Addison Township Mental Health Board awards over $1M to support mental health services
The Addison Township Community Mental Health Board approved $1.109 million in grant funding at its Dec. 17, meeting to support local agencies providing mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services.
The Addison Township Community Mental Health Board approved 20 grantees representing a wide range of programs and service models, ensuring that residents across all ages, backgrounds, and levels of need will have access to critical support.
Nina Menis, executive director of KidsMatter and a grant recipient, said, “This funding from the Addison Township Community Mental Health Board allows KidsMatter to expand Youth Mental Health First Aid training across the Addison Township community and schools, equipping up to 240 educators, staff, and community members with the skills to recognize and respond to youth mental health challenges.”
Services supported through this funding include prevention and early intervention, outpatient counseling and therapy, crisis response, case management, community education, and supportive services designed to promote stability, recovery, and long-term well-being.
“The mental health board is committed to ensuring township funds are invested responsibly and strategically to meet the real needs of our community,” said Annie Jaworska, chair of the Addison Township Community Mental Health Board. “This year’s awards reflect a balanced approach that supports a wide range of services and populations while strengthening the overall mental health safety net for our residents.”
The Addison Township Community Mental Health Board, commonly referred to as the 708 Board, is composed of township residents who guide funding decisions and community initiatives that support mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services.
The board evaluates grant applications, monitors funded programs, and works to ensure accessible, effective services for the Addison Township community.
Funded programs collectively serve:
• Children, youth, and families
• Adults and seniors
• Individuals experiencing mental health crises
• Survivors of trauma and violence
• Individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders
• Justice-involved individuals
• Immigrant and other underserved populations
For more information about the Addison Township Community Mental Health Board or funded programs, visit addisontownship.com or contact Annie Jaworska, mental health board chair, at Annie.Jaworska@at-mhb.com.