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Mental Health Committee

Emerging Minds Speaker Series

The Township of Schaumburg’s Mental Health Committee (MHC) will host a free speaker series, Emerging Minds, focused on mental health topics affecting children and adolescents. The series will raise awareness and empower parents, educators and youth and will occur throughout October and November at the Township building at One Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/y4h3xub4. 

Emerging Minds details:

Managing Anxiety in Adolescents
October 24^th
6 – 7:30 pm
Dr. Patrick McGrath
AMITA Health Behavioral Health Hospital Outpatient Group

Youth Substance Abuse Panel Discussion
October 30th
6:30 – 8 pm

Understanding ADHD
November 6th
6:30 – 8 pm
Dr. Matthew Landstrom & Dr. Amanda Skierkiewicz
Landstrom Center

Trauma in Children
November 13th
6:30 – 8 pm
Susan DeLuca
Arbor Counseling Center

More information about the event and the MHC can be found on the MHC’s Facebook page (@SchaumburgTownshipMHC) and the Township website at schaumburgtownship.org.

Flyer here

Adjust Your Routine to Help Mental Health Ahead of a New School Year

Summer is a wonderful time to unwind, slow down and loosen up on schedules. As back-to-school time is here, this is a great time to reestablish routines for a successful year. Gradually decrease screen time and move bedtimes up a few minutes each night. Designate a clear, quiet place for homework and discuss an after school routine. Many children experience confusion and anxiety while acclimating to their new surroundings and schedule. To the extent that you can, clear your schedule during this transition in order to be more available to help them through the adjustment period. While it’s tempting to engage in denial throughout most of August, a little preparation can go a long way! For an extensive list of tips, see this resource from the National Association of School Psychologists. 

Purpose

The Mental Health Committee is guided by four basic objectives:

• Identifying and relating present mental health needs of Schaumburg Township
• Reviewing and monitoring current services and programs
• Informing residents of available services
• Reviewing plans for meeting the future mental health and social service needs of Schaumburg Township

Over time, many agencies have added a number of social services that are adjunctive and complementary to their basic commitments to mental health services. As a result, the MHC’s interests have broadened to include concern for generic social service needs as well as for the mental health needs in the community.

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Membership

The Schaumburg Township Mental Health Committee (MHC) is comprised of eight voting members who are appointed to four-year terms by Township Trustees. The MHC meets monthly, typically the first Tuesday of the month from September through May each year. Annually, a Township Trustee is named as a liaison to the Committee and works to ensure communication and coordination of the MHC’s efforts with those of the Town Trustees.

MHC members are volunteers who give their time and skills for the benefit of those in the community who need mental health assistance. If you live or work in Schaumburg Township and you are not employed by any agency receiving funds from Schaumburg Township, you may be eligible for membership or associate membership. Please contact us at mhc@schaumburgtownship.org for more information.

Lauren Saternus – Chair
MaryAnn Ogilvie – Vice Chair
Jillian Bernas – Secretary
Susan Weisz – Member
Joanmarie Wermes – Member
Mary Cloonan-Walsh – Member
Gina Raza – Member
Jonathan Rubin – Member

Greg Hilligoss – Associate Member
Charlotte Kegarise – Board of Trustee Liaison

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Agencies Supported by Schaumburg Township

Over the years, and in cooperation with Schaumburg Township Trustees, the MHC established relationships with a number of mental health and social service agencies which it believed were in a good position to assist in providing mental health and social services to residents of Schaumburg Township. Generally, township funds are provided to selected agencies that can provide support services that will meet the family, marital, addiction, psychiatric, or legal needs of the township residents. With the burgeoning stress of modern life, Schaumburg Township was an early leader in ensuring that its residents would have access to affordable counseling services, crisis intervention, and support groups regardless of their ability to pay.

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How These Agencies Can Help You

Behavioral Health/Lutheran Social Services of Illinois serves individuals and families who are seeking help for issues related to alcohol and/or other drug use or dependency. Treatment services are provided on an outpatient and intensive outpatient basis. Assessments and treatment services for Spanish-speaking clients are provided on an outpatient basis. Sliding scale fees are available for eligible clients. Phone: 847-640-7954

Kenneth Young Center is a is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides preventative programs, assessment, counseling, and psychiatry to Schaumburg Township residents of all ages. Services are client driven and rehabilitation oriented. Their mission is to " help people of all ages overcome life’s challenges and achieve their goals through personalized behavioral health and older adult services." Contact Kenneth Young Center at www.kennethyoung.org or 847-524-8800.

SHARE Program is a not-for-profit residential alcohol and drug abuse detoxification and rehabilitation treatment facility. SHARE offers a variety of service for male and female adults 18 years of age and older. SHARE also offers an array of outpatient level services, including gambling addiction treatment. This agency’s facilities are located in Hoffman Estates. Phone: 847-882-4181

Life Span, Inc. provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence in Cook County, including counseling, advocacy and legal representation in the area of family law and immigration. Counseling Services: 847-824-0382; Legal Services: 312-408-1210

The Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA) is available to help adults and children in need of counseling and emotional support if they fall victim to sexual assault, sexual abuse, or incest. Therapy is provided in English as well as Spanish. The agency 24-hour advocacy for victims at police stations, and through a crisis line. Victims also receive legal support in court. This agency is located in Arlington Heights and its services are offered free of charge. Phone: 847-806-6526

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Ways to support our Agencies

• Moentary Donations
• Gifts in kind
• Attend fund-raising events
• Serve as a volunteer

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Contacting the Mental Health Committee

Email: mhc@schaumburgtownship.org
Phone: 847-884-0030 x5201.

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