Hanover Twp. Mental Health Board awards emergency grants at October meeting
The Hanover Township Mental Health Board awarded $34,000 in grants at the Oct. 27 meeting.
The Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault was awarded $25,000 in emergency funding to assist with the financial distress the organization is experiencing as a result of not receiving any state funds since July 1. Northwest CASA provides free, crisis intervention and counseling services to sexual assault survivors and their families within North and Northwest Cook County.
The board awarded Journeys the Road Home with $9,000 in emergency funding to support the operations of their service to seven homeless shelter sites. In addition to their shelter services, Journeys offers comprehensive human services through their HOPE Day Center that provides mental health counseling and referrals to pro-bono doctors and dentists.
"The budget impasse in Springfield is starting to hit home for many of our local service agencies and unfortunately there will be a direct, negative result on our most vulnerable residents," said Mary Alice Benoit, township trustee and mental health board member. "While the board can certainly step-in when funds allow, we encourage the legislature and the governor to come to a resolution soon to avoid further disruptions in service."
The volunteer board advocates for increasing the availability and quality of mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services by allocating funds to nonprofit agencies that provides services to township residents. Last year, the board approved over $1 million in funds to local agencies.
The board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the township offices, 250 S. Route 59 in Bartlett.
Hanover Township serves over 99,000 residents in portions of the Cook County communities of Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.
For questions about the Mental Health Board or to learn more about their funded agencies, call (630) 837-0301 or visit www.hanover-township.org/MHB.