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Cook County Health and NAMI Chicago Announce Enhanced Helpline and Mental Health Support for Residents Across the County
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, alongside representatives from Cook County Health (CCH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago, announced expanded efforts to increase access to mental health support across Cook County. Through sustained, multi-year investment from CCH’s Office of Behavioral Health, this initiative aims to improve access to high-quality support through NAMI Chicago’s Helpline and community-based peer-support groups, while also launching a countywide public awareness campaign and robust engagement strategy to reduce stigma and help more residents take the first step toward support.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER LAUNCHING CITYWIDE REVIEW, BUDGET WORKING GROUP, TO STRENGTHEN CHICAGO’S FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed Executive Order No. 2025-1, launching a comprehensive initiative to address the City’s fiscal challenges and ensure a financially sustainable future for Chicago. The executive order establishes a working group that will provide key recommendations aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing service delivery, and evaluating potential revenue strategies to address the city’s structural budget gaps.
Rep. Kelly Tours South Suburb Emergency Dispatch Center
During a week of action against the Trump administration's harmful agenda, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) toured the SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center to discuss its employees’ mental health.
Illinois Students and Advocates Call on Lawmakers to Fully Fund Campus Mental Health Support
Young Invincibles and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago joined students and legislative leaders, Representative La Shawn K. Ford and Representative Lindsey LaPointe, to advocate to fully fund the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (MHEACA) at $23.5 million for fiscal year 2026.
Giannoulias Launches Multi-Faceted Effort to Curb Distracted Driving
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias kicked off the office’s multi-faceted “One Road. One Focus” public safety campaign that raises awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.
Gov. Pritzker Highlights Progress Reducing Gun Violence in Chicago
Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) officials, legislators, and community leaders convened to recognize progress made to reduce gun violence in Chicago and Illinois due in part to the Peacekeeper Program. The State of Illinois adopted this model in 2023 as a strategy of the OFVP. A recent Northwestern University evaluation report found a 41% reduction of gun violence rates in Chicago and Cook County suburban hotspots targeted by the program.
Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, and University of Illinois Chicago Launch Chicago Roadmap 2.0 to Ensure a Seamless Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree
Chicago Public Schools (CPS), City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) are expanding the nationally-recognized higher education partnership with the launch of “Chicago Roadmap 2.0.” This next phase is designed to ensure students have a seamless transition from high school to community college to four-year institutions — retaining earned credits, reducing barriers to transfer, and keeping them on track for bachelor’s degree completion.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING RELEASE DRAFT OF 2025 QUALIFIED ALLOCATION PLAN FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING RESOURCES
The 2025 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) draft, which determines a significant portion of the City of Chicago’s affordable housing resources, was issued on April 15 by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH).
Comprehensive Learning Services Supports The Whole Child
As an educational psychologist and learning disability specialist, Dr. Chrisna Perry supports children with various neurodiversity needs, including Autism, ADHD and Anxiety Disorder, as well as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and neurotypical children who are struggling in school.
ComEd Program Helps Participant Transition Into New Career
After more than 10 years in education, Sasha Simmons wanted to transition to a career in the construction and utility fields. As a registered behavioral technician, she worked with children with autism. She decided to participate in ComEd’s Craft Academy because she knew it would be a great steppingstone in her transition and she would be able to learn as much as she possibly could about the construction and utility fields.
STARR Community Services Provides Pathways to STEAM
STARR Community Services International has been preparing youth to get jobs that have the potential to raise household incomes since it began in 2020.
Chicago Teachers Union Ratifies New Contract
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) approved their new contract with a 97% approval and turnout of 87%.
Artist Wants To Make Others Feel Seen Through Work
Anthony Bartley’s journey with art started as a child, drawing his favorite characters from anime, cartoon and video games. It was something that his mother encouraged, because it was something she did when she was younger.
United African Organization Offers a Platform for Meaningful Dialogue and Community Connection
The United African Organization (UAO) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 Chicago African Summit & Community Resource Fair, a premier forum in the Midwest dedicated to addressing contemporary issues facing the African diaspora. Scheduled for Saturday, May 10th, from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, the event will be hosted at the Charles Hayes Center located at 4859 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60615.
