The Community Foundation for McHenry County awarded $300,000 in 2024 Transformational Grants to support impactful initiatives. Here’s how our grant recipients are making a difference:
Economic Benefit of Integrating Employment Interventions
This program is helping participants in McHenry County’s Specialty Courts overcome employment barriers. So far, they’ve developed an Employment Risk/Needs Assessment tool, contacted 49 participants, and helped 7 secure jobs. Future plans include expanding outreach, enhancing employer engagement, and launching workplace readiness training.
McHenry County Landlord Engagement Program (LEP)
LEP is increasing access to affordable housing, securing homes for 22 households with 28 more searching. A Memorandum of Understanding with landlords is in place, and incentive funds will be released soon. Next steps include expanding landlord recruitment and developing a centralized housing database.
NAMI Nourish: Mobile Peer Support
NAMI has distributed 4,500 mental health resource magnets and is preparing to launch mobile peer support services. Their newly completed mobile unit will soon provide mental health support and food delivery, with a ribbon-cutting event planned to celebrate this milestone.
Youth Empower Alliance (YEA)
YEA has hosted 16 community meetings and engaged over 300 attendees through outreach events. They’re expanding peer-led programs on mental health and substance use and will host the first Youth Empower Alliance Community Conference on June 7, 2025.
The Community Foundation continues to raise funds to support these and other initiatives through our competitive grant process. Donate today to make a difference! Stay tuned for more updates.