Round Five Taskforce Grant Recipients

Project Descriptions

Serenity House, Prevention Leadership Team, and NAMI DuPage

Project Title: Teen Ambassadors Project for Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Stigma Reduction

Award Amount: $50,000

Summary: The project will engage teen volunteers to act as substance use prevention, mental wellness, and stigma reduction peer support ambassadors. These ambassadors will be trained and will work within their school communities and host panel discussions in the community to reduce stigma associated with substance use and mental wellness.

DuPage High School District 88

Project Title: Mental Health First Aid Training

Award Amount: $50,000

Summary: DuPage High School District 88 will become a certified Mental Health First Aid site and train staff members and students in grades 10-12 in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Serenity House

Project Title: Prevention Education Program and Grief Group

Award Amount: $32,425

Summary: Serenity House will provide substance use disorder prevention education to youth in middle schools, high schools, and universities. Education and awareness will also be provided through Overdose Awareness Day events and interactive educational experiences for parents. Serenity House will provide support to families through the Family Grief Support group.

Gateway Foundation

Project Title: Expanding Behavioral Health Treatment Options

Award Amount: $20,330

Summary: Gateway Foundation will expand treatment options by introducing Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) therapy to individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorder and/or frequently co-occurring mental health issues. LENS neurofeedback is an innovative and evidence-based form of therapy that improves electro-neurological flexibility. This helps relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, attention deficits, and emotional disturbances.

Immigrant Solidarity

Project Title: Peace Circles

Award Amount: $20,000

Summary: Immigrant Solidarity will organize peace circles for those struggling with substance abuse, depression, and anxiety where participants can talk with their peers in Spanish and share their challenges with trained Community Health Workers.

516 Light Foundation

Project Title: Sober Home Hope

Award Amount: $10,000

Summary: 516 Light Foundation will help individuals from relapsing after completing a treatment program by providing stipends to those in need of funds for a sober living home. Sober living after treatment improves the probability of achieving long-term recovery.