BRIGHT STAR COMMUNITY OUTREACH CORP

Programs

1. Behavioral health:the behavioral health department is comprised of a trauma helpline, community ambassadors and advocates, caring and resilient environment rooms (care), and the family advocacy center.the helpline is a telehealth team of mental health workers and advocates trained in trauma informed care that provide services to any person over the age of 13 on a recurring or as needed basis. There is no length of time for services and no cost to participants. Helpline advocates support nearly 1,500 community residents monthly. Community 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. They are also part of bsco's community crisis response and are available to provide individualized trauma services to help with the grieving and healing process. They have educated over 42,000 individuals on trauma. Care rooms are school based services provided by bsco in partnership with schools within the bronzeville area. A dedicated space is created within the school, and 1 to 2 care room advocates who are mental health workers trained in trauma intervention,…

   $1,373,008 spentof which $29,614 as grants$20,003 earned by the program
   33% of program spending

2. Workforce development:along with workforce development initiatives, the workforce development department includes the chicago public schools' (cps) safe passage program, the corridor ambassador program and other related activities. The workforce development component conducts training programs that rigorously prepare 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 effectively manage and grow their finances. The department introduced quarterly entrepreneurship training sessions that impacted more than 25 residents each quarter. In addition to the training programs, the department hosts large scale hiring fairs. Additionally, over 30 partners have dedicated years to workforce development in the community and their comprehensive approach, from job readiness training to job placement and financial literacy, has significantly supported residents' employment journeys.the safe passage program is designed to provide safe routes for students…

   $1,161,085 spent
   28% of program spending

3. Education: the education department includes programs such as "choose to change", the steam program, and parent university. The "choose to change" program is a component of bsco's education department. The program 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.the 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. Parent university is a community collaborative that supports families. The program has benefited more than 100 parents annually, providing guidance on parenting, mental health, and financial literacy.

   $773,994 spent
   19% of program spending

4. Community engagement:bsco's community engagement activities offer various services to address community concerns. To accomplish this, bsco leads a collaborative effort involving over 95 partners, including public and private agencies. Community activities include the "harvest fest, turkey giveaway, p.o.w.e.r. And a toy drive, which collectively support over 500 families each year, addressing critical gaps in food security and health literacy in the community.

   $437,525 spent
   10% of program spending

5. Health & wellness:the health & wellness department responds with targeted interventions that leverage community-based research and partnerships to address pressing community health needs. Collaborations with prestigious institutions have enriched the department's capabilities which enabled bsco to provide free vaccines to the community, disseminate health related information that educated residents and broke down stigmas about various health issues impacting the community.

   $434,269 spent
   10% of program spending

The 5 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $4,179,881.