More mental health counseling for youth ages birth to 18 is coming to Grundy County.
Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center is a new nonprofit launched by the Community Foundation of Grundy County to attempt to fill the gap of behavioral health service providers to our county’s youth.
Data from the Morris Hospital/Grundy County Health Department Community Needs Assessment show that for every 1 mental health service provider in Grundy County, there are 860 residents needing mental health services (a much higher average than the State of Illinois figure of 1:480).
Additional data from the Grundy County Health Department shows that their behavioral health client population under the age of 20 was 15 in 2020, 24 in 2021, 59 in 2022, 188 in 2023, and 99 so far in 2024.
As of April 30, 2024, 157 Grundy County children ages birth to 3 have been screened through Early Intervention. Of those, only 60% have insurance and an unknown number have behavioral health as a sole diagnosis.
It is also important to note that the Grundy County Health Department does not treat young clients under the age of 7. Also, the Grundy County Health Department is (so far) the only behavioral health provider who accepts Medicaid.
“Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center will attempt to narrow these gaps across the board,” explained Julie Buck, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Grundy County. “Eunoia will serve ages birth to 18, and is working to accept most insurance plans, Medicaid, and sliding scale private pay. Because Eunoia will be its own 501c3 nonprofit, they will be able to accept donations to help pay for our most low income and vulnerable children. Our plan is to not turn anyone away simply due to an inability to pay.”
Toward this new endeavor, the Community Foundation purchased the former Mazon State Bank building on Depot Street in Mazon to be the Eunoia hub.
“This building has almost 10,000 square feet over three floors, so there is plenty of space to spread out to counsel a number of children at one time – depending on the number of counselors we can employ,” said Sandy Rakes, President of the Eunoia board of directors. “As time goes by, we hope to fence in the drive-through and south lot to provide outdoor space as well, including play equipment and raised garden beds. Research shows that children respond better when their hands are busy, whether in play, art, music, or gardening.”
The remodeling of the bank building is happening during May and June with a planned ribbon cutting and open house with tours in early July.
“It’s exciting to be recruiting contractors for a new program that is sorely needed in Grundy County,” replied Jay Fillman, Eunoia Vice President and volunteer in charge of remodeling. “I’m also proud that we selected a property in Mazon that is more central to the entire county. And with parents driving to Mazon with their kids for services, we’re adding waiting space for parents in the remodel.”
The other Eunoia board members are Cindy Christensen, Susan Dobbs, and Dr. Ben Johnston. Jennifer Parker is consulting on insurance billing, while Adam Kotowski and Stacey Johnson are the mental health services consultants.
“Starting in 2023, the Community Foundation board of trustees identified two strategic grantmaking focus areas: mental health and non-school hour activities,” explained Steve Kezerle, CFGC board president. “This new program will address both of our strategic priorities.”
The Foundation is working with the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting and open house date in July.
In the meantime, the Foundation is accepting donations of cash, office furniture, and remodeling volunteers – such as landscape maintenance and interior décor.
Donations of cash can be made online to the Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center Fund at the Foundation at https://cfgrundycounty.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1924 or mailed/dropped off to 520 W. Illinois Avenue, Morris, IL 60450. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donors or volunteers with questions can contact [email protected] or 815-941-0852.