Bridges to a New Day
Affordable Counseling
Bridges to a New Day
Amount Awarded: $256,918 | Project Status: Projected Completion Fall 2024
Will County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars ensured that Bridges to a New Day, a counseling agency in Crest Hill, did not have to cut back on clients and programs in the face of rising costs. Through a $256,918 grant, Bridges to a New Day was empowered to continue providing affordable counseling to the community.
Bridges to A New Day offers three programs: an Insurance Counseling program, free Domestic Violence counseling for victims and their children, and a reduced fee counseling program (Darlene’s Program). From July 2023 to May 2024, they provided 4,642 hours of counseling services for participants in the Darlene’s program.
Since the pandemic, the cost of counseling services increased. While they were once able to provide counseling services at $100 per session the cost rose to $120 per session post-pandemic. Without this funding, Bridges to a New Day would have had to cut back both on the number of clients that they serve and the free services that they have offered the community.
“This funding has allowed us to continue to provide services with master’s degree level counselors so that community members have a quality mental health provider in their area. These services are provided to community members that would normally not be able to receive any mental health services due to cost. Also, we have provided free in school groups throughout the community for children who need social and emotional support. We provide free community workshops / trainings that educate community members on a variety of topics such as mindfulness, trauma, domestic violence, grief, etc. Darlene’s program is an ongoing program that has been with the agency for over 20 years, so this funding is helping us to continue our positive impact within the community.”
Carolyn Khan | Executive Director