face. For many youth, having one consistent, caring adult can make a meaningful difference in their sense of connection, confidence, and support.
We are incredibly grateful for our mentors who continue to show up, listen, encourage, and build trust with the youth in our program. Your presence matters more than you may realize. Thank you for helping create stability, connection, and hope for young people as they navigate important transitions in their lives!
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Awareness Month is another very important time for Safe Families PLUS.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that mental and emotional wellness are essential parts of overall health. Many young people, especially those who have experienced instability, trauma, or significant life transitions, benefit from trusted relationships, and opportunities to feel seen and heard.
At Safe Families PLUS, we recognize the significant role that connection and mentorship can play in supporting youth mental health. Through encouragement, consistency, and compassion, mentors can help create safe spaces where young people can build confidence, resilience, and hope for their future.
We also want to acknowledge that mental and emotional wellbeing matters for everyone, including those who support others. We want to encourage our mentors to prioritize their own mental health by setting healthy boundaries, taking time to rest and recharge, and reaching out for support to our program staff when needed. Remember, caring for yourself is what makes it possible for you as a mentor to provide lasting, unconditional support for your mentee.
mental health resources
Below are a few mental health resources:
988 Lifeline: Call or text 988,
or chat via https://chat.988lifeline.org.
This service is available 24/7 for anyone who is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, substance use, or needing someone to talk to.NAMI Chicago Helpline: Call 833-626-4244
This service is available M-F, 9am-8pm, and weekends 9am-5pm. This service is available to provide emotional support, resources, psychoeducation, and support in finding mental health services for yourself or someone else.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
NAMI’s website provides information on understanding mental health conditions, stigma, and how to support someone while maintaining healthy boundaries.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
On SAMHSA’s website, you can find practical guides on stress, trauma, resilience, and mental health resources for adults and caregivers.
Mental Health First Aid
These trainings can help mentors recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, or crisis, and respond appropriately without taking on a clinical role.
WNBA chicago sky Games!
Thank you to all of our matches who joined us last weekend for the Chicago Sky game! We had a great time.
If you weren’t able to make it, there are still four more games coming up - the next game is on June 17 at 7pm, and we'd love to see you and your mentee there!
A quick reminder that tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis. All mentors and mentees, including alumni matches, are welcome to attend all five games.
If you’re interested in attending the June 17 game, please let us know as soon as possible. Stay tuned for more details, and please save the remaining game dates in your calendar!
Mentor support groups
Our next Mentor Support Group will take place on July 2 at 6pm and will focus on Navigating Implicit Bias in Mentorship. This special session will feature a guest presenter and cover a particularly important topic, so we highly encourage you to attend if you are able. Please mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details!
Our virtual Mentor Support Groups are held each month (typically the last Tuesday of every month) at 6:00pm. Whether you are an experienced mentor or onboarding to become one, we would love to have you join. If you have any questions or run into any issues, please reach out to our Mentorship Coordinator Katie at kende@safefamilies.net.
If you weren't able to make it to the April and May Support Groups, be sure to check out the links below to access the valuable resources that were shared.
April's Mentor Support Group: Boundaries in Mentorship: (Click here for the slides.)
May's Mentor Support Group: Setting and Achieving Goals in Mentorship: (Click here for the slides.)