The Josselyn Center has a lot to celebrate these days. The nonprofit mental health organization recently held a Grand Re-opening of its 50 year-old facility in Northfield, featuring a top-to-bottom renovation. This spring, they will open a new location in Waukegan, addressing the unmet need for mental health services in Lake County. The nonprofit’s renovation and expansion couldn’t be timelier given the current mental health crisis. In just the past two years, the number of clients they serve increased from 1,100 to over 1,500.
The beautiful renovation creates a cheerful environment that ensures each patient has an accessible, compassionate space that is warm, inviting, and healing. The new renovation also supports The Josselyn Center’s expanded programming, such as The Living Room and Drop-In Center, a therapeutic alternative to the emergency room, a tele-psychiatry program that connects patients to psychiatrists in real time via computer screen, and an Art Therapy wing.
“After allocating every penny to client care for the past five decades, a renovation of our building was overdue. To say that we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our community to complete this project is an understatement. People stepped forward in a way that I never expected and it was so gratifying,” Susan Resko, president of The Josselyn Center, said.
As a national mental health crisis continues to deepen, The Josselyn Center has responded by expanding its mental health services to ensure that everyone — regardless of income — receives quality mental health care. The only Medicaid provider of outpatient psychiatric services for 375 square miles, The Josselyn Center serves a wide range of people from over 60 communities across the North Shore and northwest suburbs, extending up to the Wisconsin border.
“While many people perceive the North Shore as affluent, in reality there are many people in Chicago’s northern suburbs who are in need. Many are surprised to learn that 1 in 6 people live in poverty here,” Resko said. Reflecting the community’s needs, 90% of The Josselyn Center services are provided to low income or Medicaid recipients.
The Josselyn Center’s basic principles have not changed much in their 50 years. They believe that everyone deserves quality mental health care, regardless of income, and mental health must be a top community priority, just like excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. The Josselyn Center is located at 405 Central Avenue in Northfield. For information and donation opportunities, contact them at (224)505-5286 or visit www.josselyn.org.