Elmhurst Rotary Club Funds Initiative At York HS

ELMHURST, IL — The Rotary Club of Elmhurst convened at York Community High School on Nov. 16 to officially launch a program aimed at early intervention for students at risk for or engaging in substance abuse. The event occurred following year-long discussions between members of the Elmhurst Rotary and York High School administrators about a partnership to combat substance use and increase adolescents’ social and emotional skills.

According to the district, the program included a luncheon at La Brigade, York’s student-run restaurant; a presentation by Melissa Moore, York Assistant Principal for Student Services; and the official dedication of a student group space at York. Both the early intervention program and the group space furnishings were funded by a donation from Elmhurst Rotary.

“After meetings with city officials and its own research on the opioid crisis, the Rotary Club of Elmhurst wanted to make a difference in our own community by donating $10,000 to the plan developed by District 205 and York High School,” Rob Kopecky, President of Rotary Club of Elmhurst said in a release.

The district said the intervention program will allow students to be referred for an assessment conducted by a provider from Rosecrance Health Network. The results would be used to determine a student’s need for treatment and recommendations for level of care. While there is no cost associated with the assessment, the Rotary Club of Elmhurst has provided funding for York High School to offer an on-site counseling group as one of the potential intervention recommendations. The group will be co-facilitated by Matt Quinn, of Rosecrance Health Network, and Bonnie Salvo, York High School Social Worker.

The day concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opportunity for members of the Rotary Club of Elmhurst to view the new group space at York, which will be used for students to meet with members of the York Student Services department. According to the district, the groups will serve a variety of purposes aimed at supporting students’ social-emotional well-being, ranging from managing stress and anxiety to dealing with anger or navigating common high school experiences. The group space will also be used for the substance abuse counseling program.

Photos provided by District 205.