Social Work & Supportive Services
95%
of students believe that MetroSquash has helped them feel good about themselves
MetroSquash is a place where I can be myself. They also provided me with a mentor who is a person that gets me.
1,400+
hours of community service contributed by students in the 2017-2018 school year
To foster a safe and positive learning environment, while equipping students with the tools, resources, and support they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
The Social Work and Supportive Services team recognizes that in order to truly meet the needs of our students, families, and community, we have to provide support in other areas besides the classroom and on the squash court.
The Social Work Department is the final piece to the holistic puzzle and we focus on strengthening our students’ emotional health and well-being.
Support for Students & Staff
- The Social Work Team provides students with a wide array of programming including: providing one-on-one and small group counseling sessions, socio-emotional learning, helping address student, family, and staff concerns in a confidential setting, encouraging effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies, facilitating family engagement workshops, leading student groups and discussions on a range of topics, attending school meetings to advocate for students, and referring students and families for outside services (as needed).
- Staff trainings are also offered on topics related to trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and positive youth development.
Community Service
- Several research studies have identified youth’s practice of charity as being a positive influence on their academic performance and character development.
- At MetroSquash, each of our students complete a minimum of 10 community service hours each year. Projects often evolve organically, based on community need and student interest.
- Over the past several years, MetroSquash has partnered with organizations like: Comer Children’s Hospital, Share Your Soles, Feed My Starving Children, and Clearbrook to assist with a number of projects from packing meals for those in need to being “Bowling Buddies” with adults with disabilities.
Mentoring
- Numerous studies have shown the importance of having non-parental caring adults in a child’s life, to serve as role models and guides.
- MetroSquash students have the opportunity to be paired with volunteer Mentors from the squash and greater Chicago community.
- Mentors and mentees share interests, play squash, pursue academic opportunities, and build strong friendships. Mentors sign on for a one year commitment, but often stay connected well beyond that time.
- To learn how to become a mentor, please visit our mentor page.
6100 S Cottage Grove Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
1599 Maple Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
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