Healing, Support & Opportunity
More Support. More Opportunities. More Ways to Thrive.
Healing, Support & Opportunity connects middle and high school students impacted by gun violence with additional support through You Matter 2—from positive youth programs and therapy to transportation, family resources, and college and career opportunities.
Open to eligible students in grades 6–12 who live in or are served in Suburban Cook County.
Get Connected (opens in a new tab)Refer a Youth (opens in a new tab)
No police report, medical record, or other documentation of a gun violence incident is required.
You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone.
This opportunity is for middle and high school students who have been impacted by gun violence in different ways.
A youth may be eligible if they:
- Have personally experienced gun violence
- Have a family member or loved one who has been impacted
- Have witnessed gun violence
- Experience frequent or ongoing exposure to gun violence in their community
Families are not required to provide police reports, medical records, or other documentation of an incident.
Support That Meets Youth Where They Are.
Every student’s needs are different. Some youth may want a positive place to spend time and build relationships. Others may want therapy, transportation, career opportunities, family resources, or additional support navigating challenges.
Youth Programs
Connect with positive experiences, enrichment, leadership opportunities, Teen Nights, wellness activities, and other You Matter 2 programs.
Therapy & Healing
Access individual therapy, wellness groups, art therapy, and other opportunities to strengthen emotional well-being.
College & Career
Explore colleges, careers, internships, workforce readiness, micro-credentials, and opportunities to prepare for what’s next.
Transportation
Transportation assistance may be available when getting to programs, therapy, or other approved opportunities is a barrier.
Family & Resources
Families can receive resource navigation, referrals, wellness opportunities, and connections to additional community support.
Short-Term Assistance
Limited needs-based assistance may be available when an immediate barrier, such as groceries or transportation, affects a student’s ability to participate.
Choose the Level of Support That Fits
How Support Is Available
Eligible youth may access programs and services through the broader initiative. Healing & Support Pathway members receive those opportunities plus a coordinated 12-week experience.
- Available when eligible and space allows
- Included or coordinated through the pathway
- Needs- or capacity-based
Programs & Opportunities4 supports
| Support | Eligible Initiative Participants | Healing & Support Pathway Members |
|---|---|---|
| Core YM2 programs and activities | Available | Included |
| Teen Night, Study Break & Let’s Talk | Available | Included |
| Expressions Unleashed | Available | Included |
| Education, college, career and workforce opportunities | Available | Intentionally coordinated |
Healing & Practical Support6 supports
| Support | Eligible Initiative Participants | Healing & Support Pathway Members |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term individual therapy | Capacity-based | Coordinated when appropriate |
| Closed Healing & Support group therapy | Not included | Pathway benefit |
| Transportation | Need- and capacity-based | Coordinated within pathway |
| Short-term emergency assistance | Reviewed case by case | Needs-based within pathway |
| Program fee assistance | Need- and capacity-based | Coordinated when eligible |
| Family resources and community referrals | Available | Included |
12-Week Pathway Experience6 supports
| Support | Eligible Initiative Participants | Healing & Support Pathway Members |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Member Success Manager | Not included | Assigned |
| Launch Session and My Pathway Plan | Not included | Included |
| Regular pathway check-ins and structured healing participation | Not included | Included |
| Milestone incentives | Not included | Included |
| Structured family engagement | Not included | Included |
| Completion celebration and transition planning | Not included | Included |
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Register for You Matter 2 programs, or apply directly to the 12-week Healing & Support Pathway. Not sure which fits? Start with registration and our team will help identify the best next step.
Looking for More Consistent Support?
Healing & Support Pathway
Some students may benefit from having additional support over a longer period of time.
The Healing & Support Pathway is a 12-active-week experience that brings together healing, goal setting, youth programs, family engagement, and other resources based on each student’s needs.
Students are paired with a dedicated You Matter 2 support person who helps them identify goals, navigate barriers, and stay connected to opportunities throughout the experience.
Apply for the Healing & Support Pathway (opens in a new tab)
During the pathway, students may receive:
- A personalized My Pathway Plan
- Regular one-on-one check-ins
- Individual and/or group therapy
- Connection to You Matter 2 programs
- Family engagement opportunities
- Transportation assistance when available
- College and career experiences for high school students
- Qualifying program fee assistance
- Milestone recognition and incentives
- A completion celebration and continued-support plan
Upcoming Healing & Support Cohorts
Cohort 1
October 6, 2026 – January 19, 2027
Cohort 2
February 2 – April 27, 2027
Cohort 3
May 11 – July 27, 2027
Additional cohorts are anticipated through Summer 2028.
Dates are anticipated and subject to change. Scheduled You Matter 2 holiday and seasonal breaks do not count toward the 12 active weeks.
Getting Started Is Simple.
Connect
A family, youth, school, or community partner submits the appropriate form.
Talk With Us
A You Matter 2 team member contacts the family to learn more about the student’s interests and needs.
Find the Right Support
Together, we identify available programs, therapy, transportation, resources, or other opportunities that may be a good fit.
Get Started
The student begins participating in the services and opportunities that make sense for them.
There is no one-size-fits-all pathway. Some students may participate in one service, while others may receive several supports or join the 12-week Healing & Support Pathway.
Ready to Get Connected?
Choose the option that fits you best.
I’m a Student or Family
Interested in support for yourself or your student? Complete our registration form and a You Matter 2 team member will follow up about available next steps, including the Healing & Support Pathway.
Get Connected (opens in a new tab)I’m Referring a Youth
Schools, police departments, community organizations, healthcare providers, counselors, social workers, youth-serving agencies, and other community partners may refer an eligible youth.
Referral partners do not need to determine which service the youth needs before submitting a referral.
Refer a Youth (opens in a new tab)Frequently Asked Questions
Does a student have to have been personally shot to qualify?
Do families have to provide proof of a gun violence incident?
Does every student have to participate in therapy?
Can students receive support without joining the 12-week pathway?
What happens if a Healing & Support cohort is full?
Have Questions?
Our team can help you determine the best next step.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by the Suburban Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence Grant Award Program.