Mobile Farmer's Market Helping the Hispanic Community

With the help of Beet Box volunteers, Puentes de Esperanza: Bridges of Hope is providing healthy options, social opportunity, and something the community can look forward to. Puentes uses the ecologically-oriented CARE principle by meeting our Hispanic community members where they are physically and situationally.

Since the start of last summer, Puentes de Esperanza has partnered with the Land of Goshen Community Market located in Edwardsville, IL. Through this partnership, the community served by Puentes can receive fresh produce from local farmers at a low cost. The volunteers of the Goshen Community Market drive to Fairmont City the “Beet Box.” This food truck attracts the attention of the community, and the word is spread on produce being sold. The members of the community can walk down the street from their homes to choose their produce. Clients can choose from a variety of vegetables, fruits, and nonperishable items to take home for 25 cents. Everyone in the community is welcome to choose their own produce.

Famer’s markets have increasingly become a staple in most towns, and they continue to expand as years go by. With the use of the Beet Box, the community of Fairmont City can have access to fresh fruit and vegetables, without having to travel far. In Fairmont City there are not many grocery stores that can provide fresh produce. This results in members of the community turning to unhealthy options of food. Within the Hispanic culture, many individuals from their country of origin are used to choosing their own produce and knowing how fresh it is. In most Hispanic countries the use of mercados is an essential part of living. Mercado in English means market. Mercados are not just a place where people buy and sell produce, but they also provide a place where social events occur. They bring joy and liveliness to a community and create a sense of belonging.

Farmworkers In the United States contribute to the production and distribution of crops. They play a key part in the nation’s economy. Migrant farmworkers have helped feed America and have faced obstacles throughout the years. At times, when people grocery shop, they seldom forget the backstory behind the farmworkers who work long hours to provide us with produce. Within the Puentes family there are many migrant farmworkers who work long hours in the fields to provide for their families. The clients even think of Puentes and if produce is in abundance, they bring them some as well. Team members have been happy going home with fresh corn to enjoy with their own families. Puentes de Esperanza is thankful for the clients they serve and continues to support them and provide resources to better suit their family needs.

With the help of Beet Box, they proudly can continue to provide produce and something to look forward to for the community. They also take into consideration the opinions of the clients and look for more produce available that they may prefer. Mothers of the families are thankful that they do not have to leave their homes to buy produce but rather can get it at a low cost right outside their doors. Puentes de Esperanza will hope to continue to continue this partnership for years to come and continue to expand their resources.

Learn more about our Hispanic community support here: https://hoyleton.org/programs/hispanic-community-support/

Career Assistance Scholarship

Hoyleton strives to build stronger communities by providing support and service to youth and families in the southern Illinois region. In an effort to help individuals reach their full potential, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services is proud to offer the Career Assistance Scholarship, an  opportunity for any recipient of Hoyleton Youth and Family Services and Puentes de Esperanza to benefit. We will start accepting applications beginning April 2026.

To qualify, the applicant must be a recipient of services provided by Hoyleton, currently or in the past. This includes the Residential program, Counseling, Foster Care, Therapeutic services, Puentes de Esperanza, Prevention, and community programs.

Closing date for scholarship applications is August 2026.

The Career Assistance Scholarship supports career goals and may be used for:

  1. Tuition assistance and fees required for the enrollment for attendance of the student at a qualifying institution (General Education Diploma, training school, trade, career based school, vocational school or another institution of the same type).
  2. Fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction
  3. Room, Board and transportation.

Applicants must provide the following:

  1. Completed application form
  2. A statement of less than 100 words of how the career assistance scholarship will help you to achieve your career goal.
  3. One letter of recommendation from a professional educator, counselor, or clergy
1
2
3
4

Scholarship Career Assistance Application

Name

Address

Education History

Career Assistance Desired

Certification and Signature

We acknowledge that we have read the eligibility requirements in the attached brochure. All of the information furnished in support of this application is true and complete. If requested, we will submit proof of the same. Failure to do so shall invalidate this application and shall result in termination of scholarship. By signing this application, you have given Hoyleton Youth and Family Services the right to release the scholarship recipient's name in a press release and social media.

Reminder to Applicant: This application becomes valid only when all items have been submitted to the Career Assistance Committee at Hoyleton Youth & Family Services. Mailed applications should be addressed as: Hoyleton Youth & Family Services Career Assistance Committee| 8 Executive Dr, Suite 200 | Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Finding Faith through Fear

Lorinda Macon entered the foster care system at 8-years-old. Today she is a strong confident mother of two who has written books to share what she has learned from her journey and her faith.

Lorinda, like many children, ended up in foster care because her mother was battling substance abuse issues and could no longer care for her and her sisters.

Lorinda’s foster care journey brought her to Hoyleton where she remembers being cared for by dedicated caseworkers who made her believe she still had a promising future. “Hoyleton made me feel like I was somebody,” Lorinda said. “Hoyleton gave me the tools I needed to overcome obstacles and develop resiliency,” Lorinda explained.

Lorinda’s strong faith in God also helped her persevere despite the trauma and loss she suffered in childhood. She explained how feelings of helplessness and despair were replaced by a sense of personal power thanks to her profound connection with God.

Lorinda found peace in writing and decided to share her story. “I used what I had been through, plus my faith in God, to encourage others to keep going,” Lorinda said.  At the age of 18, Lorinda became a self-published author with her first book, "Unbroken," followed by a second book in 2023, "Unveiling the Power of Healing and Prayer," both are available on Amazon.

Lorinda also wrote a children's book titled "Brown Girl, Brown Girl, Be Who You Want to Be," dedicated to her 5-year-old daughter. Lorinda said she knew as soon as her first child was born that she had to make a better life for her child than what she had experienced. Writing allowed her to reflect on her faith while also sharing what she had learned through her life challenges.

Lorinda is a survivor of the child welfare system. She is an example of how enduring hardship while keeping the faith can lead to a better life and help others find hope for a better life too.

Lorinda is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work, driven by her desire to support and uplift others facing hardships similar to those she experienced.

Mobile Crisis Care in St. Clair County

24/7 Free Mental Health Crisis Support, Wherever You Are

A mental health crisis can happen at any time. It might occur late at night, during school, or even at home with family.
Hoyleton Youth & Family Services offers Mobile Crisis Care to individuals and families in St. Clair County. This mobile mental health crisis care service is free, available 24/7, and brings in-person mental health crisis support directly to you.
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed, unsafe, or unsure what to do, help is available. There is no judgment, no cost, and no insurance required.

What Is Mobile Crisis Care?

Mobile Crisis Care is a community-based mental health response for adults, children, and families facing emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance-related crises, trauma, or overwhelming life events.
You do not have to go to the emergency room or call the police. Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team comes to you in the community—at home, at school, or another safe location— to provide support and stabilization.

Key Features of Mobile Crisis Care

When Should You Call Mobile Crisis Care?

You do not have to be suicidal or in immediate danger to reach out for help.
You should consider calling Mobile Crisis Care if:

If you are wondering whether your situation is “serious enough,” that uncertainty alone is often a sign it’s time to call.

Need Help Right Now?

Support is available 24/7, free, and confidential.

What Happens When You Call Mobile Crisis Care?

It can help to know what to expect when you reach out.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect

  1. You speak with a trained crisis professional who listens without judgment
  2. Immediate safety and emotional needs are assessed
  3. An in-person mobile response is coordinated when appropriate
  4. The team works to stabilize the situation in the least restrictive way possible
  5. Follow-up support and referrals are provided as needed

The goal is to offer support, restore a sense of stability, and connect you to care. Calling Mobile Crisis Care does not automatically result in hospitalization or law enforcement involvement.

Mobile Crisis Care vs. 911 or 988

Mobile Crisis Care is appropriate when someone needs in-person mental health support but does not require police or emergency medical intervention.

Meeting People Where They Are

Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team launched in July 2022 to provide a compassionate alternative to emergency rooms and law enforcement during mental health crises.
The team serves individuals and families throughout St. Clair County by responding directly in homes and community settings—so no one has to face a crisis alone.

All services are:

Hoyleton is also a CARES (formerly SASS) provider, ensuring coordinated care and appropriate follow-up when youth are involved.

Why Families Trust Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team

Recovery is possible—even during overwhelming moments. Reaching out is a strong step toward safety, stability, and support.

More Than a Crisis Response

Helping during a crisis is only the first step.
After an immediate crisis is stabilized, the Mobile Crisis Team:

Last year, Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team answered 1,152 crisis calls in St. Clair County, helping individuals regain stability and avoid unnecessary emergency interventions.

A Story of Hope and Advocacy

One call early in the morning shows how much compassionate crisis care can help.
A grandmother, known as “Granny,” called for help after her 11-year-old granddaughter, Sage, drank a bottle of vodka. Once Sage was safe, Hoyleton’s crisis team listened closely and looked beyond the immediate emergency.
Sage was grieving her mother, who died from a heroin overdose, and was struggling with alcohol use. Her grandmother was worried and afraid of losing her granddaughter as well.
With ongoing support, Hoyleton’s Recovery Specialist helped Sage enroll in a treatment program appropriate for her age. Now, she is working through her trauma and finding stability again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Crisis Care

What counts as a mental health crisis?

A mental health crisis is any situation that feels overwhelming, unsafe, or out of control. This may include emotional distress, sudden behavioral changes, substance use emergencies, or moments when coping skills no longer feel effective.

Do I have to be suicidal to call Mobile Crisis Care?

No. Many people call because they feel overwhelmed, panicked, hopeless, or unsure of what to do next. Early support can prevent a situation from escalating.

Will calling automatically lead to hospitalization?

No. Mobile Crisis Care focuses on stabilizing situations in the least restrictive way possible. Hospitalization is considered only when necessary for safety.

Can I call for someone else?

Yes. You can call on behalf of a child, family member, friend, or anyone you are worried about. Crisis professionals can help assess the situation and decide suitable next steps.

What if I don’t know exactly what’s wrong?

You do not need a diagnosis or a clear explanation. Feeling “off,” confused, or stuck is reason enough to get in touch. Crisis teams are trained to help you sort through what you’re experiencing.

What happens after the crisis visit?

Follow-up may include check-ins, referrals to ongoing services, or coordination with community resources to support long-term stability.

Who Should I Contact for Help Right Now?

If you or someone you love needs immediate support:

Support is available 24/7, free, and confidential.