At a Glance: On November 15, 2023, Kids In Crisis highlighted the urgency of youth struggles in Connecticut during National Philanthropy Day, discussing a report on the educational and employment disengagement crisis. Our TeenTalk initiative and 25By25 campaign aim to reach and support more youth, showcasing significant growth and success in providing vital mental health services and support to young people in need. Click to Read More…
On November 15, 2023, Kids In Crisis Board Chair Suzanne Koroshetz and staff member Rick Reichert joined charities around Connecticut on National Philanthropy Day to discuss the struggles facing young people in Connecticut. The event was hosted by the AFP Fairfield County Chapter. There, Dalio Education presented its findings on “Connecticut’s Unspoken Crisis.” The report sheds light on a disturbing trend: one in five individuals aged 14 to 26 are at risk of not graduating high school on time or disengaging from school and employment. These are 119,000 young people who have either dropped out of school or are in danger of dropping out of school, and who are, for those aged 18 to 26, unemployed and, in many cases, unemployable.
After the meeting, Suzanne shared back her impressions of the event with the staff at Kids in Crisis:
”KIC’s staff and specifically Teen Talk counselors know all too well the faces of the children/ young adults behind the data in the “CT’s Unspoken Crisis” study. They see it and work to improve the lives of the people in that report every day. Talking about the dire data in this report is an important start – this should not be a study left on a shelf. Thank you to those who are the puzzle pieces taking part in making a picture of a brighter future for CT’s children.”
The TeenTalk Initiative:
TeenTalk, exclusively designed by Kids In Crisis, is a vital program placing master’s-level mental health counselors across Fairfield County in middle and high schools. These counselors are not just professionals but compassionate individuals trained to spot and support students dealing with sometimes hidden issues like depression, anxiety, substance use struggles, and trauma.
The impact of TeenTalk is widespread, reaching students in various schools, including Darien High School, Eastern and Central Middle Schools in Greenwich, AITE High School in Stamford, New Canaan High School, East Ridge and Scotts Ridge Middle Schools in Ridgefield, Wilton High School, Staples High School in Westport, Brien McMahon, and Norwalk High Schools, and both Newtown Middle and High Schools.
How Kids In Crisis Addresses the Issue through 25By25:
This is what the Kids In Crisis 25By25 campaign is all about. Reaching 25,000 more young people in Connecticut by the year 2025. Kids In Crisis has seen remarkable growth and success in the past year of our 25By25 campaign:
- Support extended to 5,758 individuals, marking a 25% increase.
- TeenTalk expanded to 18 schools, with a 27% increase in student participation.
- The Lighthouse program now serves LGBTQ+ teens in five communities, with further expansion planned.
- There was a significant rise in calls to our Helpline and an increased number of shelter nights provided.
The Path Forward:
In these stress-filled times, the need for support is more important than ever. That’s why we started the 25By25 campaign. Whether it’s a young person facing bullying, struggling with mental health issues, or a family in crisis, Kids In Crisis is here, ready to help.
Kids In Crisis is more than just a program or a shelter; it’s a lifeline for many in our community. By understanding and supporting our mission, you can contribute to making a lasting difference in the lives of our young people. Thank you for standing with Kids In Crisis.
