Vernon Township Mental Health Board awards $140K in community grants
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board recently awarded $140,000 in grants to eight nonprofits that provide mental health services, addiction recovery, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, for Vernon Township residents. The grants were awarded to the following organizations: Erie Family Health Centers, GiGi's Playhouse in Deerfield, Glenkirk, JCC Chicago, Lauri Bauer Foundation for Sudden Loss, Sanjeevani 4U, Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County and the Stand Strong Coalition.
In early 2024, 16 other agencies that serve the Ttownship received these grants in the first round of awards. All were selected for their commitment to enhancing, maintaining and restoring mental health and wellness for township residents.
“As a board, we are very proud to partner with these outstanding organizations that serve our residents in their times of need,” Mental Health Board President Noelle Moore said. “This funding ensures vital services continue to reach those who need them, and also ensures cost is not a factor. Our community grants are helping to foster a stronger, healthier community for all our residents.”
As the local mental health authority for Vernon Township, the MHB focuses on addressing general mental health services, drug and alcohol use prevention and programming, and services for people with developmental disabilities. Operating under the Community Mental Health Act (405 ILCS 20/1), the board plans, funds, coordinates and evaluates services that align with its mission of improving lives in the community through improving mental and emotional health.
The Community Grants program is an essential part of the MHB's mission to responsibly steward the township's mental health tax, and agencies who receive awards meet strict service, fiscal and administrative accountability requirements.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to deliver impactful services while complying with state and local regulations.
The MHB will be celebrating its two-year anniversary this month and remains dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health, while also increasing awareness of local service providers and breaking down barriers that residents may experience in accessing available services.
For more information about the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board, visit vernontownship.com/286/Mental-Health-Board.