Will County Approves $10 Million for Mental Health Grants

The Will County Board has approved a $10 million levy aimed at supporting mental health services across the county. This funding is designated for the Community Mental Health Board, which allocates grants for organizations that provide essential mental health treatment, address substance use issues, and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The approved amount marks a $2 million increase from the previous year, although it falls $2 million short of the $12 million initially requested.

Teena Mackey, executive director of the Community Mental Health Board, noted that the grants will fund 42 programs for the 2025 to 2026 cycle, which began in April. Beneficiaries of this funding include the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization, which tackles the opioid crisis, and the Steger School District 194, which focuses on improving children’s mental well-being. The Lincolnway Special Recreation Association will also receive support to operate a mobile sensory support bus for individuals with disabilities.

The grants range from $5,000 to $200,000 and are available to various not-for-profit organizations and governmental bodies across the county. Mackey emphasized that this funding is crucial for increasing access to mental health care for residents. An additional $4 million has been allocated to the Will County Health Department to expand its behavioral health services at its Bolingbrook branch, with plans for further expansion in Monee.

“We are funding programs and services that benefit Will County residents,” Mackey stated. Applications for the next round of grants will open in January, with expectations to allocate around $4 million to the health department in the upcoming cycle. The board aims to prioritize funding for current recipients to ensure program sustainability while reserving remaining funds for new applicants.

Mackey highlighted the increasing demand for mental health funding, stating that currently, less than $300,000 per year is spent on operational costs. As federal funding diminishes, the need for regional mental health programs becomes more pressing. Will County voters established the Community Mental Health Board in 2022, with nearly 53% of the electorate supporting the initiative.

The newly approved levy is anticipated to cost homeowners around $23.57 annually for properties valued at $250,000. Christine Doran, founder and president of the HHH Ranch in Manhattan, expressed gratitude for the grant her organization received, which has enabled them to launch programs for children in foster care. She remarked on the importance of such initiatives in preventing these children from becoming future statistics in the prison system.

Over the past decade, the HHH Ranch has served more than 5,000 families, offering therapy programs for individuals facing various challenges, including mental health issues, bullying, and disabilities. Doran emphasized the positive changes observed in children participating in their programs, stating, “They are truly making an impact that each and every one of you want for your community.”

Several Will County Board members indicated support for the initial funding request of $12 million, underscoring the persistent need for mental health services. Board member Mica Freeman, a Democrat from Plainfield, noted the significant demand for services within the community, spanning health and veteran services.

County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne echoed these sentiments, highlighting the increasing need for mental health services. “This program is amazing. We funded it last year, and I think it would do the county justice to provide more funding so we can help the folks that need it,” he stated.

While some board members, including Raquel Mitchell, a Republican from Bolingbrook, expressed support for mental health programs, she cautioned that some initiatives might need to be delayed to conserve taxpayer funds. The final vote resulted in a 12-10 decision to reduce the funding request to $10 million, followed by a decisive 21-1 vote in favor of the Community Mental Health Board’s funding.

Concerns were raised by board member Julie Berkowicz, a Republican from Naperville, about potential overlaps in services with the Will County Health Department and the need for greater oversight of the mental health board. Despite these concerns, the funding approved by the Will County Board aims to enhance mental health services, addressing a critical need in the community.