Delaware Guidance awarded Next Gen-South grant

Thanks to a recent $5,000 grant from The Next Generation of Southern Delaware, Delaware Guidance Services clients in Sussex County will be able to receive more outpatient counseling services.

“We are 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 so many more children in need,” said Bruce Kelsey, DGS executive director.

DGS was fortunate to be one of just three nonprofit organizations in Kent and Sussex counties to receive a grant from Next-Gen South.

“Next Gen-South is proud to support Delaware Guidance Services in Lewes with a $5,000 grant,” said Next Gen-South Grants Committee Chair Beccy Cooper. “This organization of dedicated professionals provides a wide variety of services that address the mental health and overall well-being of children living in Sussex County. Our funding will directly support their outpatient program, allowing them to provide an additional 161 therapy sessions to children in need. They are making such a difference in the lives of children every day, and we are so happy to be able to assist them with our financial support.”

In Kent and Sussex counties, far too many children and adolescents are in crisis. Many are struggling in the aftermath of the recent youth suicide cluster; some are facing the unbearable pain of abuse or neglect; others are trying to live with a diagnosed condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and still more are tormented by addiction.

In 2012, DGS provided outpatient services to more than 1,600 children and adolescents through more than 21,000 treatment sessions in Kent and Sussex counties alone. The number of clients on the waiting lists in these two counties currently varies from 80 to 120 children at any given time. The need is great, and the support of partners like Next-Gen South is critical to continued success in serving community needs.

Next Gen-South is a philanthropic organization of young professionals living and working in Kent and Sussex counties. Members identify a focus area every two years and are 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. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $20,000. This year, $12,500 of that amount was granted to not-for-profit organizations in Sussex County.

Founded in 1953 by the Junior League of Wilmington, DGS is celebrating 60 years of service this year. DGS is the largest single not-for-profit provider of comprehensive nonresidential psychiatric services for children and their families in Delaware.