Nicasa announces receipt of $100,000 challenge grant

Nicasa has announced receipt of a $100,000 challenge grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County.

The foundation will match new and increased donations from individual, corporate and foundation donors through November 2016.

The challenge grant is intended to boost Nicasa's fundraising impact at a time of decreased state contracts and a hold on payments due to the budget impasse, officials said.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Nicasa," Chief Executive Officer Bruce Johnson said. "Times are tough right now, and we've had to make adjustments to the way we do business. Knowing that every new dollar we raise will be matched by the foundation gives us a lot of hope. We can get through this financial crisis and continue to help all the families who turn to us in need."

Ernest Vasseur, executive director of the foundation, said the group is pleased to support Nicasa with the grant.

"Nicasa is a key Lake County nonprofit organization. Its ability to develop and sustain successful collaborations with numerous community task forces, coalitions, alliances, committees and community events is a proven strength," Vasseur said. "It has a national reputation for program excellence."

Donations support Nicasa's behavioral health services, including mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, family crisis management, Teen Court, and after-school programs. Donations can be made at www.nicasa.org.

Nicasa is a not-for-profit behavioral health services organization that is helping build brighter futures for vulnerable and at-risk children, adults, and families in Lake County and northern Illinois.