The FAST Program is an internationally acclaimed, evidence-based family engagement program that supports child well-being and learning readiness, empowers parents, and builds social capital so children can thrive.

The program is run at a school or community organization and meets for weekly 2.5-hour sessions, which can be offered in-person or virtually, over an eight-week (or 10-week) cycle. A site will typically run two cycles per school year.

With the support of the Commission, Summit School Dist. 105 has run the program in the last several years offering it to Kindergarteners and their families in the fall, and 7th graders in the spring. Starting in January 2025, Willow Springs School Dist. 108 will run the program for K-1st grade students and families.

To learn how we can bring the program to your school, please contact the Commission at 708.352.2992.

Commission Welcomes Cathy Pierson Lenke

Cathy Pierson Lenke joins the Mental Health Commission as a Program Manager. Cathy will be responsible for the coordination of the FAST Program in Summit School Dist. 104 and Willow Springs School Dist. 108, and responsible for delivering the Mental Health First Aid training program to teens, educators, and community members. Cathy comes with several years of experience in program management, and is well-known in the social service field and in our community.

We’re excited to see her apply her experience and help us reach our commission goals for 2024.

Julia Bravo Bolec Completes 40-hour Domestic Violence Training

Outreach Coordinator Julia Bravo Bolec completed the ICDVP-approved 40 hour Domestic Violence training. The overall purpose of the 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training is to provide participants with advocacy tools so that they may effectively assist people subjected to abuse on their journey to increase their safety. Participants will recognize the pervasiveness of domestic violence, learn about its connection to patriarchy and other forms of oppression, be able to identify tactics of abuse, unlearn myths pertaining to its dynamics, become familiar with legislation related to responding to the crime, and increase their skills in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, safety planning, self-care, and more.  

For more information on this free training, click here.

The Commission thanks the Village of Willow Springs, City of Countryside, Village of Lyons, and Indian Springs School Dist. 109 for inviting us to their community and back to school events. We had a great time meeting community members, and sharing the support available to families and students to help achieve a successful school year.

Commission staff and their children also participated in a native plant installation project in Bridgeview. A total of 2,024 native plants were installed.

Congregate Meals Served in Hodgkins and Indian Head Park

Indian Head Park hosts a Congregate Luncheon at the Village Hall every Third Thursday of each month. These meals are a wonderful chance for seniors to enjoy a nutritious meal while.



Next date: September 19th at 1:30pm - 3:30pm for lunch and program/entertainment. 

Meals are also served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Salerno's Pizzeria and Sports Bar, 9301 W. 63rd St, Hodgkins.

Please RSVP to Barb Kohley at awn@agingcareconnections.org or 708-354-1323. Please specify if you need transportation to the event.

These luncheons welcome older adults from all communities in the Township of Lyons.

Mark Your Calendars!

September MHCLT Regular Board Meeting

The Commission's next Regular Board Meeting is Monday, September 16 at 6:00p.m. at the Township of Lyons, Community Room, 6404 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525

MHCLT is proud to fund the following organizations that serve the residents of the Township of Lyons. Click on a logo to be connected to that

organization's website:

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