| Keeping Kids Safe This Summer | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Keeping-Kids-Safe-This-Summer.aspx | Keeping Kids Safe This Summer | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Support Summer Camp for Kids in DC</span></p><p>Every summer, Boys Town Washington DC conducts a summer camp that offers fun and educational experiences to local youth to keep them safe, fed and occupied for 7 hours, four days a week for seven amazing weeks.</p><p> As schools go on summer break, some children lose what they need most to stay safe and healthy…</p><ul><li>Access to regular, nutritious meals</li><li>Access to full-time supervision and a safe environment</li><li>Access to school-based mental health care</li><li>Access to social enrichment and learning opportunities<br><br></li></ul><p> Any one of these losses can add more stress, more trauma and more pain to already vulnerable lives.
<a href="https://support.boystown.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2722&mfc_pref=T&2722.donation=form1">
<strong>But you can make this summer instantly brighter by sending a child to camp!</strong></a><br></p><p>Average cost per child for camp is $600, but any amount is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use. Please make your secure donation using the form below.</p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;">
<a class="btn theme-11" href="https://support.boystown.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2722&mfc_pref=T&2722.donation=form1">Donate Today</a></p><div><br></div><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-wpbox"><div class="ms-rtestate-notify ms-rtestate-read d6b527e9-1c2e-4cc1-af28-2ca1ba629960" id="div_d6b527e9-1c2e-4cc1-af28-2ca1ba629960" unselectable="on"></div><div id="vid_d6b527e9-1c2e-4cc1-af28-2ca1ba629960" unselectable="on" style="display:none;"></div></div>
<br> | 2023-05-26T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/keeping-kids-safe.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Hope, Help and a Bright Future for Washington, DC Family | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Hope-Help-and-a-Bright-Future-for-Washington.aspx | Hope, Help and a Bright Future for Washington, DC Family | <p>Julie needed help.<br></p><p>A difficult pregnancy caused her to lose her job of 12 years. When her mother fell ill and tragically passed away, Julie and her infant son, Christopher, lost the home the three of them had shared. Without any other options, they moved into a one-bedroom apartment with her sister. Determined to improve their lives, Julie enrolled in classes to become a medical assistant. </p><p>“I was working and going to school, but I wasn't making enough to afford a place to live in DC," Julie said. “I finished the Medical Assistant program and worked in a doctor's office. Then I started night school taking cosmetology classes after work."</p><p>While Julie burned the candle at both ends doing her best to provide for she and Christopher, he was having trouble at school. </p><p>“He was having issues with behavior and attendance in first grade," she said. “One of the advisors at his school referred us to Boys Town Washington DC's Care Coordination Services."</p><p>Through this initial service, the family was also connected with a Boys Town therapist for support with her son's behavioral and speech issues. The cross-departmental team effort was so seamless and cohesive that when the school initiated an IEP process, both her Care Coordination provider and her son's Behavioral Health therapist attended the IEP meeting with her at his elementary school. </p><p>“I was so grateful for that," Julie said. “For the whole team to show up, it showed the school that he had a solid support system. The events and activities that my son took part in with Boys Town also helped him to become less reserved. He was very shy, and the summer camp helped him open up."</p><p>When Julie received word that she had been selected for a housing program that would allow she and her son to gain a home of their own after eight years, Boys Town helped them furnish it. Christopher, now in the fourth grade, is planning an illustrious career as an educator. Julie was so moved by the impact Boys Town services had on her family that she is now a volunteer. </p><p>“It means a lot to me," she said. “I don't know if I can ever give back as much as they have given to me, but I am going to keep trying!"</p><p>Your gift helps assure that families like Julie's have the support and the resources they need to thrive.</p><p>Can we count on your pledge today?</p><p>From all of us at Boys Town Washington DC, thank you for your generosity and your commitment to community.<br></p><p>
<a class="btn" href="https://support.boystown.org/site/Donation2?2562.donation=form1&df_id=2562&mfc_pref=T" target="_blank">Make a Pledge Today!</a>
</p><p><br><br><br></p> | 2023-05-04T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Julie" src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/BrightFuture.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Thank you for making our Inaugural Golf Tournament a success! | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/thank-you-for-making-our-inaugural-golf-tournament.aspx | Thank you for making our Inaugural Golf Tournament a success! | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">It was a beautiful morning for the Boys Town Washington D.C. Inaugural Golf Tournament! From the gorgeous weather to the friendly competition – fun was had by all! Most importantly the tournament raised significant funds in support of Boys Town Washington DC's workforce development programs which empower youth throughout our region.</span></p><p>Thank you to all who attended, donated, and sponsored the event. A special thank you to our premier sponsor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ManTechInternationalCorporation?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVoVOcCNDKb4KrcmdwtuZ1fygHG5QCLLqFK4QSe2TYy5jNmD0Hj2UDRKkF-Pci_LtSn9xgggZFFiPbDrIS1d3dJuuJmn_28teWCBfrg4wYbeAQg8X-DSu8rpK-9l0Wkf2e9J_02fb4qFhm3qm-798WG85Ycv6TF0Dx41i5aMrX2TBafyLuzxw-d_yfc6uKdPtM&__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">ManTech</a>.</p><p>On behalf of the Boys Town Board of Directors, staff, and our amazing clients, thank you again for your generosity. We hope to see you again next year for our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament.</p><p>With gratitude,<br><span style="background-color:transparent;">Kichelle Coleman</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;"><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/thank-you-for-making-our-inaugural-golf-tournament/DC-Golf-Tournament.jpg" alt="DC-Golf-Tournament.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br></span></p> | 2023-05-03T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Golf Balls" src="/locations/north-florida/PublishingImages/IMG_0016.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town Washington DC Behavioral Health Clinic Working to Serve More in Need and Decrease Mental Health Treatment Stigma | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-Washington-DC-Behavioral-Health-Clinic-Working-to-Serve.aspx | Boys Town Washington DC Behavioral Health Clinic Working to Serve More in Need and Decrease Mental Health Treatment Stigma | <p><strong style="background-color:transparent;">By Dr. Natalie Sergent</strong></p><p>As psychologists, we often talk about “meeting people where they are" in terms of our therapeutic work with them. This has traditionally meant respecting where an individual is currently at with their desire for change, their current needs and struggles and their life journey in general. It means putting aside our own expectations for their skillset, level of motivation and speed of progress. However, more recently in the mental health field, we have taken this saying and have started to apply it to meeting people where they are physically located. </p><p>Over the past three years, psychotherapy has evolved from only taking place within the confines of a therapist's office to being able to take place within the comfort of one's own home via telehealth. Telehealth has allowed therapy to survive, and even thrive, in the midst of the pandemic, and it has opened up a new world of opportunity for patients who may have previously avoided therapy due to the anxiety of stepping into a behavioral health facility. In addition, the rise of integrated behavioral health partnerships (often in the form of co-locating a therapist within a primary care office) has opened additional doors to mental health treatment by pairing therapy with the benign idea of “going to the doctor." Research has shown a dramatic increase in mental health struggles since the start of the pandemic, and through embracing telehealth and integrated behavioral health opportunities, we have increased our capacity to serve the community and those in need and have aided in decreasing the stigma behind seeking mental health treatment.</p><p>In an effort to increase our community engagement and outreach, Boys Town's Behavioral Health Clinic in Washington, DC has embraced both of these treatment options, as we have been providing telehealth services and engaging in integrated behavioral health partnerships throughout the last several years. We currently serve three pediatric offices in Northern Virginia, as well as two pediatric practices in Maryland, providing therapy services to their patients both virtually and in-person. We have also continued to offer both in-person and telehealth appointments for the patients of our main clinic in Northeast Washington, DC. While we currently have three of our six providers engaged in integrated behavioral health work, the clinic has a goal to establish our remaining providers in pediatric offices throughout the rest of 2023. We have experienced strong success with our initial integrated behavioral health partnerships, and we look forward to continuing to build our community relationships and presence in the coming months and years.<br></p><p><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Natalie-and-Dr.-Clark.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p>Dr. Natalie Sergent (left), Director of the Boys Town Washington DC Behavioral Health Clinic, with Dr. Maiya Clark, owner and pediatrician at Sunshine Pediatrics in Silver Spring, MD. Sunshine Pediatrics is one of our five current integrated behavioral health partner sites, providing us with greater ability to serve the local community and aiding us in decreasing the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment.<br><br></p> | 2023-04-07T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Letter From the Executive Director | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Letter-From-the-Executive-Director.aspx | Letter From the Executive Director | <p></p><p>2023 is Boys Town Washington DC's 30th Anniversary Year! We are celebrating this milestone with reflection on our history, looking ahead to the future and recognizing those who have helped us on this 30-year journey.</p><p>Boys Town DC opened its doors in October of 1993. In the early 90's we operated Foster Care, Family Home Residential and Intervention and Assessment (short term emergency shelter) services. These programs provided a safe haven for youth who were removed from their families and in need of immediate care. In 2012, we expanded to support families in their homes and in the community through our In-home Family and Care Coordination services. In 2015, we added Outpatient Behavioral Health services to our continuum to provide an integrated approach to care and treatment.</p><p>Now 30 years later, we continue this journey remaining focused on our mission to change the way America cares for children and families by engaging in work that keeps families together, and collaborating with partners to strengthen communities. We are focused on ensuring families have equitable access to resources that will improve health and school outcomes and employment opportunities.</p><p>Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities to have <strong><em>a greater impact on this region</em></strong> by expanding our school base, career readiness, behavioral health and family engagement services into more counties in Maryland and Virginia.</p><p>As I reflect on the work that we are doing, I am reminded that none of this is possible without the <strong><em>dedication, generosity and collaboration of our employees, donors and partners. </em></strong>Thank you for your selfless and unwavering commitment to children and families.</p><p>I invite you all to join us in celebrating 30 years of service by participating in the activities and events we have planned throughout the year.<br><ul><li>We will celebrate and acknowledge our donors and supporters on April 19<sup>th</sup> at our Inaugural Golf Tournament at Reston National Golf Course.</li><li>We will celebrate with community partners, former clients, and former employees at our Alumni Picnic on August 26<sup>th</sup> on our DC Campus.</li><li>We will all celebrate together during our Annual Tree Lighting event on Campus on December 3<sup>rd</sup>.</li></ul></p><p>Boys Town Washington, DC is grateful for all who have made contributions over the past 30 years and whose dedication to the mission of saving children and healing families will be an inspiration for generations to come!<br> </p><p>Yours in Service!<br></p><p><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Kichelle-Signature.gif" alt="" style="margin:0px;width:233px;height:70px;" /><br></p><p>Kichelle Coleman<br><span style="background-color:transparent;">Executive Director</span><span style="background-color:transparent;"></span></p> | 2023-03-24T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/KichelleColeman.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Staff Spotlight: Hotline Crisis Counselor Yadelska Wynne | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Staff-Highlight-Yadelska-Wynne.aspx | Staff Spotlight: Hotline Crisis Counselor Yadelska Wynne | <p></p><p>Yadelska Wynne has a long history with Boys Town of Washington, DC. With a background in education, Yadelska joined her husband, Payton, at Boys Town as Family Teachers. Over the years, the Wynne's served in many roles and built incredible relationships with the youth and families they served.</p><p>Today, Yadelska is a Hotline Crisis Counselor, taking calls from those in distress. She credits her experience working with youth for her ability to help children navigate the difficult situations that life can bring. “It was such a wonderful foundation, the way the behavioral model is taught… you look at people and at life in a whole different way. I love being a crisis counselor. It's a rewarding experience and I enjoy going to work every day."</p><p>Yadelska is an essential part of the Boys Town team. She works hard to ensure that the people who reach out to her know they won't have to face their troubles alone. Her dedication to helping others is an inspiration to us all.</p><p>Last year, Boys Town of Washington DC took nearly 3,000 calls through the Boys Town Hotline. Some of the most common issues leading kids to call in are suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression. The hotline also serves as a valuable resource for parents and caregivers who are struggling with parenting challenges or simply need someone to talk to.</p><p>If you or someone you know needs a crisis counselor, please reach out to the <strong>24/7 Crisis Hotline: 800-448-3000 or Text VOICE to 20121</strong></p><p><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/bt-hotline.gif" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:269px;height:73px;" /><br></p> | 2023-03-24T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/wynnes.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| You made great things happen in 2022! | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/You-made-great-things-happen-in-2022.aspx | You made great things happen in 2022! | <p>Thanks to our donors and friends, Boys Town was able to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families who sought help from us in 2022.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;">
<a href="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Documents/WASDC-Your-2022-Impact.pdf"><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/WASDC-Your-2022-Impact.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a> </p><p style="text-align:center;">
<a class="btn theme-11" href="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Documents/WASDC-Your-2022-Impact.pdf">Read our 2022 Impact Report</a></p> | 2023-03-24T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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