River Forest Township Welcomes New Mental Health Administrator

An Oak Parker who has worked extensively in the mental health field has been selected as the new Mental Health Services Administrator for River Forest Township.

Sarah Schwarting began in the post on July 12th, the same day that she was formally introduced to the River Forest Township Board of Trustees.

She succeeds Avis Rudner, who retired after serving in the part-time position since 2010.

Schwarting stood out from other applicants based on her hands-on experience and social work training, said River Forest Township Supervisor Carla Sloan.

“We are excited to have Sarah’s background and energy as part of the Township team,” Sloan noted. “Avis Rudner spent over a decade building the process to support mental health and disabilities services in River Forest. Sarah is an excellent choice to take Avis’ meaningful work forward.”

In her role, Schwarting coordinates the funding of agencies that serve River Forest residents with mental health needs and developmental disabilities. Those organizations include Thrive Counseling Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Community Support Services and Opportunity Knocks. She will also work closely with the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township on various community projects and programs.

As part of her 15-hour weekly work duties, Schwarting will lead the Township’s volunteer Mental Health Committee. The panel reviews grant applications for education, outreach and treatment in the areas of behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and substance use.

“My personal mission statement is to offer programs that support the human spirit's desire for growth and well-being,” said Schwarting. “This position is a natural outgrowth of what I have been doing my entire career.”

A native of Peru, Ill., Schwarting has resided in Oak Park since 2005, having first moved to River Forest two years earlier. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology and Master’s in Social Work from Dominican University, and has completed Master’s coursework in Developmental Psychology through Loyola University Chicago.

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has worked in the mental health field for Thresholds and NAMI, and has had training in Applied Behavior Analyst therapy. She is also co-owner of the Center for Serenity in Oak Park, which focuses on alternative and holistic health wellness.

“I look forward to building on the connections that I have developed over the years, and having professionals offer their insights through presentations to the Mental Health Board,” said Schwarting. “In addition to building on the Township’s years of collaboration with organizations, I will also look out for others that could strengthen our network of care.”

The Township also participates in local collaborative partnerships such as the Opioid Prevention Task Force, Positive Youth Development and the District 200 Mental Wellness Collaboration. Other partnerships include Sibshops, conducted with Thrive Counseling Center, and Meaningful Wellness groups for older adults, held at Concordia University’s counseling center.

Other significant outreach efforts include Support4U, serving middle and high school students who can text a licensed clinician 24/7 with mental health questions and issues, and the Health Connection HUB.

River Forest Township efficiently and actively funds and directs the delivery of essential human services in the areas of youth, seniors, mental health and general assistance. In addition, the Township Assessor's Office assists residents with appeals, exemptions and questions related to their property taxes.

For more information about the Township, call 708-366-2029 or visit www.RiverForestTownship.org.