Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area

02/02/2026

National School Counseling Week emphasizes the vital role of school counselors in supporting students' mental health. Meet Estrella and learn about what she does in FSA's school-based program! 💚

02/01/2026

Black History Month, each February, honors African Americans' contributions and achievements. The month emphasizes their vital role in U.S. history, encouraging reflection and inspiring future generations. 💚

01/30/2026

EXCITING NEWS! 💚
Registration for FSA's 5k opens on February 1st! We hope you can join us to support Mental Health on May 16th. Don't forget to visit the shop to purchase your very own 5k t-shirt! https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Elgin/FSA5k

01/29/2026

UPDATE ALERT!! 🚨
We have pushed back the dates for High School and College Students. Starting in late February! See you there! Email Tierney to register or ask questions: tmcmullin@fsaelgin.org

01/28/2026

🚨 SNAP rules are changing on February 1.
Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP.
IDHS has sent initial notices and a copy of an exemption form to all current and new customers who are directly impacted. SNAP recipients can also now use this screener to see if they are subject to, meeting, or may be eligible for an exemption from SNAP Work Requirements: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

01/26/2026

How does one bear the unbearable grief in a culture that often does not understand? Grief touches all of us in some capacity, but how do we hold space for it with clients or acknowledge grief? Often, grief and loss is all the love that people have for certain objects, people, places that are no longer with them, and it's within the absence, that the love then has nowhere to go and turns painful.
However, grief can be a place and space to process, integrate, and deeply honor grief. Please join Jacquelyn Jennings and Cassie Niedhammer as they provide practical strategies for supporting bereaved clients across the lifespan. In participating in this training, learners will:
-Examine contemporary grief theory and identify complicating factors for grief
-Implement evidence-based techniques with mourners of all ages
-Assess the need for further investigation and learn about resources

01/24/2026

Time to empower the youth facing mental health challenges by developing life skills and supporting their readiness for goals and success! High School and College Students welcome. Starting in February! Email Tierney to register or ask questions: tmcmullin@fsaelgin.org

01/23/2026

🎉 Thank You, Elgin Township! 🎉
We were honored to receive a $20,000 check from Elgin Township to support youth and families in Elgin Township who are receiving mental health services.
This funding will help us continue providing compassionate, family-driven support that empowers caregivers and strengthens outcomes for youth. We are deeply thankful for this partnership and for Elgin Township’s ongoing investment in mental health 💙

01/21/2026

Happy National Hugging Day! 🥰
Hugging releases oxytocin, reducing stress and increasing happiness, which helps alleviate anxiety and depression by fostering security and reducing loneliness. 💚

01/20/2026

Learn about how "Kane County aims to train 2,000 people in mental health first aid" in the Daily Herald and what FSA is doing about it. 💚 https://www.dailyherald.com/20260118/news/kane-county-aims-to-train-2000-people-in-mental-health-first-aid/

01/17/2026

Did you know that January is National Mentoring Month? 🙌
Check out Allison's story as a Community Mentor at FSA!

01/15/2026

Some exciting news to share!💚

Kane County Health Department and Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Partner to Offer Mental Health First Aid Training Countywide

The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is working with the Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area to offer Mental Health First Aid training in Kane County.

Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to identify and respond to signs of mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders, similar to traditional first aid and CPR training. They learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and noncrisis situations, and where to turn for help.

Kane County provided a grant of $75,000 to FSA to provide initial training to a cohort of 15 trainees, who in turn will offer low-cost training to other community members throughout 2026. The goal is to have 2,000 Kane County residents trained using an evidence-based, early intervention approach.

“We are excited to partner with the Family Service Association to offer this training to residents of Kane County,” said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director. “Mental Health First Aid is an important skill for teachers, parents, first responders, and anyone with a strong interest in community well-being. Having more residents trained to recognize and help those who are experiencing substance use or mental health crises is a valuable way to reduce stigma around mental health in our community.”

Mental Health First Aid is designed for a wide range of community members, including:
• Teachers, school staff, coaches, and youth-serving organizations
• Healthcare workers, public health professionals, and community health workers
• First responders, EMS, fire, 911 dispatch, and law enforcement
• Faith leaders and ministry volunteers
• Library, parks, and municipal staff
• College faculty, student support teams, and campus safety
• Human resources, corporate staff, retail and customer-service teams
• Nonprofit workers, social service case managers, crisis line volunteers
• Senior service providers, shelter workers, and housing programs
• Veteran service organizations, re-entry programs, and advocacy groups

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, more than 4.5 million people have been trained in Mental Health First Aid. Studies of Mental Health First Aid in the United States show that those trained have increased mental health literacy, increased confidence in helping an individual in distress and more.

“FSA is committed to providing accessible, holistic behavioral health services that strengthen children, families, and communities,” said Janeth Barba, CEO of FSA. “By equipping more people with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, we help connect individuals to professional support earlier when it’s needed. This training is one more way we’re building supportive, informed, and compassionate communities.”

Organizations, businesses and individuals interested in learning more or becoming trained in Mental Health First Aid should contact Ashley Kellenberger at AKellenberger@fsaelgin.org or (847) 695-3680 for more information.