Heart Haven Outreach, better known as H2O, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves middle & high school teens in the greater Bolingbrook and Romeoville area who are experiencing challenging times. Through a variety of time-tested and research-based programs, we pursue our mission of “reaching out to the hearts of youth and facilitating life transformation.”
We believe healthy development is both balanced and multidimensional, including physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual components. We reach out to youth and their families by building caring and supportive relationships, offering teaching that equips and empowers, and partnering with the community at large. Our services are available to all without discrimination.
Heart Haven OutReach (H2O) is located in the East wing of the Bolingbrook Community Center. It’s behind Village Hall and across from Rocket Ice Arena.
There is no charge for transportation or for any of our services with the exception of some trips and activities that may have minimal cost. Please talk to one of our staff members if finances are a barrier.
Description of the services specifically offered to VVSD students/families:
“Real Life” Support Group
Tuesdays - 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm (Middle and High School) - Every Tuesday, staff facilitate small groups where teens can come to talk about their feelings, struggles, and achievements. Real Life is a safe place where youth can be heard and know they are not alone. Teens learn to support their peers and to give and receive positive feedback. Doors open at 6:30. The first 30 minutes of program is “free time.” Meals provided by Northern Illinois Food Bank are served during this time. Zoom sessions are set up for students unable to make it in-person.
“Good Clean Fun” After School Activities
Times vary; typically 2:30-4:30 pm (High School); 1:20-3:30 pm (Middle School) - Every Wednesday we offer a different recreational activity at no or low cost. Activities include playing games, making crafts, going on field trips, and more. Middle school students will have Good Clean Fun each Early Release Wednesday; High School students will have Good Clean Fun each Regular Release Wednesday. Space is limited, so advanced sign-up is required. Visit our website to download this month's calendar of activities: https://hearthavenoutreach.org/teen/.
“Serving Others” Community Service Projects
Times vary; typically 2:30-4:30 pm (High School); 1:20-3:30 pm (Middle School) - One Wednesday each month, in place of "Good Clean Fun", we offer service opportunities and trips that challenge youth to consider a reality beyond themselves and outside their comfort zones. Service projects include projects such as park clean up, nursing home visits, helping a food pantry, or serving alongside local non-profits.
“Talk It Out” In-School Groups
During the week, H2O staff are available for the groups to build social and emotional skills. The “Talk It Out” group facilitators can help students build social and emotional skills as well as teach coping techniques for handling difficult situations; offer career/college readiness field trips; lead group service projects; and create interactive content around lessons in Peer conflict resolution, School Engagement, Achievement Motivation, and Planning and Decision Making. It is a great program to build friendships and community at your school.
Middle School Students will have the opportunity to take the activity bus home after Talk It Out.
Jane Addams Middle School – Mondays from 2:45-4:30pm.
Brooks Middle School – Mondays from 2:45-4:30pm.
Humphrey Middle School – Tuesdays from 2:45-4:30pm.
AVM Middle School – Thursdays from 2:45-4:30pm.
Lukancic Middle School – Thursdays from 2:45-4:30pm.
Bolingbrook High School – Wednesdays Periods 4-6.
Romeoville High School – Mondays Periods 4-6.
“Connect For Success" Tutoring (In-person or Virtual)
Tutoring is scheduled between tutor and student; at least 1 day per week - We offer free help with schoolwork by offering guidance from our trained tutors over Zoom or in-person at our facility. Tutoring is by appointment only. Registered students can sign up for tutoring at this link: https://bit.ly/h2otutoring
1 to 1 and Small Group Mentoring (In-person or Virtual)
Session is scheduled between mentor and mentee; at least 1 day every other week - Staff are available to meet with youth for one on one mentoring most days throughout the year. The purpose of “one-to-ones” is for the teen to develop a positive relationship with an adult who genuinely cares about him or her and who can provide personal support in dealing with life’s pressures. One-to-One mentoring can be done in person (sitting over coffee/fries, playing basketball, going on a hike, etc.) or over Zoom, for students unable to meet in-person
Annual 3-on-3 Character Counts Tournament
H2O, in coordination with various community groups, will organize an annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament to provide any middle or high school student (male or female) interested in playing basketball an organized opportunity to practice and compete. Students are divided into teams and assigned coaches who teach them basketball skills and positive sportsmanship based on the Character Counts “Victory with Honor” program. Coaches mentor their team for approximately five weeks prior to the actual tournament. The tournament is the first Sunday of March, with practices taking place in February.
Operation Snowball/STARS
H2O oversee the VVSD Operation Snowball and STARS events. H2O organizes events that will empower student leaders through prevention education, community advocacy, and leadership development to create a positive impact. In collaboration with BHS and RHS, H2O recruits students to be leaders, organize leadership meetings, and connect with school staff on needed resources to put on the STARS event for middle school students in the fall and the Operation Snowball retreat for high school students in the spring.
Transportation
Rides are available to teens living in Bolingbrook and Romeoville to and from our regular programs and most of our activities. Please call at least an hour and a half before the start of the activity to arrange to be picked up. There is no cost for transportation.
Procedures for accessing services:
All youth must register in order to take part in H2O programming. Students attending H2O programs at the school need to fill out the "Off-Site Welcome Form" online at https://bit.ly/H2Otalkitout.
Students that would like to attend H2O Programs outside of school need to Register online at https://bit.ly/H2Ostudentreg. Students can also register in-person at H2O.
To schedule an appointment, please call us at (630) 226-8403. You can also email info@hearthavenoutreach.org for any questions.
Contact information for VVSD Families:
Heart Haven OutReach (H2O)
201 Canterbury Lane, Suite C
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
630-226-8403
