The Need

The Impact
With 56% of our student population experiencing unstable housing, REF is committed to ensuring 100% of Ravenswood students have access to school-based mental health counseling services. 

​School-based mental health counselors are needed to help students cope with high levels of stress, anxiety, family challenges and mental health issues that interfere with daily functioning as well as classroom learning and academic success.
 
Students view counselors as steady, trusted friends on campus who provide a safe place for students to voice concerns. Counselors typically have individual caseloads of up to 30 children and also provide ongoing group therapy, crisis intervention, anti-bullying workshops, prevention-focused classroom lessons, teacher support, parent consultation and community outreach. Since counselors have been on site at schools to help manage behavioral issues and initiate conflict resolution, teachers have reported improved attendance and a reduction in behavioral issues.
REF works with the district to provide 7 full-time CASSY counselors. Results are promising:
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  • 85% of students maintain or increase positive functioning in their daily life
  • 98% or more of students meet at least one treatment goal 
  • 80% of students receiving treatment will improve attendance rate
  • ​55% students will resolve disciplinary concerns