Today was an exciting and meaningful day at Ada S. McKinley as we welcomed NASCARChicago and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois to focus on #DrivingAccess to mental health initiatives. It was an outstanding community effort as both teams joined us for a morning of volunteering and philanthropy in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. The focus was on supporting our range of vital wraparound services, including mental health programs such as crisis support and outpatient care.
In addition to presenting a $30,000 donation, BlueCross BlueShield and NASCAR volunteers rolled up their sleeves for a gardening project at our Therapeutic Urban Farm to contribute to the development of a valuable community resource that significantly improves mental well-being while providing healthy food options. The farm is being built as part of our Community Day Services programs serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities which focuses on community integration, positive experiences, and skills development.
Young men from Dunbar Vocational Career Academy we serve through our College Preparation & Placement Program joined us to learn more about our wraparound services as they navigate through adverse social and economic barriers to pursue their academic goals. These promising students are a part of our Early Intervention Program through which we begin preparing them for college as early as the 6th grade.
Ada S. McKinley programs provide services to more than 10,000 individuals every year, including more than 4,000 people facing behavioral health challenges.
A major THANK YOU to NASCAR Chicago Street Race and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois for their leadership and support!
