Adolescent Counseling Services Joins Giving Tuesday
Adolescent Counseling Services has launched a campaign to kick off the giving season and think about those suffering from mental health.
From Adolescent Counseling Services: Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving held November 29th that encourages individuals, communities and organizations to celebrate generosity this holiday season. Dr. Philippe Rey, ACS Executive Director, encourages residents of the Peninsula to think about those they know suffering from a mental health issue, especially our youth, and donate to ACS’ #YouKnowSomeone campaign this month.
“We all know someone suffering, for me it was my sister,” says Dr. Rey. “The personal connection we all have to the mental health movement is what prompted our #YouKnowSomeone campaign.”
Each year, ACS provides services to around 9,000 youth and families in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties through direct services and outreach. Funds granted to ACS through school districts, city government and foundations does not cover the cost of services on-campus or after school hours. In order to continue delivering life-saving services to local youth and families, ACS depends on the generosity of the community to make its programs a priority.
“There are so many things kids say to themselves to not ask for help,” says Christine Tam, ACS’ On-Campus Program Director. “But sometimes there are moments of hope that encourages them to seek help. ACS needs to be right there, right when those moments happen.”
“In order to remain competitive and recruit top clinicians, we have to offer our Licensed Psychotherapists salaries that are in par with the rest of the industry in our area,” Dr. Rey emphasizes. “Unfortunately, those salaries have increased faster than what the school or City funding is able to afford to pay us for our services.”
ACS is joining with #GivingTuesday on November 29, 2016 to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire Palo Alto residents to give to ACS’ comprehensive support programs. You can donate or find out more information by visiting here or calling 650-424-0852.
Donating to ACS’ #YouKnowSomeone campaign means the difference between life and death for those suffering from a myriad of life-threatening mental illnesses such as stress, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and anxiety.
Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) exists to support the wellbeing of all teens, tweens, and young adults in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. ACS’ networks of skilled family therapists and professionally-led support groups have continuously been a resource that youth and families can rely on since 1975. Trained professionals offer on-campus and community counseling, substance abuse treatment, LGBTQQ+ support services, and community education programs. ACS supports youth to overcome obstacles, develop confidence and be empowered to build happy, healthy futures.
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