Bright Star’s Trauma Counseling Program

A law practitioner with over two decades of experience, Judge Megan Goldish of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Domestic Violence Division engages in various community and social endeavors. Her numerous recognitions include the Mary Heftel Hooton Award from the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. Judge Megan Goldish also serves as a board member of Bright Star Community Outreach (BSCO).

The nonprofit BSCO strives to empower residents of Chicago’s most at-risk communities to participate in community-building through various programs spanning education, violence prevention, health, advocacy, and trauma counseling. The trauma counseling program utilizes mental health professionals and trained faith leaders who act as helpline advocates. The toll-free helpline (833-Turn123) operates from Monday to Friday to help those facing issues of anger, violence, grief, terminal illness, self-harm, and more.

Other trauma counselors act as ambassadors who work to bring mental health awareness to the community, in partnership with organizations in healthcare, education, faith community sectors, first responders, and business. They present information on mental health awareness, self-care, vicarious trauma, and more. The ambassadors also raise awareness of the helpline service and the Urban Resilience Network approach. To learn more about BSCO and its various programs, visit www.brightstarcommunityoutreach.com.