Programs
Emerging from the pandemic, fiscal years 2022 and 2023 showed substantial increases in clinical services provided. The complexity of mental health and substance use challenges that the youth and families were experiencing was unlike anything Bacon Street had ever seen. From the rise in need, clinicians specializing in trauma, depression, family systems issues, and art therapy were hired.
In fiscal year 2023 (July – June), we have seen a drastic rise in the number of youth and families experiencing anxiety, depression, and using substances to cope with strong emotions.
The most common forms of substance use being treated by our clients in FY23 are marijuana, alcohol, and vaping.
Thanks to our funding partners, we are seeing progress in the amount of youth being treated for substance use and mental health needs before they require higher level inpatient care. We rely on your support to keep making our community healthier.
Clients served and appointments held:
39 Students developed strong resiliency to prevent substance use in The Bridges Project
- Kenecia Daniels, who graduated in 2023, was with The Bridges Project from the beginning as a mentee before becoming one of our most dedicated and impactful mentors. She says, “It’s given me a new avenue of career exploration that I’d never taken into account before. Before Bridges I hadn’t realized how impactful going onto the field of social work could be and my leaders have given me a positive role model that I can aspire to be. The program has also made an impact on me by pushing me to interact with people of several different character archetypes. We often only positively interact with people of similar degrees of character. By immersing myself into the program I’ve made strong and meaningful connections with people who are nothing like me.”
92 people were trained in the identification of an opioid overdose and how to administer the opioid overdose reversal drug, Naloxone (Narcan). This critical life-saving medication is essential to people of all ages entering recovery– there is no chance for recovery if you aren’t alive. This harm reduction effort is funded by the Virginia Department of Health and is entirely free to anyone who signs up. Those who have completed REVIVE! training can also receive Naloxone for free from any Bacon Street Youth and Family Services location.
Strengthening Families Program 10-14
- Parents reported seeing changes within their family dynamics as early as week one of SFP 10-14 with all sharing that they each found the program to be a positive experience for all. One of the most valuable takeaways for one parent was that “We all have needs and typically “off” behavior is a sign that a need is being missed. Often that is love and a sense of belonging.” 67% of youth surveyed reported an increase in the use of family meetings and feeling that they can sit down together to work on a problem without anyone yelling or getting mad. 67% commented that they felt confident in taking steps to avoid peer pressure challenges.
Home First Williamsburg is a housing-first pilot program in partnership with 3e Restoration, the City of Williamsburg, and Bacon Street Youth and Family Services. 5 families entered into the program to be housed for one year as they address the other challenges effecting their health and wellbeing, like health conditions, substance use, mental health challenges, food security, unemployment, financial literacy, and more!
309 Students Set Up For School Success
The third annual Backpack Drive was bigger than ever, serving 309 students from our Hampton, Williamsburg, and Gloucester offices! Each child received a backpack full of supplies, as well as hygiene products and toothbrushes for themselves and their families. We could not be more grateful to our caring community for the amount of effort and dedication they gave to make this huge impact!
Moved to Newport News
We moved our Hampton office to Newport News and joined the Network Peninsula Hub! The Hub is planned to be a one-stop-shop for nonprofits to collaborate, network, and build capacity. 3 agencies Network Peninsula, Bacon Street Youth and Family Services, and Social Butterflies currently occupy the Hub, with 3-6 more agencies joining us later this year! Come see us at 749A Thimble Shoals Blvd, Newport News.
We Held our 7th Annual Gala and raised $63,172 to support our mission. The event was the first we’ve ever held in Newport News, and we are excited to have many more other events in all of the communities we serve!
We launched awareness apparel line to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use and ensure we are working towards our vision of a healthier community.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve our community, but it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our caring community. Thank you all for creating healthier families and more resilient youth.
Want to get more involved? Check out our volunteer opportunities and all the ways you can donate! These are vital for us to continue reaching our mission.