Nicasa recognized for community impact with award

Nicasa has recently been recognized several times for its impact on the individuals, families, and communities of Lake County.

The organization was presented with the 2018 Community Impact Award by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Awards Business Meeting. This award recognizes Nicasa's significant role in ensuring Lake County individuals and communities have access to important prevention, substance abuse, recovery, mental health and advocacy services.

Nicasa was also honored with the 2018 Silver Level Partnership Award from the College of Lake County on April 6. This award is in recognition of Nicasa's collaboration with the College of Lake County to provide internships and career opportunities for students, enhancements to curricula related to behavioral health services, and shared knowledge of industry trends and local experience.

Longtime Nicasa counselor, Gloria Gomez, was awarded the Service Partner Award from Mothers Trust Foundation at their annual Founders Awards ceremony. This award is given to individuals who advance the foundation's mission to provide assistance to low-income children in crisis. Gomez, a Family Advocacy counselor, works with children and families to connect them to the immediate services and resources they need throughout Lake County.

"These awards demonstrate Nicasa's commitment to building brighter futures for Lake County children, adults and families," Nicasa CEO Bruce Johnson said. "It is an honor to work collaboratively with so many great organizations to best serve those in need."

Nicasa is a not-for-profit behavioral health services organization that seeks to help build brighter futures for vulnerable and at-risk children, adults and families in Lake County and northern Illinois. Founded in 1966, Nicasa's network of dedicated and caring professionals has been pioneering award-winning efforts in prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery. Core services include substance abuse treatment programs, in-school and after school programs, mental health services, family therapy, Teen Court, parent education classes, counseling, and a residential recovery program.

For more information about Nicasa, visit www.nicasa.org.