Hanover Twp. Mental Health Board awards funding

The Hanover Township Mental Health board approved $76,950 in funding at its May meeting.

A capital funding request of $25,000 from Easter Seals was approved to purchase equipment used in rehabilitative therapy for infants and children with developmental disabilities. The board also approved $15,000 in challenge funding to Easter Seals to hire a case manager at its Elgin location to assist families in accessing needed services for their children besides rehabilitative.

Challenge funding is awarded to agencies launching new programs and services for township residents.

The Bartlett Parks Foundation was awarded $25,000 in capital funds to assist in building a new inclusive playground for children of all abilities in Bartlett Park. This park will be the first in the township with a rubber surface, allowing children in wheelchairs and walkers to have full access. There will be adapted play areas, including swings for children with additional needs.

Global Executive Services received $10,000 in challenge funding to bring on a part-time mental health clinician that will operate out of their Hanover Park office. Global Executive Services serves the township's immigrant population with case management services, job training and business mentorship.

The board awarded $1,700 to the Ecker Center for Mental Health to train their staff in Trauma Informed Care. Based in Elgin, Ecker Center provides township residents with an array of comprehensive outpatient services for individuals with mental illness.

"While we are always aware of the fragile financial state of nonprofit service providers, it is refreshing to see our local agencies expanding their programs to find new ways to serve the community's need," said Kathy Biesiadecki, Mental Health board chairwoman.

"The Mental Health board is eager to work with local agencies to serve our most vulnerable residents."

Also at the meeting, the board presented Vice-Chairwoman Meghan Nelson with an appreciation plaque for her 5 years of service. A resident of Bartlett, Nelson joined the board in 2014 and chose not to apply for another term.

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 more than $1 million in funds to local agencies.

The board will meet again at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Township Hall, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett.

Hanover Township serves more than 101,000 residents in portions of the Cook County communities of Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

For details about the Mental Health board, or to learn more about their funded agencies, call (630) 837-0301 or visit www.hanover-township.org.

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