Nexus-Onarga Family Healing

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Onarga, IL
Nexus-Onarga Family Healing

We provide residential treatment in Onarga, IL. We are dedicated to our mission of changing the course of a child's life by stabilizing families.

Nexus-Onarga Family Healing is part of Nexus Family Healing, a national nonprofit mental health organization with over 50 years of restoring hope for thousands of children, families, and adults each year through community mental health therapy, crisis and stabilization, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. We use innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Learn more at NexusFamilyHealing.org.

03/11/2026

Here's a sneak peek at some of the artwork from our Grand Prairie School students that will be featured in the upcoming Eric Show by 40 North 88 West at the Illini Union Art Gallery in Urbana, Illinois. Art instructor Brenda Lewis is the encouragement behind the creativity as each student explores the artistic process. For some, the experience provides a source of calming and coping. For others, it can inspire hope. We're proud of our students for bravely building these new skills for healing and confidently sharing their wonderful work with students across Central Illinois!

03/08/2026

Our Nexus-Onarga campus celebrated a fantastic Employee Appreciation Week together! Thanks to all our staff who made the week special, taking the time to connect at the events and recognize each other's work with gratitude for sharing the commitment to make a difference and change lives!

*Kudos to our staff members who planned, served, and supported the week-long schedule of activities! We appreciate you!*

03/05/2026

We are honored to introduce our 2025 Ambassador Award winner Tidjani Maouloud, Behavioral Intervention Supervisor at Grand Prairie School. ✨🏆✨
This annual recognition is given to an employee who demonstrates the Nexus core values (innovation, compassion, agility, responsiveness, and excellence) in the workplace. This year, numerous enthusiastic nominations from coworkers called out the genuine connections that Tidjani makes each day, as well as the heart he brings to his work. As one staff member stated: "His dedication to students is unwavering; every decision he makes is rooted in their success and well-being. At the same time, he empowers and supports the staff he supervises, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. He sets an example of what true service and integrity look like in education.”
✨Congratulations, Tidjani! Thank you for serving our youth and staff with trust, dignity, and kindness!

-With Tidjani in photos are Principal Tara Lemenager, Asst. Prinicipal Dr. Mohamed Elnatour, and Nexus-Onarga Executive Director Jamie Kozma (presenting award).

02/27/2026

Through the lens of social media influencers, rural life may look perfectly peaceful, but we know that children can experience anxiety anywhere--even in the shelter of our small towns. As parents and caregivers, we can support our children who are experiencing anxiety by letting them know we see their signals - whether that's crying, anger, irritability, hyperactivity, or even acting silly. For ways to help your children feel safe, seen, and supported, read more from our blog at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/blog/how-help-my-childs-anxiety.
(pictured is original work of a Grand Prairie School art student)

02/23/2026

We are so proud of the work our staff and students are doing at the Cornerstone Café & Gallery! Together they're building community and forging their future!

02/21/2026

We're happy to be part of the Iroquois West FFA Chapter Alumni Auction tomorrow (2/21) with our donation of a beautiful lamp, hand-turned in our Industrial Arts classroom led by Bill Gullquist and Dan Darda. With proceeds from this fundraiser, the Iroquois West CUSD 10 FFA program is able to support amazing activities that shape students' futures, and we're 100% on board with that! Our own vocational arts training provides opportunities for youth to build skills and confidence. It's part of our mission: Healing the past. Breaking the cycle. Changing the future.
Wishing the best to the IW Future Farmers of America! Thanks to the student representatives and advisor Mrs. Sandra Howe for including us in this very special event!

02/18/2026

February is American Heart Month--and a great time to learn CPR! Our employees are the heart of everything we do ❤️. That's why all new team members participate in American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED training during their orientation. Our comprehensive training program is designed to give our staff the tools to help change lives--and save lives! We help children, individuals, families — and employees — find paths to brighter futures. See why Nexus may be a good fit for you at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/careers
(PC: Mike Cotter, Training Supervisor)

02/14/2026

Our Nexus-Onarga junior varsity basketball team faced off recently with Circle Academy Vermillion to grow and challenge both their athletic abilities and character skills. For competitors in the Illinois Inter-Agency Athletic Association, sportsmanship is prized over winning, and all of the youth on the court demonstrated this with every shot that was--or wasn't --made. Congratulations to both teams for a great day of hustle and hoops! Also--Big shout-out 📣 to our coaches, fans, and referees from both schools for all their support!

02/11/2026

When we're in our day-to-day routines, it's not always easy to see the signs of anxiety or depression in our kids. But noticing changes in their regular behavior, like sleeping and eating habits, can help us identify when our children might be struggling so we can start to understand and provide support. Learn more about how to recognize the signs and start the healing together at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/blog/recognizing-depression-and-anxiety-kids
(pictured is original work of a Grand Prairie School art student)

02/07/2026

We are happy to announce that Stephanie Friant is our February Employee Spotlight! Making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth and staff is a top priority for Stephanie! In her role as a milieu lead, her dedication is evident in the way she shows up every day—fully present, supportive, and motivated to help our youth succeed. She builds strong, positive relationships with youth by listening, encouraging, and guiding them through challenges with patience and empathy. Her presence alone often brings comfort and stability because she understands the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment. Stephanie is equally committed to showing up for her team with professionalism and a deep level of care. She supports staff with reliability and effective communication, and her strong work ethic continues to inspire those around her. “She embodies what it means to be youth‑focused, team‑oriented, and mission‑driven.”
Congratulations, Stephanie! ~ Your consistent and positive presence gives hope to our youth and strengthens our work culture so that we see how compassion changes lives!

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.

Address

110 N Locust Street
Onarga, IL
60955

Website

https://www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/nexus-onarga-family-healing/residential-treatment-programs

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Our Story

Nexus-Onarga Family Healing is located approximately 90 miles south of Chicago, in the quiet community of Onarga, IL, on the site of a former military academy. Our campus features specialized programs and private bedrooms that provide safety and comfort for boys, ages 10-20. In this structured, homelike environment youth can safely address sexually problematic behaviors, emotional and behavioral issues, and underlying chemical abuse issues.

In addition to residential, educational, vocational, and foster care services for youth, Nexus-Onarga also operates the Nexus-Onarga Professional Development Institute, which trains individuals and groups that work with youth.

Learn more at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/nexus-onarga-family-healing/residential-treatment-programs.