Bright Star Community Outreach Corporation

Workforce development department this department is crucial in driving economic empowerment within the greater bronzeville Community. Workforce development the department conducts a 9-week training program that rigorously prepares participants for entry into the workforce. This initiative focuses on enhancing job readiness skills, improving employment rates, and fostering financial independence among participants. The emphasis on financial literacy and entrepreneurial education equips individuals with the necessary tools to manage and grow their finances effectively, further contributing to their economic stability and resilience. In addition to the training programs, b.s.c.o. 's workforce development department hosts large-scale hiring fairs and supports entrepreneurial development, which are vital components of the Community's economic growth. These fairs provide direct opportunities for employment by connecting participants with potential employers in various industries. Furthermore, the department has introduced quarterly entrepreneurship cohorts, significantly impacting over 25 residents each quarter. These cohorts include specialized programs for re-entry citizens, helping them develop business plans and acquire the skills to launch and manage businesses successfully. Safe passage bsco continues to participate in chicago public schools' (cps) safe passage program which is designed to provide safe routes for students to increase attendance, decrease violent incidents involving cps students, and increase student perception of safety while traveling to and from school. Through this program with chicago public schools, bsco ensures the safety of an average of 2,500 youth annually traveling to and from school year-round. Corridor ambassador/city of chicago this program is funded by the department of planning and development and enables community-based organizations to enhance their support for commercial corridors across chicago. The program involves partnership with organizations such as bsco that work with the city to hire and train Community members to serve as ambassadors, creating a visible, welcoming presence at neighborhood commercial centers for residents and visitors. In the course of their work, ambassadors are expected to: "actively engage pedestrians by greeting people, sharing directions, and providing escorts. "discuss and address public safety priorities. "share information on upcoming programming and activities. "connect with public safety resources, including the chicago police department, on security and safety needs.

Education department in 2023, Bright Star established its education department, building upon its successful youth development initiatives that have led to increased program enrollment. Steam a substantial donation facilitated the development of two state-of-the-art steam labs for elementary and middle school students. This endeavor forged a direct partnership with carter g woodson south elementary school, providing after-school and summer programs that blend arts, technology, and traditional education to engage youth, prevent violence, and promote Community unity. The initiative also supports steam educators' professional growth by certifying them in fuse, eie, and lego robotics. The education department's youth development and steam programs have empowered over 300 young individuals to enhance their stem skills. The steam teacher institute has enriched the professional lives of over 40 teachers, enhancing their ability to deliver engaging steam education. 45 teachers are engaged in the steam professional certification program "enrollment of 800+ students in out-of-school/after-school youth development and "at-risk/at-promise" intervention programs "participation of 400+ students in the before, after, and during school steam program. Parent university the parent university program equips parents with essential skills for creating supportive family environments, offering guidance on effective parenting, bullying, adolescent challenges, emotional well-being, and mental health management. The education department's youth development and steam programs have empowered over 300 young individuals to enhance their stem skills. The parent university has benefited more than 100 parents annually, providing guidance on parenting, mental health, and financial literacy. On a monthly basis 50 parents participate in the parent university intervention workshops. Re-imagine public safety the reimagine program provides youth with safe environments and caring, positive adult mentors to help guide them toward educational success while empowering them with the social/emotional skills necessary to forge paths of healthy development and disengagement from high-risk behaviors. Youth are provided with engaging social, cultural, artistic, physical, and personal development activities intended to build resilience and skills associated with healthy social, emotional, and identity development. Choose to change choose to change engages youth heavily impacted by violence and trauma by connecting them with intensive advocate and wraparound support along with trauma-informed therapy to help them live safe and successful lives.

Behavioral health department trauma services is comprised of a trauma helpline, Community ambassadors and advocates and caring and resilient environment rooms (c.a.r.e.). Helpline the helpline is a telehealth team of mental health workers and advocates trained in trauma-informed care. The helpline provides services to any person over the age of 13 on a recurring or as-needed basis. The purpose of the helpline is to effect positive change and initiate the beginnings of change, resolution, and support. There is no length of time for services and no cost to participants. Helpline advocates support nearly 1,500 Community residents monthly. Ambassadors are trauma-informed trainers who engage the Community in conversations about trauma and mental health to destigmatize, inform, and empower the Community to seek out help. Additionally, Community ambassadors are part of bsco's Community crisis response and are available to provide individualized trauma services to help jump-start the grieving and healing process. They have educated over 42,000 individuals on trauma. Care rooms are school-based services provided by bsco in partner schools within the bronzeville area. A dedicated space is created within the school and 1 to 2 care room advocates are assigned. These advocates are mental health workers trained in trauma-informed intervention. They have the capacity to provide support to anyone within the school Community, including students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Advocates offer individual or group sessions and can manage a caseload of up to 15 recurring clients. Through our partnerships with schools, advocates integrate into the school Community, forging meaningful relationships with all members of the school system. Family advocacy the family advocacy center (fac) is a dedicated team of experienced therapists and counselors, well-equipped to offer our Community the utmost in mental health, engagement and support. At fac, we provide an array of essential services, including individual therapy/counseling, counseling for alcohol and other drug (aod) issues, family counseling, couples counseling, comprehensive parenting classes, and effective anger management classes, all tailored to meet your unique needs and well-being. The department of child and family services family advocacy center has served 2,654 families.

Health & wellness department the health & wellness department at b.s.c.o. Has responded with targeted interventions that leverage community-based research and partnerships to address pressing health needs. Collaborations with prestigious institutions like northwestern university have enriched b.s.c.o. 's capabilities in palliative care education and racial equity research while enhancing the Community's understanding of long-term covid-19 effects. Organizations to implement strategies that address the root cause of health inequities. Bsco and its collaborative partners brought free vaccines to the Community, disseminated information that educated residents while sharing facts and breaking down stigmas about the virus, variants, and groups. Bsco's Outreach team/community health workers brave the streets of the greater bronzeville Community daily, gathering data through surveys, ensuring the voice of the Community is reflected while producing new health focused programming. Impact & Community engagement department Community engagement bsco's Community engagement initiative offers various services to address Community concerns through partnerships and collaboration, emphasizing its role as a convener rather than a resource competitor. Bsco leads a collaborative effort involving over 95 partners, including public and private agencies like cps networks 9 and 17, the chicago police department, local legislators, and businesses. Bsco also has advisory partners, such as united way metropolitan chicago, uchicago medicine, northwestern medicine, and the greater bronzeville Community action council (gbcac). Greater bronzeville neighborhood network the greater bronzeville neighborhood network (gbnn) showcases the effectiveness of collaboration. Over 30 partners have dedicated years to workforce development in the Community. Their comprehensive approach, from job readiness training to job placement and financial literacy, has significantly supported residents' employment journeys. Key achievements: "assisted 654 clients with financial literacy education, financial coaching, or a combination, resulting in positive outcomes: "clients in financial coaching saw an average credit score increase of 30 points, a debt reduction of 4,000, and savings growth of 70 in 12 months. "facilitated employment for 3,127 residents through the greater bronzeville neighborhood network. "harvest fest, turkey giveaway, and toy drive, collectively support over 500 families each year, addressing critical gaps in food security and health literacy in the Community.