LET'S CATCH UP: JANUARY 2026

Parenting. Mental health. Community.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

CATCH is about real conversations, real support, and showing up for one another especially when life feels complicated in 2026.

Here’s what’s happening and how you can be part of it.

Scroll to Be in the Know

• Two upcoming educational programs grounded in real life
• 5K for CATCH - lace up and make an impact (April 11)
• How Note Your Feelings reached more than 8,000 students
• New Parents Connect groups forming

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Next Educational Program:

Brave Parenting

Raising Independent, Healthy Humans

WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 25

7 PM

Northbrook United Methodist Church

1190 Western Ave, Northbrook

Parenting often calls us to make brave choices, especially as our kids grow more independent and we’re asked to step back in new ways.

Join CATCH for an evening grounded in lived experience and honest reflection. Amy Oberholtzer will share her personal story as a parent navigating mental health challenges within her family, including reflections from a recent conversation with her young adult daughter.

Together, we’ll explore how the parenting choices we make, guided by what matters most, can support independence, resilience, and growth, while making space for the complexity and humanity of parenting.

April 21 | Noon on Zoom

Lunch and Learn Webinar Series Continues

CATCH's educational series is supported in part by a grant from the Northbrook Woman’s Club, helping us bring mental wellness education directly to our community.

COMMUNITY EVENT

5K for CATCH

Show up. Move together. Make mental health visible.

Join us for our 3rd annual 5K for CATCH, a community event rooted in connection, conversation, and care for ourselves and for one another.

Last year, nearly 300 community members came together and raised close to $15,000 to support youth mental health. This year, we’re aiming even higher with the help of families, friends, and neighbors who believe in showing up.



Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 8-10 AM

Northbrook (Park TBD)

Whether you walk, run, or cheer from the sidelines, there’s a place for you:

• Connect with others who care about mental health
• Move at your own pace—every step counts
• Be part of a morning that sparks awareness and hope

Registration is now open!

• Early Bird Discount (through 2/28) $35/person
• Cost: $45/person 

Every step helps normalize conversations about mental health.

Partner With Us for the 5K for CATCH

The 5K for CATCH is more than a race—it’s a visible show of support for youth mental health in our community.

Last year, with the help of local sponsors and community partners, we raised nearly $15,000 to support programs that help students and families feel seen, supported, and not alone. This year, our goal is to double that impact.

We invite businesses and community partners to stand with us as Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze sponsors for the 5K for CATCH. A meaningful way to support mental wellness while showing your commitment to the community you serve.

A heartfelt thank you to Nate Nayman, Glenbrook North High School student, whose leadership and dedication continue to inspire this event and our entire community.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS INITIATIVES

Listening to How Students Are Really Feeling

Before winter break, more than 8,000 students, along with educators and families across our community, were invited to share how they were really doing.

Using CATCH-provided Post-it Notes, participants shared how they were really feeling, read messages from others, and were reminded they’re not alone.

We’re grateful to the schools and community partners who helped make this campaign possible:

• Attea Middle School
• Field Middle School
• Glenbrook North H.S.
• Glenbrook South H.S.
• Maple School
• Northbrook Junior High
• Springman Junior High
• Wood Oaks Junior High
• Glenview Public Library
• Northbrook Public Library

This direct-to-student outreach is made possible through a generous grant from the Northfield Township.

REAL STORIES. REAL STRUGGLES. REAL STRENGTH.

Stories That Remind Us We’re Not Alone

We are grateful for the brave voices who've shared their "In Real Life" stories with us. Revisit these honest reflections on family, mental health, and hope and be reminded you're never alone.

Read CATCH's "In Real Life" Journal Entries

CONNECT WITH PARENTS WHO GET IT

You're Not Alone, Find Your People

Raising a child with mental health challenges can feel isolating—but you don’t have to do it by yourself.

CATCH’s Parents Connect groups bring caregivers together for honest conversation, shared understanding, and support from others who truly get it.

The following parent support groups are available:



• Kids Ages 6-13
• Teens Ages 12-18
• Adult Children Ages 18+
• Eating Disorders

When we come together and support one another, we build a community that makes each day easier. Get the support you deserve.



You don’t need to have the right words—just a willingness to show up.

Looking for professional support?

CATCH is here to help you find a mental health provider.

Look through our lists of providers or send a confidential email to CATCH, and we will provide you with names of trusted practices that might meet your needs. 

GIVE HOPE TODAY

Your support helps CATCH continue our mission to make it okay to not be okay. $0.90 of every $1.00 donated enables CATCH to support local families, helping them prioritize mental wellness, where every child feels seen, supported, and safe.

 Read our 2025 Impact Report.

Many employers offer matching gift programs, doubling the impact of your donation. Check with your company to see if they’ll match your gift!