Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
WGCI Guaranteed Human.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Hello and welcome to Chicago Insight. I'm your host, Daryl Denard.
This show is all about informing you about the institutions
as well as the individuals who are doing extraordinary things
in our cities and communities. Children are our most precious resource.
We'll hear about early childhood learning support services available in
the Southland for children and their caregivers through Illinois Action
(00:24):
for Children. September is Suicide Prevention Month. We'll speak with
author and advocate Kiana Satine about her mission to promote
mental and emotional health. And we'll close out our discussions
learning about how the Individual Advocacy Group is helping adults
with developmental disabilities. But first up, early learning support. for
our children. Since 1969, children, their families, and educators have
(00:48):
a valuable resource advocate in the form of Illinois Action
for Children. Joining us this morning to discuss their services
and mission is Clarissa Hurley-Davis. She is the Vice President
of Early Learning. Clarissa, welcome to the program.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
It is a pleasure to have you. You guys have
been around for quite some time, and I am astonished
at your footprint and the variety of services that you offer.
Talk to me about your beginnings and the services also.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Yeah, so Illinois Action for Children is a leading nonprofit
in the early childhood field. Our mission is to uplift
children and all who care for them.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
One of the ways we do this is.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
By connecting families with affordable, high-quality child care options.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
We are the largest nonprofit.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
Child Care Resource and Referral Agency in Illinois. So we
help parents, we connect parents with child care, affordable child
care in the community.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
And that community is relatively wide. Of course, when we're
speaking about Illinois, but we're talking today about the major
focus being the Southlands or the South Suburbs. Yes.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
In the South Suburbs, we operate four early learning centers
in the Southland, and that is in Chicago Heights, Ford Heights, Dalton,
and South Highland. And we provide education and care for children,
resources for their families, for prenatal through children becoming eligible
(02:18):
for kindergarten. We prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Speak specifically about some of these programs that you offer.
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Our programs are funded through state early childhood block grant
programs in partnership with the.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
New Illinois Department of Early Childhood.
Speaker 4 (02:35):
We also have Head Start and Early Head Start services.
And so with these grants, we're able to provide these services.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
For families for free.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
And we use a research-based curriculum.
Speaker 4 (02:47):
Our teachers are degree teachers and have certifications.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
We also have a home visiting program.
Speaker 4 (02:55):
And this program is really special because we work with
pregnant parents and we provide them support.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
And resources during their pregnancy.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
And after their pregnancy, we still go to their home,
do home visits and help them to provide them with
resources as they help their child grow and develop.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
You mentioned the operative work here in terms of free,
but are there any baseline requirements that are needed to qualify?
for these extensive programs?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
So our programs are available to families.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
You do not have to qualify for the Child Care
Assistance Program, which people know as CCAP. You do not
have to qualify for that. There are a number of
ways that parents will qualify based on their child's age,
on the income.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
We support children with special needs.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
There's a wide variety of qualifications that would allow parents
to qualify for these free services.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
We're talking primarily here about parents, but also caregivers. What
about foster parents here?
Speaker 4 (03:57):
Oh, we encourage foster parents to bring their children, to
bring children in our programs. We serve foster children and
we provide the same services. We work with the entire family.
We provide comprehensive services. So whether you're a parent or guardian,
a foster parent, our services are comprehensive and we work
(04:19):
with the whole family.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
The thing that I'm really intrigued about is that of
the beneficial impact of these early learning centers. Talk about
what's available in the Southland there. Yes.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
So we have in our programs, we are we know
that we set the foundation for learning for young children.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
And part of that is social emotional development.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
We have a focus on that as well as our
research based curriculum that also focuses on the educational aspect.
And so we work in partnership with parents so that
learning happens within our school classrooms.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
And in the home.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
And we, in our partnership with families, help us.
Speaker 4 (05:02):
To work with parents. We have trainings. We have parent advocacy.
We know parents are children's first teachers. And so we
support caregivers, parents, guardians, in building their confidence as their
child's first teacher.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
With the program in terms of early learning that we're
talking about this morning, what are the age demographics here?
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Yes, so we prenatal through five years of age.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
And five years, once they become.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
Five and eligible for kindergarten, they're no longer.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
Eligible for our program.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
But up until that time- Prenatal?
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Yes, prenatal. That's our home visiting program. Those are important years.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
And I want this, as you being an educator as
well as social worker, describe just the benefit for parents
that are reticent about enrolling their kids in these worthwhile programs.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
Right.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Yes, our programs are a safe environment for children to
be in. We're nurturing our teachers. We look forward to
having children come in. We welcome parents. Again, as I stated,
we want a partnership with parents. We create the partnerships
that help children succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
And so sometimes parents are reluctant, you know, to lead
their little ones.
Speaker 4 (06:25):
But we have an open door policy.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Parents are welcome to even come in and volunteer in
the classroom. We actually encourage that. And we have.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Parent meetings and a parent policy council where parents actually
help in decision making about our programming. And we teach
them to be advocates for their children.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
And once again, we're talking about these wonderful services that
are offered for the development of our children. Because one
thing we're finding right now, that if a kid is
enrolled in an early or so-called Head Start program, their
chances of achieving academically, as well as socially, are greatly enhanced.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Yes, that is correct. That is correct.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
And that's why we focus on preparing children to enter
kindergarten ready to learn. And we know that over the years,
like even over the years, we've had like 78% of
our children entering kindergarten with high social emotional development and
also being ready to learn.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
And it's so important because with that comes confidence for
these kids. And when a kid is confident and feel
as though they are able to compete and achieve with
the best of them, nothing but good happens for that
child in the future. What is the best way for
people to find out more information about IAFC and the
(07:54):
tremendous work that you're doing, not only in the pre-K space,
but also in terms of a child throughout their or
move to adulthood? Yes.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
So you can visit our website at actforchildren.org, and there
you'll find a link to all of our early learning
programs right on the homepage.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
You'll also see our other services that are offered at.
Speaker 4 (08:15):
Illinois Action for Children as well when you go to actforchildren.org.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
We are currently enrolling.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Families and children into our early learning programs in the
Southland area. We strive to make this enrollment as easy
and accessible as possible so families can focus on what
matters most, which is their child's growth and development.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
And we really want to let parents know that just
because in some cases the school year may have started
for your children that are in kindergarten through 12th grade,
that doesn't mean that you're not available or that they
can't enroll their child, their younger child, in these programs,
particularly in the programs that exist in the Southland.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
Absolutely.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
We are enrolling now, and we also enroll throughout the
program year.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Right now is our big enrollment push.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
It's the beginning of the year. All the school-age children
are going back to.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
School, so we know that parents want to get their
little ones in school as well. So we are having
a big enrollment push now in the Southland area.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
And again, just visit our website at actforchildren.org.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
Or you can even call 708-365-1500 to enroll in our
programs as well.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
And give that number one more time, Clarissa.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
That is 708-365-1500. And it is.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
A pleasure to talk to you this morning. And we
wish nothing but overwhelming success for all of the kids
that participate in this wonderful program. And that is Clarissa
Hurley Davis, Vice President of Early Learning for Illinois Action
for Children. Thank you. You're welcome. September is National Suicide
Prevention Month. And joining me this morning to discuss how
(10:00):
emotional and mental health plays a role in promoting wellness
while preventing tragedy is kiana satine she is an emotional
literary consultant life coach and author of the book healing
out loud reclaim your voice power and purpose kiana a
pleasure to have you join us this morning how are
you doing I'm good.
Speaker 5 (10:20):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
It is important because you reached out to me because
suicide is a very sensitive subject to talk about, and
suicide prevention is something that is very personal for you.
Why so? It is.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
I am a suicide survivor, and I'm on a mission
now to impact and inspire as many lives as possible.
God used me to survive it, so I have to
help somebody else realize that suicide is not the end
of the story.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Describe the issue of functionality in dealing with emotional and
mental crises like attempting suicide.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
One of the things we don't often talk about when
it comes to mental health is the emotional impact. And
what I discovered since my attempt in the path of
recovery is that I was disconnected from my emotions. I
didn't have the language to understand my emotions and how
much my emotions was dictating the choices I made, dictating
my mental health. my relationships, my work, the overall feeling
(11:19):
of how I felt about myself as a woman and
as a person.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
It's interesting because language, both spoken and felt, is important.
What do you mean when you say that you were
still listening, showing up and pretending that everything was fine,
but yet you were suffering in silence?
Speaker 5 (11:37):
I was functioning, working in human resources. I was a wife,
a mother, a friend. And to everybody on the outside,
I looked okay. I looked like this. I was smiling,
makeup on, hair done. But behind closed doors, I was struggling.
Even in front of people, I was suffering in silence.
I could put on a smile, but inside, it was
killing me. I would go into my office and just cry.
(11:59):
I would go home, self-medicate just to get myself to
go to sleep, and wake up in the morning struggling
to get out of bed.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
And when did it reach its breaking point?
Speaker 5 (12:09):
The breaking point for me came in 2019 when I
decided I could no longer do it. The pain really
is what was speaking. And when you're in pain, the
only thing you can think about is I just want
it to end. And my breaking point was actually my
breakthrough because I did not succeed. But the path to
healing started in that hospital room when I decided that.
(12:29):
I couldn't hide it anymore. That suicide attempt and ending
up in the hospital was the first time that everybody
around me could see just how much I was suffering
in silence.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
So what prompted you to write the book Healing Out Loud,
Reclaim Your Voice, Power and Purpose?
Speaker 5 (12:45):
That was a spiritual message from God that said, it
is time for you to share your story, speak your truth.
And when I decided to write the book back in 2023,
I had no idea the impact that it would have.
I didn't even know the title at the time, but
I knew that somebody was suffering and struggling with the
same things I went through. So what could I do
to help them? Because I didn't see anybody talking about
(13:06):
suicide when I was going through my experiences in 2019.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Describe what readers will get from the book.
Speaker 5 (13:14):
So I'm the mirror. Healing Out Loud, Reclaiming Your Voice,
Power and Purpose is the mirror. You see my story,
but there are questions for my readers to start to unpack.
Because one thing you are going to go through is
an emotional path in my book, the highs and the
lows of recovery, of just being a human being. So
I need my readers to start to unpack that so
that they can see their own mental and emotional health
(13:36):
and start to become more emotionally intelligent, emotionally literate, emotionally accountable.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Speak about resources necessary, not only for Having the courage
to say that I'm not okay, but also to seek help.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
I have several resources in my book. I have the
988 resources. I have other partners, organizations that you could
partner with like NAMI, AFSP, the 741741 crisis line. I
am also an emotional literacy coach and consultant. People can
work with me, but there are several resources. And bottom line,
I need people to know that they are not alone
(14:13):
in their struggle and there is help and hope on
the other side.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
You created a program called Healed Fast. emotional safety framework.
Describe what that's all about.
Speaker 5 (14:24):
This is a tool that I created to help people
that are struggling in that emotional crisis. When it's 12
o'clock at midnight and you're the only person awake and
the voices in your head are telling you, I can't
take this anymore. My emotions are screaming. How do I
get myself out of this emotional chaos so I can
get myself to the next safe path, the next safe step?
(14:48):
Because when I was suffering, I didn't know I could go,
reach out to the hospital or go into an emergency
room and tell them I'm not okay. I didn't know
where to go. So I sat in it. And if
I had the tool to say, this is your emotion speaking,
this is not the truth. This is just the story.
Get out of this so that you can get yourself help.
That's what Heal Fast is about. Being accountable for your
(15:09):
emotional health.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Why do you think there is such a reticence about
seeking mental and emotional help when we, in terms of
black folks, are going through a crisis?
Speaker 5 (15:21):
The stigma, the stigma, the judgment, the embarrassment. And we
as Black people feel like I have to do it
all alone. I have to be the strong one. We
always have this strong person mentality, but being strong does
not mean asking for help and needing support. It's weakness.
Strong people need support too. People need people.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
What are some of the hallmarks or markers that we
need to look for when we think that somebody may
not be as tight or as well as what they appear?
Speaker 5 (15:53):
Well, we have to start with having the conversations. We
cannot be afraid of going up to someone that we
care about and asking them, are you okay? I notice
you don't seem the same. You're not reacting the same.
You've been distant. Is there anything that I can do
to support you? It starts with just letting people know
that they are supported and they are seen.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
How do we go about this without alienating them? Because
Many times people will know, hey, something isn't right. They're over-medicating.
They're just not themselves. But yet their response is, I'm okay.
But how do we intervene without hopefully not exacerbating the situation?
Speaker 5 (16:31):
We can only do so much. If an individual says
they're okay, all you can say is, all right, well,
if you need me, I'm here to support you. And
know that if there's anything you need, I'm always going
to be a resource. It's up to the individual to decide.
So take the support, but you can only lead the
horse to water. You can't make them drink. So it's both.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
It's reciprocal.
Speaker 5 (16:50):
I can help you, but I have to be willing
to accept the help.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Speak specifically about what we can do to create a
better sense of mental and emotional health in our lives.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
Start by being aware of your body, your mind, your emotion,
and your mood. From the moment I wake up in
the morning, I check in with myself. How am I feeling?
How am I doing? What is going to be my
energy for this day? I can't control what's going on
outside of me, but I can control what's going on inside.
So start with just being aware and checking in with yourself.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
And what do you feel is your life's mission right now,
aside from heel fast and writing a book and being
a coach, a as well as advocate for suicide prevention.
Speaker 5 (17:34):
My work right now is creating safe spaces for people
to actually be able to say, I'm not okay. Creating
safe spaces for people to heal out loud. I'm taking
the Healing Out Loud experience tour across the nation to
create this place where men and women can come together
and realize we are all in this together. There's strength
and healing as a collective.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
And Kiana, how can we find out more information about
this great work that you're doing, as well as your book,
And heal fast.
Speaker 5 (18:01):
You can find out more about me and my work
on my website at IamKianaChateen.com. I also have a YouTube, Facebook, TikTok,
all of the things.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
And what is your final message of encouragement for people
who are listening right now?
Speaker 5 (18:16):
I would say my final message for anybody that is
needing some encouragement, you are worthy and you are valuable.
And keep going because this world needs your light.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
You have purpose. And we want to thank you for
writing this book. Healing Out Loud, Reclaim Your Voice, Power,
and Purpose. That is Kiana Chateen. She is an emotional
literary consultant, and she's doing an extraordinary work. We're so
glad that you're still here and that you're an advocate.
And I guess you also would agree with me here, Kiana,
(18:47):
that if anybody feels as though they're at a breaking
point right now, the easiest thing to do is call
the Lifeline at 988. Yes.
Speaker 5 (18:56):
Yes, absolutely. 988-741-741. But there are resources. You are not
alone in your silence.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
Thank you so much for joining us this morning, Kiana.
Speaker 5 (19:06):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
One of the greatest pieces of legislation signed in the
last 40 years is the ADA, or the Americans with
Disabilities Act. That act, signed in 1990, opened new doors
of opportunity for individuals whose society tried to keep behind
locked doors of never allowing them to fulfill their true potential. Well,
(19:28):
joining me this morning is an individual who is a
tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities, and that is Dr.
Charlene Bennett. She is the CEO of the Individual Advocacy Group.
Speaker 6 (19:42):
Dr.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
Bennett, a pleasure to have you join us this morning.
Talk about what is the Individual Advocacy Group's mission. and
its target audience.
Speaker 6 (19:52):
Our mission is to support people with intellectual disabilities to
live in the community in homes of their own choice
and provide them with whatever supports are required so they
can live successful lives. We want people to lead their
lives through their person-centered choices. We want people to be
(20:14):
part of a community, live in the community, work in
the community. What makes us unique is that we feel
very strongly that people have the right to choose their
own housing, lease their own homes, and people with all
different capabilities, not just for someone that may have more
mild kind disabilities, but people that require more intensive supports.
(20:38):
And it's been our mission to do this throughout my career.
And it's been a mission to include many people that
in the past have been excluded. People that have come
from institutional settings, people that have had really extreme childhood trauma,
who also has a disability. And it's our premise for
(21:00):
total inclusion. And it is our premise to provide those
supports so they can be successful and have a very happy,
high quality of life.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
You're not only here in Illinois, as well as Chicago,
but you're also in various states, as well as the
District of Columbia. What was the impetus that spurred you
to want to engage in this effort?
Speaker 6 (21:24):
A passion for people, a passion for wanting all people
to have that opportunity to be happy and have successful lives.
I really felt since I was very, very, very, very young,
that it really bothered me to see how people who
happen to have a disability or a person that had
(21:46):
a coexisting mental health or a child who were abused
to not be given the same opportunities as others. And
when I worked in the state of Illinois and managed
the Medicaid system for people with intellectual disabilities, I just
saw situations that I felt could be better. We as
a society could do a better job in providing people
(22:08):
with those life opportunities.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
Talk about this issue of complex challenges and what exactly
are they?
Speaker 6 (22:18):
We have people, for an example, that may have severe
autism that not be able to talk, but they communicate
through behaviors. They may have anxiety. People we support may
have an intellectual disability, but they may have a coexisting
bipolar disorder. They may have schizoaffective disorder. So it's just
(22:39):
not mental health, but it's together. And in addition, we
may have persons that have an intellectual disability, perhaps with
a mental health condition, as well as extreme trauma. And
so the complexities require us to really get to know
who that person is, understand what it is that they
(23:01):
need in terms of support so they can participate and
live in the community.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Speak about the issue of the importance of housing integration
and community integration.
Speaker 6 (23:13):
It is absolutely paramount for people who live with these
types of situations to be able to be included, to
live in a house, in a neighborhood, not to be excluded,
you know, out of the neighborhood, institutionalized, but to live
alongside neighbors, to live alongside people that they choose to
(23:37):
want to be around. We do not want to exclude anyone.
We want people to continuously have that opportunity to live, work,
and play in a neighborhood, in a community, alongside neighbors.
When people are excluded, when people are pitied, that is
just something that is not helpful.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
And we don't want that.
Speaker 6 (24:01):
We want people to choose where they want to live
and feel that they're part of the neighborhood and community.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Now, how do you go about fulfilling this mission?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
Well, usually what ends up happening is we, uh, is
as simple as people getting a phone call saying, we
have this person that really requires, um, an opportunity. You know,
many situations have perhaps not wanted to give a person
a chance. And so we will start by meeting a person.
(24:31):
We then talk to the person or, and families and
guardians about where they would like a person to live.
We then work with our teams to determine if there
are housemates that would be a good match for that
person to room with. Because we have people living with
maybe two other people in a home, in a community.
And then what we do is through our network of
(24:53):
supports in terms of realtors and what have you, we
look for a place for a person to live. And
then we work with the state in getting them into
this home and community-based waiver for funding and support.
Speaker 2 (25:06):
That is incredible. Now, does the demographic run from children
to adults and seniors?
Speaker 6 (25:15):
Our priority starts at 18. We have had a different
program for D.C. Department of Children and Family Services in
the past, but yes, it's 18 through end of life.
And as many people as there are in this world,
there's many different situations. We support people with disabilities that
may have children We support people that may have various disabilities.
(25:39):
And one other thing I want to mention, that this
model also works for those families out there that want
their loved one to be nearby. They want their adult
child to still have that person-centered life. They do not
want to place their child elsewhere. They want to stay connected.
and they still want a voice. So the model that
(26:01):
we use incorporates all types of situations. You know, for
those families that want that really robust, empowered life for
their adult child, would like to participate in finding the housing,
they need the supports and sharing how we do that.
Also for those folks, perhaps, that have the more complex needs.
(26:24):
When you think of a person and who that person is,
we can design and build a life. And that's kind
of how I describe it. We build a life based
upon the person.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
One of the operative words that you mentioned is support.
What is the best way for individuals to support you,
both monetarily as well as their skill sets?
Speaker 6 (26:46):
Well, monetarily, of course, as an organization, as a not-for-profit,
any type of donations are very, very helpful.
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Supports.
Speaker 6 (26:55):
We would love to see partnerships with different businesses because
one of our missions is for employment. We have many,
many people working. We have people that have created their
own businesses. We love creativity. You know, our individuals have
designed their own podcasts. They have designed their own businesses.
(27:16):
So support and partnering with businesses would be great. We
would also love if there are professionals out there that
would like to have more experience or would like to
be hired, volunteers. I mean, we're open to many, many
different opportunities to share and to get support.
Speaker 2 (27:35):
And also, they can attend the wonderful annual golf outing.
Tell me about that.
Speaker 6 (27:40):
Yes, we're having a golf outing September, I think it's 6,
and we are always looking for donations and for anyone
that is interested to come. Everything is on our website, igcares.com.
And so if there are golfers out there that are
interested in participating, let us know. All the information can
(28:01):
be found on our website.
Speaker 5 (28:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
And most of all, what have you found so rewarding
about this work? Personalize that for me.
Speaker 6 (28:14):
Well, it's very emotional, but when there are people that
have come to us that have been either locked up, institutionalized, homeless,
not feeling that they even want to. And this is
more extreme, but it has happened where they're coming to
us angry, frustrated, demonstrating some of those sadnesses through behaviors.
(28:39):
And now, years later, living in a community, having a job, happy,
just being very, very happy and to know where people
have come. That is beyond words. That persons, given the
right support, given the right people around them, given the
right opportunities, flourish. That, to me, is why I do
(29:04):
this work.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Well, we are better because of the work that you do.
And that is Dr. Charlene Bennett. She is the CEO
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Hello and welcome to Chicago Insight. I'm your host, Daryl Denard.
This show is all about informing you about the institutions
as well as the individuals who are doing extraordinary things
in our cities and communities. Children are our most precious resource.
We'll hear about early childhood learning support services available in
the Southland for children and their caregivers through Illinois Action
(00:24):
for Children. September is Suicide Prevention Month. We'll speak with
author and advocate Kiana Satine about her mission to promote
mental and emotional health. And we'll close out our discussions
learning about how the Individual Advocacy Group is helping adults
with developmental disabilities. But first up, early learning support. for
our children. Since 1969, children, their families, and educators have
(00:48):
a valuable resource advocate in the form of Illinois Action
for Children. Joining us this morning to discuss their services
and mission is Clarissa Hurley-Davis. She is the Vice President
of Early Learning. Clarissa, welcome to the program.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
It is a pleasure to have you. You guys have
been around for quite some time, and I am astonished
at your footprint and the variety of services that you offer.
Talk to me about your beginnings and the services also.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Yeah, so Illinois Action for Children is a leading nonprofit
in the early childhood field. Our mission is to uplift
children and all who care for them.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
One of the ways we do this is.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
By connecting families with affordable, high-quality child care options.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
We are the largest nonprofit.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
Child Care Resource and Referral Agency in Illinois. So we
help parents, we connect parents with child care, affordable child
care in the community.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
And that community is relatively wide. Of course, when we're
speaking about Illinois, but we're talking today about the major
focus being the Southlands or the South Suburbs. Yes.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
In the South Suburbs, we operate four early learning centers
in the Southland, and that is in Chicago Heights, Ford Heights, Dalton,
and South Highland. And we provide education and care for children,
resources for their families, for prenatal through children becoming eligible
(02:18):
for kindergarten. We prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Speak specifically about some of these programs that you offer.
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Our programs are funded through state early childhood block grant
programs in partnership with the.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
New Illinois Department of Early Childhood.
Speaker 4 (02:35):
We also have Head Start and Early Head Start services.
And so with these grants, we're able to provide these services.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
For families for free.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
And we use a research-based curriculum.
Speaker 4 (02:47):
Our teachers are degree teachers and have certifications.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
We also have a home visiting program.
Speaker 4 (02:55):
And this program is really special because we work with
pregnant parents and we provide them support.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
And resources during their pregnancy.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
And after their pregnancy, we still go to their home,
do home visits and help them to provide them with
resources as they help their child grow and develop.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
You mentioned the operative work here in terms of free,
but are there any baseline requirements that are needed to qualify?
for these extensive programs?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
So our programs are available to families.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
You do not have to qualify for the Child Care
Assistance Program, which people know as CCAP. You do not
have to qualify for that. There are a number of
ways that parents will qualify based on their child's age,
on the income.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
We support children with special needs.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
There's a wide variety of qualifications that would allow parents
to qualify for these free services.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
We're talking primarily here about parents, but also caregivers. What
about foster parents here?
Speaker 4 (03:57):
Oh, we encourage foster parents to bring their children, to
bring children in our programs. We serve foster children and
we provide the same services. We work with the entire family.
We provide comprehensive services. So whether you're a parent or guardian,
a foster parent, our services are comprehensive and we work
(04:19):
with the whole family.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
The thing that I'm really intrigued about is that of
the beneficial impact of these early learning centers. Talk about
what's available in the Southland there. Yes.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
So we have in our programs, we are we know
that we set the foundation for learning for young children.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
And part of that is social emotional development.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
We have a focus on that as well as our
research based curriculum that also focuses on the educational aspect.
And so we work in partnership with parents so that
learning happens within our school classrooms.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
And in the home.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
And we, in our partnership with families, help us.
Speaker 4 (05:02):
To work with parents. We have trainings. We have parent advocacy.
We know parents are children's first teachers. And so we
support caregivers, parents, guardians, in building their confidence as their
child's first teacher.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
With the program in terms of early learning that we're
talking about this morning, what are the age demographics here?
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Yes, so we prenatal through five years of age.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
And five years, once they become.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
Five and eligible for kindergarten, they're no longer.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
Eligible for our program.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
But up until that time- Prenatal?
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Yes, prenatal. That's our home visiting program. Those are important years.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
And I want this, as you being an educator as
well as social worker, describe just the benefit for parents
that are reticent about enrolling their kids in these worthwhile programs.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
Right.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Yes, our programs are a safe environment for children to
be in. We're nurturing our teachers. We look forward to
having children come in. We welcome parents. Again, as I stated,
we want a partnership with parents. We create the partnerships
that help children succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
And so sometimes parents are reluctant, you know, to lead
their little ones.
Speaker 4 (06:25):
But we have an open door policy.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Parents are welcome to even come in and volunteer in
the classroom. We actually encourage that. And we have.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Parent meetings and a parent policy council where parents actually
help in decision making about our programming. And we teach
them to be advocates for their children.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
And once again, we're talking about these wonderful services that
are offered for the development of our children. Because one
thing we're finding right now, that if a kid is
enrolled in an early or so-called Head Start program, their
chances of achieving academically, as well as socially, are greatly enhanced.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Yes, that is correct. That is correct.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
And that's why we focus on preparing children to enter
kindergarten ready to learn. And we know that over the years,
like even over the years, we've had like 78% of
our children entering kindergarten with high social emotional development and
also being ready to learn.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
And it's so important because with that comes confidence for
these kids. And when a kid is confident and feel
as though they are able to compete and achieve with
the best of them, nothing but good happens for that
child in the future. What is the best way for
people to find out more information about IAFC and the
(07:54):
tremendous work that you're doing, not only in the pre-K space,
but also in terms of a child throughout their or
move to adulthood? Yes.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
So you can visit our website at actforchildren.org, and there
you'll find a link to all of our early learning
programs right on the homepage.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
You'll also see our other services that are offered at.
Speaker 4 (08:15):
Illinois Action for Children as well when you go to actforchildren.org.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
We are currently enrolling.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Families and children into our early learning programs in the
Southland area. We strive to make this enrollment as easy
and accessible as possible so families can focus on what
matters most, which is their child's growth and development.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
And we really want to let parents know that just
because in some cases the school year may have started
for your children that are in kindergarten through 12th grade,
that doesn't mean that you're not available or that they
can't enroll their child, their younger child, in these programs,
particularly in the programs that exist in the Southland.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
Absolutely.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
We are enrolling now, and we also enroll throughout the
program year.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Right now is our big enrollment push.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
It's the beginning of the year. All the school-age children
are going back to.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
School, so we know that parents want to get their
little ones in school as well. So we are having
a big enrollment push now in the Southland area.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
And again, just visit our website at actforchildren.org.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
Or you can even call 708-365-1500 to enroll in our
programs as well.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
And give that number one more time, Clarissa.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
That is 708-365-1500. And it is.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
A pleasure to talk to you this morning. And we
wish nothing but overwhelming success for all of the kids
that participate in this wonderful program. And that is Clarissa
Hurley Davis, Vice President of Early Learning for Illinois Action
for Children. Thank you. You're welcome. September is National Suicide
Prevention Month. And joining me this morning to discuss how
(10:00):
emotional and mental health plays a role in promoting wellness
while preventing tragedy is kiana satine she is an emotional
literary consultant life coach and author of the book healing
out loud reclaim your voice power and purpose kiana a
pleasure to have you join us this morning how are
you doing I'm good.
Speaker 5 (10:20):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
It is important because you reached out to me because
suicide is a very sensitive subject to talk about, and
suicide prevention is something that is very personal for you.
Why so? It is.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
I am a suicide survivor, and I'm on a mission
now to impact and inspire as many lives as possible.
God used me to survive it, so I have to
help somebody else realize that suicide is not the end
of the story.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Describe the issue of functionality in dealing with emotional and
mental crises like attempting suicide.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
One of the things we don't often talk about when
it comes to mental health is the emotional impact. And
what I discovered since my attempt in the path of
recovery is that I was disconnected from my emotions. I
didn't have the language to understand my emotions and how
much my emotions was dictating the choices I made, dictating
my mental health. my relationships, my work, the overall feeling
(11:19):
of how I felt about myself as a woman and
as a person.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
It's interesting because language, both spoken and felt, is important.
What do you mean when you say that you were
still listening, showing up and pretending that everything was fine,
but yet you were suffering in silence?
Speaker 5 (11:37):
I was functioning, working in human resources. I was a wife,
a mother, a friend. And to everybody on the outside,
I looked okay. I looked like this. I was smiling,
makeup on, hair done. But behind closed doors, I was struggling.
Even in front of people, I was suffering in silence.
I could put on a smile, but inside, it was
killing me. I would go into my office and just cry.
(11:59):
I would go home, self-medicate just to get myself to
go to sleep, and wake up in the morning struggling
to get out of bed.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
And when did it reach its breaking point?
Speaker 5 (12:09):
The breaking point for me came in 2019 when I
decided I could no longer do it. The pain really
is what was speaking. And when you're in pain, the
only thing you can think about is I just want
it to end. And my breaking point was actually my
breakthrough because I did not succeed. But the path to
healing started in that hospital room when I decided that.
(12:29):
I couldn't hide it anymore. That suicide attempt and ending
up in the hospital was the first time that everybody
around me could see just how much I was suffering
in silence.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
So what prompted you to write the book Healing Out Loud,
Reclaim Your Voice, Power and Purpose?
Speaker 5 (12:45):
That was a spiritual message from God that said, it
is time for you to share your story, speak your truth.
And when I decided to write the book back in 2023,
I had no idea the impact that it would have.
I didn't even know the title at the time, but
I knew that somebody was suffering and struggling with the
same things I went through. So what could I do
to help them? Because I didn't see anybody talking about
(13:06):
suicide when I was going through my experiences in 2019.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Describe what readers will get from the book.
Speaker 5 (13:14):
So I'm the mirror. Healing Out Loud, Reclaiming Your Voice,
Power and Purpose is the mirror. You see my story,
but there are questions for my readers to start to unpack.
Because one thing you are going to go through is
an emotional path in my book, the highs and the
lows of recovery, of just being a human being. So
I need my readers to start to unpack that so
that they can see their own mental and emotional health
(13:36):
and start to become more emotionally intelligent, emotionally literate, emotionally accountable.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Speak about resources necessary, not only for Having the courage
to say that I'm not okay, but also to seek help.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
I have several resources in my book. I have the
988 resources. I have other partners, organizations that you could
partner with like NAMI, AFSP, the 741741 crisis line. I
am also an emotional literacy coach and consultant. People can
work with me, but there are several resources. And bottom line,
I need people to know that they are not alone
(14:13):
in their struggle and there is help and hope on
the other side.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
You created a program called Healed Fast. emotional safety framework.
Describe what that's all about.
Speaker 5 (14:24):
This is a tool that I created to help people
that are struggling in that emotional crisis. When it's 12
o'clock at midnight and you're the only person awake and
the voices in your head are telling you, I can't
take this anymore. My emotions are screaming. How do I
get myself out of this emotional chaos so I can
get myself to the next safe path, the next safe step?
(14:48):
Because when I was suffering, I didn't know I could go,
reach out to the hospital or go into an emergency
room and tell them I'm not okay. I didn't know
where to go. So I sat in it. And if
I had the tool to say, this is your emotion speaking,
this is not the truth. This is just the story.
Get out of this so that you can get yourself help.
That's what Heal Fast is about. Being accountable for your
(15:09):
emotional health.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Why do you think there is such a reticence about
seeking mental and emotional help when we, in terms of
black folks, are going through a crisis?
Speaker 5 (15:21):
The stigma, the stigma, the judgment, the embarrassment. And we
as Black people feel like I have to do it
all alone. I have to be the strong one. We
always have this strong person mentality, but being strong does
not mean asking for help and needing support. It's weakness.
Strong people need support too. People need people.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
What are some of the hallmarks or markers that we
need to look for when we think that somebody may
not be as tight or as well as what they appear?
Speaker 5 (15:53):
Well, we have to start with having the conversations. We
cannot be afraid of going up to someone that we
care about and asking them, are you okay? I notice
you don't seem the same. You're not reacting the same.
You've been distant. Is there anything that I can do
to support you? It starts with just letting people know
that they are supported and they are seen.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
How do we go about this without alienating them? Because
Many times people will know, hey, something isn't right. They're over-medicating.
They're just not themselves. But yet their response is, I'm okay.
But how do we intervene without hopefully not exacerbating the situation?
Speaker 5 (16:31):
We can only do so much. If an individual says
they're okay, all you can say is, all right, well,
if you need me, I'm here to support you. And
know that if there's anything you need, I'm always going
to be a resource. It's up to the individual to decide.
So take the support, but you can only lead the
horse to water. You can't make them drink. So it's both.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
It's reciprocal.
Speaker 5 (16:50):
I can help you, but I have to be willing
to accept the help.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Speak specifically about what we can do to create a
better sense of mental and emotional health in our lives.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
Start by being aware of your body, your mind, your emotion,
and your mood. From the moment I wake up in
the morning, I check in with myself. How am I feeling?
How am I doing? What is going to be my
energy for this day? I can't control what's going on
outside of me, but I can control what's going on inside.
So start with just being aware and checking in with yourself.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
And what do you feel is your life's mission right now,
aside from heel fast and writing a book and being
a coach, a as well as advocate for suicide prevention.
Speaker 5 (17:34):
My work right now is creating safe spaces for people
to actually be able to say, I'm not okay. Creating
safe spaces for people to heal out loud. I'm taking
the Healing Out Loud experience tour across the nation to
create this place where men and women can come together
and realize we are all in this together. There's strength
and healing as a collective.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
And Kiana, how can we find out more information about
this great work that you're doing, as well as your book,
And heal fast.
Speaker 5 (18:01):
You can find out more about me and my work
on my website at IamKianaChateen.com. I also have a YouTube, Facebook, TikTok,
all of the things.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
And what is your final message of encouragement for people
who are listening right now?
Speaker 5 (18:16):
I would say my final message for anybody that is
needing some encouragement, you are worthy and you are valuable.
And keep going because this world needs your light.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
You have purpose. And we want to thank you for
writing this book. Healing Out Loud, Reclaim Your Voice, Power,
and Purpose. That is Kiana Chateen. She is an emotional
literary consultant, and she's doing an extraordinary work. We're so
glad that you're still here and that you're an advocate.
And I guess you also would agree with me here, Kiana,
(18:47):
that if anybody feels as though they're at a breaking
point right now, the easiest thing to do is call
the Lifeline at 988. Yes.
Speaker 5 (18:56):
Yes, absolutely. 988-741-741. But there are resources. You are not
alone in your silence.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
Thank you so much for joining us this morning, Kiana.
Speaker 5 (19:06):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
One of the greatest pieces of legislation signed in the
last 40 years is the ADA, or the Americans with
Disabilities Act. That act, signed in 1990, opened new doors
of opportunity for individuals whose society tried to keep behind
locked doors of never allowing them to fulfill their true potential. Well,
(19:28):
joining me this morning is an individual who is a
tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities, and that is Dr.
Charlene Bennett. She is the CEO of the Individual Advocacy Group.
Speaker 6 (19:42):
Dr.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
Bennett, a pleasure to have you join us this morning.
Talk about what is the Individual Advocacy Group's mission. and
its target audience.
Speaker 6 (19:52):
Our mission is to support people with intellectual disabilities to
live in the community in homes of their own choice
and provide them with whatever supports are required so they
can live successful lives. We want people to lead their
lives through their person-centered choices. We want people to be
(20:14):
part of a community, live in the community, work in
the community. What makes us unique is that we feel
very strongly that people have the right to choose their
own housing, lease their own homes, and people with all
different capabilities, not just for someone that may have more
mild kind disabilities, but people that require more intensive supports.
(20:38):
And it's been our mission to do this throughout my career.
And it's been a mission to include many people that
in the past have been excluded. People that have come
from institutional settings, people that have had really extreme childhood trauma,
who also has a disability. And it's our premise for
(21:00):
total inclusion. And it is our premise to provide those
supports so they can be successful and have a very happy,
high quality of life.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
You're not only here in Illinois, as well as Chicago,
but you're also in various states, as well as the
District of Columbia. What was the impetus that spurred you
to want to engage in this effort?
Speaker 6 (21:24):
A passion for people, a passion for wanting all people
to have that opportunity to be happy and have successful lives.
I really felt since I was very, very, very, very young,
that it really bothered me to see how people who
happen to have a disability or a person that had
(21:46):
a coexisting mental health or a child who were abused
to not be given the same opportunities as others. And
when I worked in the state of Illinois and managed
the Medicaid system for people with intellectual disabilities, I just
saw situations that I felt could be better. We as
a society could do a better job in providing people
(22:08):
with those life opportunities.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
Talk about this issue of complex challenges and what exactly
are they?
Speaker 6 (22:18):
We have people, for an example, that may have severe
autism that not be able to talk, but they communicate
through behaviors. They may have anxiety. People we support may
have an intellectual disability, but they may have a coexisting
bipolar disorder. They may have schizoaffective disorder. So it's just
(22:39):
not mental health, but it's together. And in addition, we
may have persons that have an intellectual disability, perhaps with
a mental health condition, as well as extreme trauma. And
so the complexities require us to really get to know
who that person is, understand what it is that they
(23:01):
need in terms of support so they can participate and
live in the community.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Speak about the issue of the importance of housing integration
and community integration.
Speaker 6 (23:13):
It is absolutely paramount for people who live with these
types of situations to be able to be included, to
live in a house, in a neighborhood, not to be excluded,
you know, out of the neighborhood, institutionalized, but to live
alongside neighbors, to live alongside people that they choose to
(23:37):
want to be around. We do not want to exclude anyone.
We want people to continuously have that opportunity to live, work,
and play in a neighborhood, in a community, alongside neighbors.
When people are excluded, when people are pitied, that is
just something that is not helpful.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
And we don't want that.
Speaker 6 (24:01):
We want people to choose where they want to live
and feel that they're part of the neighborhood and community.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Now, how do you go about fulfilling this mission?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
Well, usually what ends up happening is we, uh, is
as simple as people getting a phone call saying, we
have this person that really requires, um, an opportunity. You know,
many situations have perhaps not wanted to give a person
a chance. And so we will start by meeting a person.
(24:31):
We then talk to the person or, and families and
guardians about where they would like a person to live.
We then work with our teams to determine if there
are housemates that would be a good match for that
person to room with. Because we have people living with
maybe two other people in a home, in a community.
And then what we do is through our network of
(24:53):
supports in terms of realtors and what have you, we
look for a place for a person to live. And
then we work with the state in getting them into
this home and community-based waiver for funding and support.
Speaker 2 (25:06):
That is incredible. Now, does the demographic run from children
to adults and seniors?
Speaker 6 (25:15):
Our priority starts at 18. We have had a different
program for D.C. Department of Children and Family Services in
the past, but yes, it's 18 through end of life.
And as many people as there are in this world,
there's many different situations. We support people with disabilities that
may have children We support people that may have various disabilities.
(25:39):
And one other thing I want to mention, that this
model also works for those families out there that want
their loved one to be nearby. They want their adult
child to still have that person-centered life. They do not
want to place their child elsewhere. They want to stay connected.
and they still want a voice. So the model that
(26:01):
we use incorporates all types of situations. You know, for
those families that want that really robust, empowered life for
their adult child, would like to participate in finding the housing,
they need the supports and sharing how we do that.
Also for those folks, perhaps, that have the more complex needs.
(26:24):
When you think of a person and who that person is,
we can design and build a life. And that's kind
of how I describe it. We build a life based
upon the person.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
One of the operative words that you mentioned is support.
What is the best way for individuals to support you,
both monetarily as well as their skill sets?
Speaker 6 (26:46):
Well, monetarily, of course, as an organization, as a not-for-profit,
any type of donations are very, very helpful.
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Supports.
Speaker 6 (26:55):
We would love to see partnerships with different businesses because
one of our missions is for employment. We have many,
many people working. We have people that have created their
own businesses. We love creativity. You know, our individuals have
designed their own podcasts. They have designed their own businesses.
(27:16):
So support and partnering with businesses would be great. We
would also love if there are professionals out there that
would like to have more experience or would like to
be hired, volunteers. I mean, we're open to many, many
different opportunities to share and to get support.
Speaker 2 (27:35):
And also, they can attend the wonderful annual golf outing.
Tell me about that.
Speaker 6 (27:40):
Yes, we're having a golf outing September, I think it's 6,
and we are always looking for donations and for anyone
that is interested to come. Everything is on our website, igcares.com.
And so if there are golfers out there that are
interested in participating, let us know. All the information can
(28:01):
be found on our website.
Speaker 5 (28:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
And most of all, what have you found so rewarding
about this work? Personalize that for me.
Speaker 6 (28:14):
Well, it's very emotional, but when there are people that
have come to us that have been either locked up, institutionalized, homeless,
not feeling that they even want to. And this is
more extreme, but it has happened where they're coming to
us angry, frustrated, demonstrating some of those sadnesses through behaviors.
(28:39):
And now, years later, living in a community, having a job, happy,
just being very, very happy and to know where people
have come. That is beyond words. That persons, given the
right support, given the right people around them, given the
right opportunities, flourish. That, to me, is why I do
(29:04):
this work.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Well, we are better because of the work that you do.
And that is Dr. Charlene Bennett. She is the CEO
of the Individual Advocacy Group. If you want to find
out more, simply visit their website. It is iagcares.org. Dr. Bennett,
we thank you so much for joining us this morning.
Speaker 6 (29:23):
Thank you so much. I so appreciate this opportunity.
Speaker 2 (29:26):
Well, that wraps up this edition of Chicago Insight. In closing,
please take advantage of the useful information presented today. I'm
Daryl Denard. Always remember to use informed insight in everything
that you do and be sure to take care of yourself.
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