If you are like us, you are spending much of your time weeding through emails, news, and posts related to this pandemic. We are all trying to adapt to a new way of life (professionally and personally) as our daily routines are disrupted and social outlets are restricted. This time represents an important reminder that mental … Continued
OUR VISIONA future where all persons are treated with dignity and receive the person-centered mental and physical care and support they need to thrive and achieve their goals; with a health system that fully recognizes that the brain is part of the body. OUR MISSIONEnd stigma and discrimination against people living with mental health and … Continued
Dear Friends, Thank you to all who were able to join us at The Kennedy Forum’s Spotlight Series event, where we convened to discuss “Community, Sports, and Mental Wellness” at Kennedy-King College in Englewood. It was an inspiring and thought-provoking evening of conversation, and we are so thankful to our speakers and community partners for taking the stage to … Continued
WHY IT MATTERS Addressing employee mental health and well-being is increasingly a top priority for business leaders. Amid rising rates of overdoses and suicides nationwide, taking a proactive approach to caring for the body, the mind, and the spirit benefits everyone. Stress, burnout, addiction, and depression ultimately cost employers billions in productivity and health care … Continued
In 2017, The Kennedy Forum Illinois, with the support of the Chicago Department of Public Health, NAMI Chicago, UIC, and other community and behavioral health partners, began working with communities to provide free mental health literacy trainings. In collaboration with UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work, trainings were evaluated to measure effectiveness. Through UIC’s … Continued
Over the last three years, community stakeholders from Chicago’s west and south side participated in evidence-based free mental health training sessions with a goal of reducing the stigma of mental health and addiction, increasing awareness and knowledge, and providing information about resources available in the community. Since the beginning of 2017, over 2,200 stakeholders have … Continued
We are grieving the loss of Marca Bristo. Bristo was 66 when she died September 8th at her home in Chicago. Bristo dedicated her life to advocate for those who live with disabilities and mental illnesses. Her work as a member of the Leadership Council at The Kennedy Forum Illinois demonstrated the importance of addressing … Continued
It is our pleasure to inform you that The Kennedy Forum Illinois is officially growing! We have two new staff members and an AmeriCorps member joining our team in September as well as one staff member joining in October. We would like to tell you more about our new team members (in alphabetical order): Muna … Continued
Chicago Tribune (online 6/7/19; in print 6/11/19) Chicago Magazine (June 2019) Windy City Live, WLS/ABC7 (video) (5/20/19) WGN-TV Morning News (video): (5/16/19) Fox 32/WFLD Mornings (video): (5/16/19) WGN News (video) (6/11/19) WMAQ News (video) WMAQ-TV/NBC (6/11/19) Eyewitness News in the Morning (video) WLS-TV/ABC Eyewitness News in the Morning (6/11/19) WQRF-TV in Rockford, IL (6/12/19) CLTV … Continued
We are happy to announce that we are currently hiring for a full-time Director of Policy for Illinois State-related issues and Program Manager. Below are the position descriptions. Any potential candidates should email their resume and cover letter directly to Cheryl@thekennedyforum.org.