Vernon Township Mental Health Board Awards 17 Community Grants

The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board (VTCMHB) recently awarded $232,200 in community grants, as part of its second round of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Community Grants program. Seventeen nonprofit organizations who provide a range of services including mental health care, substance use and addiction recovery programs, and services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities were recipients. The grants aim to help ensure individuals and families living in the Township have access to these critical services, guidance, and support when they need it most.

Three new organizations - Avenues to Independence, Homegrown Therapy Dogs and the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center – join a group of returning grant recipients that include the Cancer Wellness Center, Center for Enriched Living, Clearbrook, Glenkirk, Josselyn Center, KAN-WIN, NAMI Cook County North Suburban, Partners in Aging, A Safe Place, Sanjeevani 4U, Second Nurture, Shelter Inc., Special Recreation Association of Lake County, and Youth & Family Counseling.

In the first round of FY26 Community Grants, 23 agencies were awarded a total of $1,045,122 in grants. Each organization was carefully selected based on its commitment to the promotion, support, and restoration of overall mental health for Township residents.

“We are thrilled to support these organizations that are making a real difference for our residents’ mental and emotional health,” said Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board President Noelle Moore. “These grants help to keep these essential services accessible for everyone – regardless of cost – and to strengthen and support our entire community.”

In addition to providing grant funding to local organizations, the VTCMHB also highlights recipients through the “Mental Health Minute” video and blog series. Produced in partnership with grant recipients, each short video and educational blog share practical tips to promote overall mental well-being. Previous videos cover topics such as preventing isolation among older adults, supporting children’s mental health, fostering independence for those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and understanding the journey of substance use treatment - while emphasizing that recovery is possible and support is available. View the full series at vernontownship.com/304/Mental-Health-Minute.

The Mental Health Board (MHB) recently celebrated its third anniversary and remains committed to reducing the stigma around accessing mental health services. The Board continually works to raise awareness about services available to Township residents, and to remove any barriers that residents may face in accessing the support and resources they need.

Non profit organizations that serve residents living in the Township, and provide mental health, substance use and developmental/intellectual disabilities services – who have not yet applied for grants are encouraged to visit the following link to learn more: vernontownship.com/292/Social-Service-Agency-Grant-Application.

To learn more about the VTCMHB, visit vtcmhb.org.