Nuestro, a program that previously provided under-resourced Latino Highwood community members after-school tutoring and social emotional connections for seniors, has significantly expanded.
Thanks to the consolidation between Family Service of Lake County (FSLC) and Josselyn, and the support of Illinois Representative Bob Morgan, who secured a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Nuestro Josselyn is now even more accessible and relevant.
We are also grateful for the new partnership we have developed with North Shore District 112 to provide improved access and convenience for children and their families.
Through the consolidation of Josselyn and FSLC, we quickly observed that the children who were receiving tutoring more urgently needed social emotional support. District 112 confirmed our observations and asked us to provide social emotional learning (SEL) in the form of art therapy.
Further, we observed that the students were being bused to an off-site location to receive this tutoring, which disrupted their day and did not allow for busing from both elementary schools. District 112 graciously agreed to host Nuestro Josselyn at Oak Terrace Elementary School, Red Oak Elementary School, and Northwood Middle School, and Josselyn’s team of art therapists has developed an engaging, enriching after-school art therapy program, making it more accessible for children and easier for families because the children can now take advantage of the late after school bus provided by District 112. We are able to accommodate more children now that we are no longer constrained by limited space, the children can spend more time in activities instead of sitting on a bus, and the programming is more relevant to their needs.
Pablo Alvarez, Josselyn board chair and Highland Park High School Counselor, commented, “Nuestro has been a cornerstone of the Latino community for several decades and has provided students and their families with essential support and services. I am excited that Nuestro has expanded its programming so that more students are supported and families serviced. This is a win-win for everyone.”
The program’s school-based initiative helps students process emotions and build resilience through art therapy. Director of Expressive Therapy Veronique Morales, LCPC, who oversees Nuestro Josselyn, added, “Our groups give students a safe space to gather with peers and develop emotional awareness. Through creative activities, they’re building confidence, learning to express themselves, and navigating social networks.” With the state grant funding, we have added licensed art therapists to support the children and case managers to meet with families on a frequent and individual basis to support the overall community in a way like never before.
Beyond school walls, Nuestro Josselyn provides support for seniors. Participants gather regularly for art projects, cultural celebrations, and social activities. Case managers also connect these seniors with community resources and services. We have even seen a positive shift in the cultural perceptions around seeking mental health support.
“This program helps to build an overall stronger Latino community,” says Jocy Rodriguez, Nuestro Josselyn case manager. “Our approach focuses not only on providing resources, but creating spaces where people feel welcomed, understood, and supported.”
Fifth grader Ailani, who is a regular participant in the school-based art therapy group, echoed this sentiment by saying, “I’m happy to be at Nuestro because I am not afraid to be myself here.”
Click here to learn more about Nuestro Josselyn.
Select the image below to start the event gallery.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified Josselyn’s partnership as being with Highwood District 113. The correct district is North Shore District 112.
