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 are provided.
“OverFlow” After School Activities
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 2:30-4pm (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – regular release schedule); 1-2:30pm (Wednesdays – early release schedule) ***Schedule might adjust due to special field trips; see calendar for exact programming plans.
During OverFlow, we offer a combination of Leadership Development; Social/Emotional Support; SPARKS – discovering talents, skills, passions, and dreams; homework help; recreational activities; Field trips – recreational, service oriented, and college/career exploration. The specifics of each week will be set in advance and shared thoruugh our calendars.
Rides provided for BHS and RHS students to program pick up at their school. Rides home from program provided to all students.
“Check and Connect” In-School Groups
Monday at Romeoville High School – 9:30am-1:30pm; Friday at Bolingbrook High School – 10:00am-2:00pm
During Check and Connect, H2O Staff meet with students for 15-30 minute in a 1to1 setting or in small groups to build trust and understanding of needs. These meetings consist of goal setting, accountability, and celebrating successes. Students are referred to us by the school for attendance and school engagement support.
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
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 "In-School 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