Our Success

Making a Difference in the Lives of Struggling Youth

For years, Charles struggled to succeed in school. Unable to control his behavior and emotions, but unwilling to accept help, he made little progress in his studies and had little interest in his academic future. But today, Charles has achieved an immense academic goal—he is attending college and has a bright outlook on his future.

Throughout his schooling, Charles participated in several alternative education programs but made little progress in his studies. In August 2005, Charles moved with his mom and stepfather to McHenry County, Ill., where he was referred to Kids Hope United Community Alternative Renewal Experience (CARE) Day Treatment, a service offering a nontraditional academic setting for youth ages 10-18 who are referred from their local school districts for therapeutic day treatment services due to learning, behavioral and emotional challenges.

"Day Treatment serves students whose emotional and academic issues might be too deep for special education programs in public schools," said John Zupancic, supervisor for Kids Hope United. "The various school districts don't have the appropriate resources to assist them, so the kids are referred to us, where the intensity of services is available."

Kids Hope United serves 30 students year-round through Day Treatment, providing one-on-one education, individual and group therapy, and in-home family counseling. Staff address the academic, emotional and behavioral issues of the students, but also address relationships within their families.

"Family therapy is one thing that sets us apart from other day treatment services," said John Hawley, Charles' Kids Hope United caseworker. "By going into their home, we clarify where the student is coming from. Our goal is to interrupt behavioral problems and increase the level of bonding between the youth and family, producing long-term results that continue beyond our program."

Day Treatment staff manage three classrooms, one for junior high students and two for high school students. Youth are taught in groups of 10 students, each served by a certified special education teacher, two teaching assistants and a therapist.

Staff also work with area school districts to track students' individual education plans, confirm transcripts are lining up and ensure they are meeting graduation requirements. The goal is to help return students to their district or help them move on to post-secondary education following their graduation from the service. Whether they graduate from a public school or Day Treatment, students receive diplomas from their respective school districts.

Before coming to Kids Hope United, Charles met with several counselors and therapists, but had trouble opening up and sharing his feelings. But with the help of Hawley, Charles was able to work through his problems in individual and family therapy, create strong bonds with his mom and stepfather, and maintain good grades.

"When Charles came to us, he was closed off and didn't want to be here, but by his graduation, he was interacting consistently with staff, participating in individual and family therapy, and helping other students with their math and reading work, two subjects he is great at," said Hawley.

In June 2006, Charles graduated from Day Treatment, receiving a McHenry High School diploma. He was accepted into McHenry County College, and began classes at the end of August.

"When students have post-high school plans, we consider it a huge success," said Hawley. "I still talk to Charles. He stopped in recently and needed help filling out his college application. It's great to see him carry through his hopes."

Since 1993, Kids Hope United has grown its Day Treatment service from one classroom to three. Zupancic, Hawley and staff hope to continue expanding services to aid a greater number of youth.

"Our job is to heal kids emotionally and help them be better prepared educationally for the world ahead of them," said Zupancic. "Some kids come to us with very deep emotional problems and don't feel good about education and life in general, but this is not a program that kicks kids out of school. We are here for them, through both the good and bad."