KVC Health Systems

In this new issue of Thriving magazine, find journal prompts recommended by mental health professionals, get to know KVC foster families, read Heather's real-life story of family reunification and get a look into KVC's work culture that resulted in KVC being named Glassdoor’s #15 Best-Led Company in the U.S. https://hubs.ly/Q04hcb1N0

Early in my career as a clinician, I walked into a family’s home for what I expected to be a routine session. Instead, I found myself sitting across from a teenager who told me they no longer wanted to live.   I had learned about suicide in graduate school. I understood assessment tools and warning signs. But nothing truly prepares you for the moment when a child looks at you and expresses hopelessness so profound that they are considering ending their life.   The child was safe. I did my best. But I left that experience realizing something important: knowledge alone was not enough. I needed practice. I needed confidence. I needed the skills to respond effectively in one of the highest-stakes moments a clinician can face.   Too often, clinicians are expected to navigate suicidal crises with limited opportunities to practice these conversations before they happen in real life. This is not something you can “figure out” in the moment with a child sitting in front of you. We have to be ready before the moment comes.   That’s why the partnership between Relias and KVC Health Systems matters.   Together, we are helping clinicians build the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed for suicide assessment and prevention through education, simulated practice sessions, and immediate feedback in a safe learning environment.   Because when clinicians feel prepared, children are safer. And when we respond effectively, we create space for healing, connection, and hope.   Find out more about the Relias and KVC Health Systems partnership here- https://lnkd.in/eskXRhkc If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide or just need to talk, help is available. Call, text or chat one of the resources below. They’re free, confidential, and available 24/7.   No matter what you’re going through, you are not alone.   Suicide Resources National 988 Crisis Line - call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org Crisis Textline: text TALK to 741741, or chat crisistextline.org Trevor Project (support for LGBTQ youth): text START to 678-678, call 866-488-7368, or chat https://lnkd.in/enCYcsnj   #988Lifeline #CrisisTextLine #TheTrevorProject #SuicidePrevention #NoSuicide #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #ChildrensMentalHealth #ClinicalTraining #CrisisCare #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #ReliasCares

Large events don’t create trafficking on their own, but they can create more opportunities for vulnerable situations to go unnoticed if people aren’t paying attention. Learn more about the signs of human trafficking and how you can be a safe adult during the World Cup: https://hubs.ly/Q04gGscC0

This is what progress looks like. Construction is advancing in Webster Groves on our new children’s mental health hospital—bringing to life a joint venture between St. Louis Children's Hospital and KVC Health Systems. For families navigating a mental health crisis, this will be a place of healing, connection and support. No child or family should have to face the journey alone. By integrating inpatient, residential and outpatient services on one campus, we’re building a more connected, accessible system designed to improve outcomes and expand access to trauma-informed care. Each milestone moves us closer to meeting a critical need in our region—ensuring more children receive the right care, at the right time. We’re grateful for the partners and community members helping make this possible, and we look forward to what’s ahead. https://lnkd.in/gBHgDuwW

FIFA World Cup 2026™ is coming to Kansas City this summer! It's crucial to balance excitement and safety, and a little preparation can go a long way so your family can feel confident and ready to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Jessica Elliott, a KVC placement consultant, says the most important safety preparation is simple: "Ensure that your kids know your phone numbers." Jessica also advises families to identify a meeting point and scout it out before the event begins. Check out more practical tips to prepare for the World Cup: https://hubs.ly/Q04gkLrt0

As a parent, you would do anything to make sure your child is safe and happy. But what happens when your child is overwhelmed by depression or anxiety or when they’re trying to cope with trauma or even suicidal ideation? No family should have to face this alone. The situation for Ren and his family felt hopeless, but a turning point finally came when they were able to get Ren care at KVC Health Systems’ inpatient and residential mental health treatment network. Here, Ren made strong connections with the mental health professionals on his care team. They helped him improve his emotional regulation and strengthen his family relationships. This Mental Health Month, we want to talk about the impact that the right care at the right time can have to change or even save lives. Being able to access timely, high-quality care that meets children and families where they are matters. Ren's inspiring story illustrates what is possible for many other young people. Together, we can support young people in healing, finding their sense of purpose and making their own impact on the world. https://hubs.ly/Q04g9K0M0

Grab your friends and get ready to get muddy! The Ozark Scramble is coming up on May 30 at Meramec Adventure Ranch in Steeleville, MO. It is the perfect way to spend the day with your team, taking on obstacle challenges, enjoying the outdoors and being part of something that supports children and teens on their journey toward hope and healing. Rally your crew and sign up while there is still time 🏃♂️ https://hubs.ly/Q04fKRTT0

Thank you to our Gala supporters who helped raise a record-breaking $625,000+ to support children and families KVC Health Systems serves through Camber Mental Health, KVC’s inpatient and residential mental health treatment network. We so appreciate all who joined us at our Around the World Gala! It was a memorable and spectacular evening! Because of your generosity, we're moving forward with plans to transform Camber's flagship campus in Kansas City, Kan., creating safer, more therapeutic environments where children can find hope and healing. We want to give a huge shout out to Gala Chairs Rob and Jennifer Welker of Hoefer Welker, Honorary Chairs Brian Dunn and Mike Comer of JE Dunn Construction, and our Presenting Sponsors Howden, The Goppert Foundation, and Shelley and Evan Howe. We also want to thank our many generous corporate sponsors, committee members, party-goers and volunteers for making this year's Gala a huge success! We can't wait to do it again next year!  If you weren't able to make it, it's not too late to make an impact. You can always make a donation online, https://hubs.ly/Q04dCTD80

We’re proud to welcome Michelle Leone MHA, BSN, RN, FACHEas Senior Vice President of the St. Louis Children's Hospital and KVC Health Systems joint venture. Michelle brings extensive experience in behavioral health and hospital operations, along with a strong track record of building teams and advancing care. She will lead strategic development, operations and program implementation for our new youth mental health hospital and renovated intensive outpatient treatment center in Webster Groves. Her leadership will help expand access to high-quality, trauma-informed care for children and families across our region. This is an important step forward as we continue building a more connected, accessible system of care for youth. Please join us in welcoming Michelle.

Meet Andi, a tutor for KVC's Early Development of Informed Foster Youth (EDIFY) program. EDIFY provides academic support and mentorship to kids in foster care across West Virginia. Andi has done a remarkable job connecting with youth, many of whom face significant academic and social–emotional challenges. She creates a safe and encouraging learning environment, fostering growth and confidence in her students. Volunteers like Andi are fundamental to ensuring kids know their community truly cares for them and wants to help them build a bright future. If you want to be a part of this village, you can learn more about getting involved with KVC here, https://hubs.ly/Q04cYbZF0