Let's Catch-up: May 2021
Our mission is to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to resources, and peer support. 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
More than a year into the pandemic, it seems like we are all well aware of our mental health. 

Do we really need a designated month to remind everyone how important mental health is? Isn’t mental health on the agenda everyday? 

At CATCH it is, and we hope it is for you too. But for many, mental health and mental illness are not part of kitchen table conversations. We hear about kids who are struggling and adults who are challenged to respond. We hear about adults who are suffering and kids who feel the impact. People are working through mental health problems all around us, and it’s all of our responsibilities to open conversations and open doors to ensure our families, friends, and neighbors are finding the resources they need.  

Thank you for helping build awareness around mental health by participating in CATCH programs, joining us on social media, donating to support our efforts, and, most importantly, prioritizing mental health for yourself and your family. 

Together, we are making a difference. 

For those who aren’t paying attention to mental health, we hope this month has brought a new perspective and more understanding.  

Our work and conversations continue... 

With gratitude,
The CATCH Team
Coping Kits for GBN Seniors
We know this has been a tough year for many, especially our Glenbrook North High School Class of 2021, many of whom are still struggling with profound losses in the midst of a pandemic. 

This week, we offered our support with the CATCH Mental Health Coping Kit. Every GBN Senior received one when they picked up their cap and gown. 

We hope this graduation gift helps them manage the challenges ahead and leads to conversations about mental health. It's the foundation for every other part of life.  

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making these kits a reality. It truly takes a village.
Enough with the Consequences
Did you miss the webinar with Dr. Ross Greene or want to see it again?  
 
Visit the CATCH homepage to watch the recording* and learn how to identify what's behind your child's concerning behavior and what to do about it. 
 
*Note: This recording is only available until June 7th.
 
Dr. Greene mentioned a number of free resources to guide you through his Collaborative Proactive Solutions model. You can find links for those items along with the summary of his presentation in the CATCH Journal.
CATCH Conversation: Re-Entry
Does your child seem more anxious or depressed? Are you fearful that your child has fallen behind academically? Is your child having a hard time sleeping or socializing? Are they having more behavioral outbursts? They are not alone. Now that vaccines are available for everyone 12 and older and we look to return to more 'normalized' activities, many parents are asking: HOW DO I HELP MY KID RE-ENTER LIFE?

In the latest CATCH Conversation, Dr. Lisa Novak, a clinical psychologist and CATCH Board Member, and Dr. Rachel Fancher of Fancher Psychology, a local psychologist, discuss how to best support your child’s needs during this most unusual transition.
CATCH Journal: In Real Life
I Prefer Pandemic Days

Masks are out and in-person gatherings are in, but not everyone is ready to join the party. In this essay about what’s happening In Real Life, one mom explains why she's NOT rushing back to reality. Read more.
I Grieve Because My Son is a Senior & This Is It

While battling anxiety and depression, her son got through high school and is about to graduate. After all the years of supporting him through his mental health challenges, this mom reflects on missed moments and offers the lessons she's learned along the way. Read more.
In Real Life is an essay series that gives readers a look at what’s happening on the home front as parents and others open up about the details of their lives. We hope you find comfort and support in their experiences. 

If you have a story or perspective to share, please submit an essay for CATCH’s In Real Life series.

Email CATCH at: catchiscommunity@gmail.com 
Shop Amazon, Donate to CATCH
Did you know Amazon offers an easy way to support CATCH?

The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate .5% from your eligible purchases to CATCH.   

Setting it up is simple: 

  • Go to smile.amazon.com  
  • Select CATCH as the charitable organization you'd like to support. You may use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile 
  • Start shopping, and you'll see your donations add up each time you check out.

Thank you for selecting CATCH as your AmazonSmile charity of choice!
In the Community
Mental Health: A Conversation with Former NFL Player Tony Simmons

Sunday, May 23, 730pm-830pm

No Shame on U hosts Tony Simmons for a conversation about his mental health journey, strength in reaching out, athletes and mental health, and more. 

This program is appropriate for teens and their families. Urge your child’s team and coaches to attend! 
Summer Program for Teens

July 19th-23rd

Response for Teens is offering a summer program for high school students who are interested in empowering their peers in the areas of healthy relationships, mental health, and sexual health.

Participants will learn to be advocates and activists through discussions, field trips, and other learning activities.
Looking Ahead
The CATCH Board of Directors will participate in a two-day planning and strategy session at the end of June. If there is specific programming you’d like to see CATCH bring to our community, or a topic you are particularly concerned about, please reach out and let us know! Your input matters and is greatly appreciated.  

Email CATCH at: catchiscommunity@gmail.com
CATCH is dedicated to making a difference in our community.
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