Delaware Guidance Services awarded Next Gen-South grant

Thanks to a recent $2,500 grant from The Next Generation of Southern Delaware, Delaware Guidance Services clients in Kent and Sussex counties will be able to receive additional outpatient counseling services.

"We're grateful for the generous support of the Next Gen-South. They believe in our mission to provide quality mental health services for children and youth in Delaware, and their support will allow us to provide services to more children in need," said Bruce Kelsey, DGS executive director.

Delaware Guidance was fortunate to be one of four nonprofit organizations in Kent and Sussex counties to receive a grant from Next-Gen South, a fund of the Delaware Community Foundation.

As in many communities, in Kent and Sussex counties far too many children and adolescents are in crisis. Many are struggling with suicidal ideas, some are facing the unbearable pain of abuse or neglect, others are trying to live with a diagnosable condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and still more are tormented by abuse or addiction.

Delaware Guidance Services' strategy is to intervene at the onset of problems with holistic outpatient counseling including critical psychiatric services, individual psychotherapy, play or group therapy, behavior modification, and parent and family counseling. Their specially trained clinicians develop individualized treatment plans. Each outpatient counseling session has the potential to be a turning point in a child's life. Imagine a child suffering - from the pain of suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, abuse, neglect, or trauma - realizing the possibility of a happy, healthy, productive life.

In 2015, Delaware Guidance provided outpatient services to over 1,600 children and adolescents through more than 22,000 treatment sessions in Kent and Sussex counties alone. At any given time, there is always a waiting list for outpatient services. The need is great, and the support of partners like Next-Gen South is critical to their continued success in serving community needs.

Next Gen-South is a philanthropic organization of young professionals living and working in Kent and Sussex counties. Next Gen-South identifies a focus area every two years and is currently directing grants to support programs that increase access to child mental health services and programs. The organization leverages the resources of the Delaware Community Foundation, but has its own structure, fundraising projects and grant-making process.