As a result of COVID-19, the Village Board offered supplemental contributions to seven local social service and mental health agencies funded by “Northbrook Strong” vehicle sticker donations, budgeted funds, and fine fees.
“This is just one way that Northbrook shows it cares – for our community, for our neighbors, for the most vulnerable – during these difficult times.” - Sandy Frum, Village President
The agencies will each provide new and/or expanded initiatives designed to help Northbrook residents with the hardships brought on by the pandemic. Here's a little bit about them!
Community Action Together for Children’s Health (CATCH)
CATCH upholds their mission to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in children through educational programming, access to resources, and peer support. At a time when mental health challenges are greater than ever, CATCH is grateful for the opportunity to support the community. They look forward to sharing a beautiful message that will lift up our community and remind us all to find connections, which are so key to emotional wellbeing. Keep an eye out for the surprises CATCH has in store for Northbrook!
Family Service Center (FSC)
FSC’s mission is “to strengthen and empower families and communities by providing accessible evidence-based counseling, crisis response, outreach, and education." As a community mental health agency, they have seen the impacts of COVID-19 on the community’s emotional wellbeing. FSC plans to provide the “Resilience Builder Program,” a group treatment for youth that focuses on skill building and adaptive coping, and “Coping during COVID-19,” a program designed for adults who may have limited time designated for self-care.
The Josselyn Center
The Josselyn Center provides affordable, comprehensive mental health services and free programs that make lives better for clients, families, and the community. The Center offers multiple services, including therapy and psychiatric services for children, teens, and adults; a no-cost Living Room; and an employment program for residents with mental illness. Through these contributions, they will offer free mental health programs to residents, specifically Mental Health First Aid training and Art Therapy groups.
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC)
NSLAC is a beacon of hope for those in need of access to justice. They provide trusted, accessible, and free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration. NSLAC also offers seminars on these issues and enhance their programs through community collaboration. NSLAC is proud to continue their services through the pandemic, without interruption, to help the individuals and families they serve.
Northfield Township Food Pantry
The Northfield Township Food Pantry serves Township residents who are unable to provide enough food for themselves and their families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With these contributions, the food pantry will be able to purchase a 16’ box truck with a lift gate to pick up food donations and deliver groceries to seniors, homebound clients, and others in need, helping further their belief that hunger is unacceptable in our community.
TotalLink2 Community
TotalLink2 Community works with young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide social and educational programming and help them find jobs in the community. TotalLink will offer programs such as pop-up shops for handmade items, virtual get-togethers with peers, and a Parent Connection Program. During these times of physical distancing and isolation, TotalLink is thankful for the resources to continue virtual social programming. It has provided engagement, social connections, and the opportunity to make the time at home meaningful for those they serve.
Youth Services of Glenview Northbrook
Youth Services offers mental health services for children and adolescents with the mission that every child grows up happy, healthy, and hopeful. During these difficult times, they see the demand and need for specialized mental health services right now and in the future. As the community’s needs increase, Youth Services is still committed to each family – regardless of their ability to pay. Through these contributions, Youth Services will provide necessary services like online seminars, individual therapy, grief/loss support, art classes, and pride resources.
"During the COVID crisis, we’ve seen our community’s needs increase, so it is critical to respond to that call by providing resources to outstanding local agencies who provide our residents with additional assistance and those who stand at the ready to help their neighbors." - Kathryn Ciesla, Village Trustee
“We contributed to organizations that were best suited to address domestic violence, mental health, and isolation of our residents. The hope is to both support these organizations and to overcome the negative stigma of individuals seeking support.” - Johannah Hebl, Village Trustee