Local Non-Profit Receives $100,000 Challenge Grant

Nicasa is excited to announce receipt of a $100,000 challenge grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County. The Foundation will match new and increased donations from individual, corporate, and foundation donors through November 2016.

With decreased State contracts and a hold on payments due to the budget impasse, this grant could not be more timely. The challenge grant is intended to boost Nicasa’s fundraising impact.

When asked about the importance of this grant, Chief Executive Officer Bruce Johnson replied, “This is a tremendous opportunity for Nicasa. Times are tough right now and we’ve had to make adjustments to the way we do business. Knowing that every new dollar we raise will be matched by the foundation gives us a lot of hope. We can get through this financial crisis and continue to help all the families who turn to us in need.”

According to Ernest Vasseur, Executive Director of the Foundation, “We are pleased to support Nicasa with this grant. Nicasa is a key Lake County nonprofit organization. Its ability to develop and sustain successful collaborations with numerous community task forces, coalitions, alliances, committees and community events is a proven strength. It has a national reputation for program excellence.”

“Literally every day people come up to me and say that Nicasa saved their lives, or the life of a loved one,” said Johnson, “Our supporters make that possible.”

Donations support Nicasa’s behavioral health services including mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, family crisis management, Teen Court, and after school programs. Donations can be made at www.nicasa.org.

Nicasa is a not-for-profit behavioral health services organization that is helping build brighter futures for vulnerable and at-risk children, adults, and families in Lake County and northern Illinois. Founded in 1966, Nicasa’s network of dedicated and caring professionals has been pioneering award-winning efforts in prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery. Core services include substance abuse treatment programs, in-school and after school programs, mental health services, family therapy, Teen Court, parent education classes, counseling, and a residential recovery program. For more information about Nicasa visit www.nicasa.org.

The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County supports efforts that improve access to health services for underserved Lake County, Illinois, residents. It strives to improve the health status of uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved residents, and is especially interested in addressing gaps in health services; increasing the capacity of effective organizations and programs; and fostering innovative solutions to persistent healthcare access problems.