Saving Zachary & Bourbonnais Terrace Lives

Hi, I’m Rhonda, and my son Zachary is currently receiving care at Bourbonnais Terrace, a mental health facility that serves individuals who are often overlooked and under-supported.

Before Zachary was placed here, I spent months in a heartbreaking cycle of phone calls, rejections, and dead ends. I called nearly every facility in Illinois, waiting on hold for what felt like forever, only to be told there was no space, he didn’t meet the criteria, or his insurance wasn’t accepted. As a mother, it was devastating to see my son in crisis and feel powerless to get him the help he needed.

Then, one morning in April, I came across Bourbonnais Terrace. I called, not expecting much, and instead, found compassion. Chad, the facility's director, took my call and listened. He didn’t rush me or dismiss me. He saw Zachary as a person, not a problem. Within 24 hours, he coordinated with Pam from Central Intake, and Zachary was offered a bed. It was a moment of answered prayer; one I will never forget.

Now that Zachary is safe, we want to give back, to help uplift not only him but every resident living at Bourbonnais Terrace.

While the staff provide loving, around-the-clock care, they’re limited by a lack of resources. There’s little room in the budget for the things that bring color, joy, and meaning to daily life, simple pleasures like art supplies, music, books, outings, or comfort items that remind someone they matter.

This fundraiser is about honoring Zachary’s journey by pouring light into a place where hope is desperately needed.

Our goal is to raise $30,000, allowing us to donate every dollar directly to the facility after fees and expenses. Your donations will help provide:

Community outings and group activities

Art, music, games, and books

Personal care items and comfort essentials

Therapeutic and wellness resources

No gift is too small. Every dollar helps restore dignity, connection, and joy to people who are often forgotten by the world; but not by us.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we can remind the residents of Bourbonnais Terrace that they are not alone, they are loved, seen, and worth fighting for.

With all my heart,

Rhonda Ybarra