NEU 101 Neuroscience for Life: From Sex to Society

Our neuroscience class has spent the semester thinking about what makes our brains function and how we humans are built to connect with one another from the moment we're born.

The current situation has made our connections and ties to each other even more rewarding and critical to our survival. Awarding these funds from ArtsWave to a community organization has taken on new importance in this time of crisis and we're grateful that we could be a part of this process.

Danielle Lauer: As the ongoing situation of COVID-19 progresses, I see that the purpose of philanthropy is to promote the welfare of others and to help out in a situation that is bringing so much suffering to people worldwide.

Enriching the lives of others and promoting the well-being for others can make you feel so good in a time where everything feels like there is no hope.

Jaide Massey: At the beginning of this semester, I really just thought philanthropy was something that was done through Greek life or in human services setting. I never thought of it as being something a university would get their students involved in.

I think in this particular time philanthropy is very important. During this global pandemic it is so important that people realize that everyone is struggling and needs help.

Erin Matthews: I appreciate what Holly Hill is doing for kids/families and are giving them another start at trying to live a healthier, happier life.

I want to be able to show my classmates that this is a very worthy place to give the money. It will be going to children who didn’t have a choice in how their lives started or where they went.

Raven Reed: It’s so important for us to pick a worthy cause. All nonprofits do amazing work but that much money we are trying to give away can really make a big difference! When choosing an organization, I wanted to choose a smaller organization that would benefit the most.

How the grant will be used:

Holly Hill will be using this to $2,000 for art therapy via telehealth at first and in-person after the COVID-19 sheltering-in-place restrictions are lifted.

Student philanthropy classes at NKU funded by ArtsWave are asked to review the ArtsWave Community Impact Goals and then align the class’s giving those at least one of those five goals.

The NEU 101 students aligned their giving with the goal that Arts Fuel Creativity & Learning, which says the arts “promote the development of 21st century skills by ensuring that all youth in the region, particularly those who are underserved, have access to meaningful arts opportunities.”

Comments from Meghan Ackerman, Holly Hills’ behavioral health services clinical coordinator:

Holly Hill Child and Family Solutions is grateful to be chosen as a recipient of this grant.

Since our charter started in 1884, Holly Hill has worked to exceed the standard for mental health care. This grant will help open up access to outpatient mental health services and treatment for the youth and families.

Our program will use this funding to support those who are seeking services but unable to afford the co-pays and costs of the services. By removing the barriers to treatment, we aim to provide hope, healing treatment, and encouragement for our clients to build and maintain fulfilling lives in our community.

We believe in taking care of the whole child and family. Successful treatment occurs with a partnership between the therapist, the child and his/her family. Our Licensed Behavioral Health Professionals conduct sessions in school or at our office to help improve the quality of life for everyone involved. Our mental health counseling options are tailored to fit the needs of each individual child, teen, and family by offer integrated support for trauma, anxiety, depression, social issues, loss and grief, abuse, divorce, anger management, LGBTQ issues, and much more.

Our various forms of therapies and programs will help children and families address and cope with past or current issues.