Volunteer to Read a Book – YouTube Video

Reading to kids is a joy and we want you to help us expand this program. Step Up For Mental Health® wants to talk more about emotions and why our feelings are important for overall better mental health for kids! You will see new updated videos on our YouTube channel as we read to children ages 0-9 years old. We will also be giving away the books we are reading to kids in need.

We hope you enjoy this project and can spend time with your children in an entertaining, fun way, talking about our emotions and feelings!

Volunteer to Read a Book – YouTube Video
If you would like to volunteer and read to a child, please fill out our forms, and someone will contact you.

Our Kids Program

Our goals are simple. Children are affected by mental health in the home or school. We support families by aiding children when they need it most – through learning and helping them have the tools they need to thrive. Whether it’s working in the community we serve, partnering with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the Chicago Park District, or nonprofits, we want to help children and teens have a healthy start along the way.

Helping with emergency school supplies or tools for Elementary, High School, and College/Uni)
Working with children in grades 1st – 5th grades in Reading, Language, and Math (Local Schools, Online Tutoring)
Provides educational outreach, mentoring, peer-to-peer groups, and special programs in grades 6-8 and high school grades 9-12.
Teens in grades 6-12 in computer technology (Local Schools, Online Tutoring)

Activities we can provide in schools and communities in need:

Youth Mental Health Circle: Peer support groups on feelings, cyberbullying, peer pressure, career, life stressors, and self-care as an introduction to mental health discussions. The 5 signs of mental health-related issues kids and families face and things they can do to cope. Dealing with mental health-related issues, mentoring, open teen topics. (Teens, Grade 6-12)
Art Workshop Session: Watercolor, Color Pencils, Chalk, Ink/Wash, Acrylic, while talking, drawing, or writing about important topics of the day. (Art Therapy, Journaling – Peer Support) (Teens, Grade 6-12)
Step Up Reading Camp: Digital or traditional reading sessions for at-risk kids that need a fun way to learn! (Young Learners 1-8 years old)
Step Up Art Workshop: Coloring books, watercolor, color pencils, chalk, ink/wash, and acrylic, which helps reduce stress and anxiety and brings creativity. (Young Learners 1- 5 Grade, 6-12 Grade)
1:1 Tutor Circle: An hour of individual tutoring in reading and math. (Young Learners 1- 5 Grade)
Step Up For Meditation: Work on some self-care like mindfulness and meditation (deep breathing) for stress and anxiety workshops. (Kindness, Guided, Affirmations Mindfulness, Yoga, belly exercises, redirection exercises)

We also can work with your schools or community centers as speakers or at a Career Event!

Speaker Guests or Panel Discussion Events: Help kids understand mental health by talking to peer individuals, families, and professionals in the field. (Teens, Grade 6-12)
Career Learning: We partner with #GrowWithGoogle and can do computer/coding, educational classes, or life skills. (Teens)

This could be half a day, one hour or a couple of hours. (Pick an event that’s right for your community). What class would benefit, depending on the individuals or group, we could plan from the six points above. We bring all the supplies for the event.

We also are doing events in other months: Mental Health Month (May), Minority Mental Health Month (July), National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September), and Bullying Prevention Month (October), and topics will be based on the awareness month.

Partner with us to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.