Downers Grove Township residents seek referendum to fund mental health, disability services
The 708 for Downers Grove Township team has officially kicked off its petition drive to establish a 708 Mental Health Board in Downers Grove Township. The group is a grass-roots organization working to bring comprehensive services for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in the community.
708 for Downers Grove Township is working to collect up to 5,000 signatures from township residents, allowing a referendum to be placed on the November 2026 ballot.
To officially kick off the petition drive, the organization is hosting a Pizza Party from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1047 Curtiss St. in Downers Grove. All community members and supporters are encouraged to attend.
What is a 708 Board?
A 708 Community Mental Health Board is a local citizen’s board established by referendum. It evaluates needs, allocates funds, and coordinates a comprehensive system of services to benefit the citizens of a township.
Governed by the Illinois Community Mental Health Act, 708 Boards are unique to Illinois. They can be created under any unit of government and must be voted into existence. 708 Board funding is created through a small local property tax, and services may only be utilized by area residents. Currently, there are over 90 such boards in Illinois. Downers Grove is the only township in DuPage County (of nine) that does not have one.
These seven- to nine-member volunteer boards are appointed by townships. 708 Boards are not service providers but are accountable to the citizens of their community through the township.
“708 Board support helps sustain local, responsive, and prevention-oriented services that reduce hospitalizations, promote recovery, and build a healthier, more resilient community,” said Geri Kerger, CEO and president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness DuPage. “As an agency that does not receive state or federal funding, 708 funds allow us to help many individuals and families who would simply have nowhere else to turn.”
How 708 Mental Health Boards provide funding
Mental Health Board funding is created through a small local property tax approved by community voters through a referendum. The expected tax rate for a Downers Grove Township 708 Mental Health Board would be .025% or approximately $8.50 per $100,000. A home valued at $400,000 would pay $35 annually.
708 Boards fund services through small, yearly grants to provide needed services in the community for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. Importantly, Mental Health Boards address gaps in local services and lower costs by funding early intervention and prevention programs.
Grants may be awarded to local governments, nonprofits and private agencies and must serve the Downers Grove Township. Funds are awarded based on a survey of community needs and plans developed by the 708 Board.
To find out more about 708 Mental Health Boards, go to Advocate for 708 at advocatefor708.org.
About Downers Grove Township
Downers Grove Township is the largest of nine townships in DuPage County both in terms of area and population. The township encompasses the following area: east to County Line Road, west to Woodward Avenue, north to 39th Street and south to the I&M Canal. The township’s jurisdiction includes all or part of the following communities: Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Oak Brook, Westmont, Willow Springs, Willowbrook and Woodridge.
About 708 for Downers Grove Township
The newly-formed 708 for Downers Grove Township team is a volunteer community organization committed to improving the mental health of township residents by educating the community on the need for local mental health resources and obtaining voter approval for a 708 Mental Health Board. 708 for Downers Grove Township is not affiliated with Downers Grove Township. Those who wish to get involved may contact the organization at 708fordownersgrovetownship@gmail.com.