The Grundy County Community Foundation has launched the Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center, a new nonprofit organization aimed at filling the gap in behavioral health service providers for youth in Grundy County.
Eunoia will be based in the former Mazon State Bank building on Depot Street in Mazon, which will be renovated from May to June, with a ribbon cutting and open house tour scheduled for early July.
“This building is three stories and approximately 10,000 square feet, so we have enough space to counsel a large number of children at one time, depending on the number of counselors we can hire,” said Eunoia President Sandy Lakes. said. board of directors. “Over time, we hope to fence off the drive-thru and south lot and provide outdoor space, such as play equipment and raised garden beds. Research shows that activities such as play, art, music, gardening, etc. We know that children respond better when they are busy.”
According to Morris Hospital and the Grundy County Health Department Community Needs Assessment, there are 860 residents in need of mental health services for every mental health provider in Grundy County. This number is much higher than the Illinois average (1:480).
The Grundy County Health Department has seen an increase in the number of behavioral health patients under the age of 20 each year since 2020, when the county had just 15 patients. There were 24 customers in 2021, 49 customers in 2022, and 188 customers in 2023. So far in 2024, 99 customers have come to the county.
The county also tested 157 children between birth and age 3 through early intervention, but only 60% of them were insured. It is unclear who has a behavioral health condition as their sole diagnosis. The health department says he does not treat patients under the age of 7. We are also the only behavioral health provider in the county that accepts Medicaid.
“The Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center will seek to narrow these gaps across the board,” said Julie Buck, executive director of the Community Foundation of Grundy County. “Eunoia serves ages 18 and older and is committed to accepting most insurance plans, Medicaid, and sliding scale private pay. Eunoia will be our own 501c3 non-profit organization, so we are committed to serving those with the lowest incomes.” We can accept donations for vulnerable children. Our plan is to not turn anyone away just because they can’t pay.”
Eunoia Vice President and Renovation Volunteer Jay Fillman said it’s exciting that the county is recruiting contractors for the new program, which is sorely needed.
“We are also proud to have selected the Mazon property, which is centrally located throughout the county,” Fillman said. “We will also be adding a waiting area for parents during the renovation so that they can bring their children and drive to Mazon for services.”
Other Eunoia board members are Cindy Christenson, Susan Dobs, and Dr. Ben Johnston. Jennifer Parker is a claims consultant and Adam Kotowski and Stacey Johnson are mental health services consultants.
“Starting in 2023, the Community Foundation Board has identified two strategic grant focus areas: mental health and after-school activities,” said Steve Kezar, CFGC Board Chair. “This new program will address both of our strategic priorities.”
The Community Foundation is accepting donations of cash, office furniture, and volunteer renovations such as landscaping and interior decoration.
Cash donations can be made online to the Foundation’s Grandi Eunoia Wellness Center Fund. https://cfgrundycounty.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1924 Or mail/return to 520 W. Illinois Avenue, Morris, IL 60450. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donors and volunteers have questions. julie@cfgrundycounty.com or call 815-941-0852.
