The Need
OMNI is here for all families, including those experiencing mental health issues, family conflicts, abuse and trauma, substance abuse, academic failure, poor decision making, peer issues, runaways and so much more. This new site will be a welcoming hub for kids and families in need throughout the northwest suburbs.
The access to a Wheeling-based facility that offers comprehensive state, local government and donor subsidized services is essential for families struggling to overcome challenges and raise happy, healthy and successful kids.
Additionally, 62% of Wheeling elementary school children are eligible for free or reduced lunch pricing (living at or below the poverty level). Low family income impedes children's cognitive development and their ability to learn. Low incomes also contribute to behavioral, social and emotional problems. The negative effects of low income on young children are troubling in their own right, but they are also concerning because they are associated with difficulties later in life—dropping out of school, poor adolescent and adult health and poor employment outcomes
According to the 2016 Illinois Youth Survey of 7,500 youth attending five high schools in Wheeling Township:
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27% of youth have felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row and stopped doing usual activities in the past year.
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27% of youth felt bullied in the past year
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29% of 12th grade youth and 16% of 10th grade youth would benefit from a substance abuse assessment
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15% of youth do not participate in any extra-curricular activities in or out of school
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16% of youth do not have an adult (other than a parent) to talk to about important issues