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By: Kate Schultz, Director of Clinical Services
We would love to take a moment and shine a spotlight on one of our long-time community partners, Hanover Township Mental Health Board. The Board was created in 1977 and is composed of volunteers from the community who are appointed by the Hanover Township Supervisor and Board of Trustees. The Mental Health Board is responsible for allocating funding each year to support services and programming for residents of Hanover Township in the areas of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. This year alone, approximately one million dollars was awarded to 30 area agencies that collectively serve over 3,000 residents.
The Hanover Township Mental Board has been an enduring supporter of the CAC. In fact, they have provided funding for our Forensic & Advocacy Services (FAS) program since our agency began back in 1989. They later joined the funding efforts when our Safe From the Start (SFTS) program was piloted in 2001, and also provided funding for our Family Support Services (FSS) program. For several decades, they provided discounted rental space for our clinical staff at their Resource Center in Streamwood. The Mental Health Board also graciously provided us with emergency funding in times of need and is always supportive of the work that we do at the CAC. We are exceedingly grateful for their partnership and collaboration throughout the years.
We also wanted to highlight something really exciting coming available soon in Hanover Township! Hanover Township is launching Hanover Landing, a 40-unit Permanent Supportive Housing structure for low-income and mental health or disability diagnoses right in the heart of Elgin. All residents will reside in brand-new one-bedroom apartments. The amenities include onsite laundry and a gym. In addition to state-of-the-art apartments, each resident will have access to a case manager from the Ecker Center for Behavioral Health to support their various needs. Each resident will also have access to a Disability Coordinator who is responsible for various group programming, helping organize transportation, and general relationship building. Ecker Center for Behavioral Health will also occupy a commercial space in the building that will be open to the public. This will bring their mental health and substance use services to the east side of Elgin. Construction is slated to be complete by September 8th. Tenant Selection is currently ongoing with a move-in date in late September. The project is supported jointly by UpHoldings, Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, Hanover Township, and Ecker Center for Behavioral Health. For more information, you can visit www.upholdings.net/hanover.
The CAC of N&NW Cook County is so excited for Hanover Township and this venture, and for the many ways that it will provide care and support to the communities that we serve. We wish them enormous success!
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