Nexus-Onarga Family Healing

02/03/2026

Peter Sagal, NPR radio show host of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, talks frankly about his mental health experience with Dr. Michelle K. Murray in this newest episode of "In This Family." Listen and subscribe: https://buff.ly/ZXsRwhw

01/31/2026

It's been a COLD January in Onarga, so staff welcomed the opportunity this week to enjoy a sandwich, warm soup, and a full HOT cocoa bar! Our winter warm-up event came just in time--another round of snow is on its way! Thank you to everyone who helped warm our workplace spirits! ❄❄❄Finding moments to relax and build positive relationships with our team members isn't just for cold weather--it's what we do year-round to support a culture that cares! See why Nexus-Onarga may be a good fit for you. Learn more at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/careers.

01/27/2026

The weekend weather made for a beautiful Monday morning on the Onarga campus! Our Grand Prairie School team was ready to go today, thanks to our facilities team who have been working diligently to clear parking lots, sidewalks, and steps for staff and youth safety. **A BIG SHOUT-OUT to all our staff who braved the weekend weather to be here for our youth!** Feelings about the snowfall are mixed, but the blue skies can't be beat! Read on for ways to connect with the cold at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/blog/defense-winter-and-custom-hygge.

01/24/2026

With bitter cold temps outside, it was a perfect day for sweet treats and indoor arts & crafts! Hot cocoa and cookies set the mood for the Grand Prairie School youth who were trying their hand at punch needle embroidery. Evolved from rug hooking, this fiber craft punches, rather than stitches, a needle (threaded with yarn) into fabric to create a design. The students picked up the technique quickly and were excited to show off their progress! Creative hobbies like this can benefit our mental health! Discover more at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/documents/finding-inspiration-textiles

01/21/2026

Winter is much more bearable when there's basketball! 🏀🏀🏀Whether our youth are playing in the current Illinois Inter-Agency Association season or shooting hoops during recreation time, they find satisfaction in hearing the swoosh of "nothing but net"! Basketball and other exercise during the winter season have benefits that reach beyond improving one's three-point shot. Find out more at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/blog/home-tips-seasonal-depression.

01/16/2026

In managing feelings of fear and anxiety, we may find opportunities to strengthen our mental health. In the podcast below, Dr. Michelle K. Murray shares how we can support ourselves and our families during stressful times.

01/14/2026

With a blizzard of brush marks, this colorful winter scene was captured on paper. Like the inspired artwork of this Grand Prairie School student, our own expressions of winter can vary as much as midwestern weather. Embracing our natural tendencies can be a comforting practice, especially during the gray days of January. Discover more at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/blog/defense-winter-and-custom-hygge

01/10/2026

We are happy to announce that Bonnie Slabik is our January Employee Spotlight! Creating an environment that supports a culture of healing is important, and Bonnie is committed to making this happen in her role as a youth care professional! Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or a regular weekday, she brings magic to these moments with her special talents! Always prepared with a stock of art supplies and treats, Bonnie knows her way around the kitchen and the craft table, providing youth with positive interactions and plenty of food! She finds little ways to bring joy to the youth and make their surroundings homelike and hopeful!
Bonnie’s extra effort and eagerness to assist across campus are appreciated by her coworkers, and they see how her kindness makes a difference to the youth. “Bonnie truly does put so much time and love into her job, and she is amazing at it!”

01/07/2026

It's back-to-school time for our teachers! Our Grand Prairie School and Expressions Day School staff started 2026 in the classroom with our clinical directors for an engaging two-day learning experience. The collaborative professional training builds skills and understanding for teams across campus to promote positive relationships and a healthy healing environment for our youth!
Looking for a career in education where you can make a difference? Explore teaching opportunities here: www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/careers

01/01/2026

As you start the new year, consider a resolution to care for yourself with kindness. Bring on the comfort with our "caring, cozy concoctions" drink recipes for you and your family to enjoy together. Find the recipes here: www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/season-of-care.
✨Happy New Year!✨

Doing our share to help spread kindness and make the season brighter for everyone.

12/30/2025

Before ringing in the new year, save a quiet moment for yourself to listen to the top episodes of our Nexus Family Healing podcasts. We hope the stories from the "In This Family" series will resonate with you to positively impact your mental health journey in 2026.

12/22/2025

Happy holidays from Nexus-Onarga! Your generosity ensures children in residential treatment receive compassionate care, life skills development, and the support they need to take courageous steps toward healing.

Keep hope alive this season. For just $25/month you can help children build futures filled with promise: https://buff.ly/3aK1tjM