Mental Health

River Forest Township applications for FY27 funding were due January 15, 2026 and awarded May 2026.‍ ‍Learn more.

River Forest Township works with local agency partners to fund a wide range of programs in the areas of behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, domestic violence, underage substance use and addiction recovery. FY27 Services were contracted in summer 2026 with 12 agencies to support: 

• 6 Programs in behavioral health services

• 6 Programs in intellectual and developmental services

• 4 Programs in prevention/education services for local schools.

• Services include case management, respite care, behavioral health treatment, early intervention, prevention, substance treatment, education, outreach and support groups. This continuum of community-based services is cost-effective, systematically evaluated and responsive to evolving mental health needs.

The Township Mental Health Committee, made up of River Forest resident volunteers, reviews the grant applications submitted each year from local agencies and makes funding recommendations to the Township Board of Trustees. The MHC historically recommends a combination of fee-for-service and flat grants to the agencies that River Forest Township funds. Fee-for-service grants reimburse agencies for specific services provided to River Forest residents. This effort ensures that River Forest tax dollars are directed most effectively to River Forest residents. Flat grants typically fund initiatives that support general outreach, education and prevention efforts that include River Forest.  

• Agency must be a public, not-for-profit entity that has been in operation for at least one (1) year.

• Service recipients must be River Forest Township residents who are living in River Forest Township at the time services are delivered. (60 ILCS 1/190-10)

For any questions about the River Forest Township Mental Health Services, please contact MHC Committee member John Becvar (jbecvar.rftownship@gmail.com) or Supervisor Vanessa Druckman (Supervisor@RiverForestTownship.org).

Upcoming 2026 - 2027 Mental Health Committee Meetings

September 1 - Mental Health Committee first meeting for fiscal year 2027

October 6 - Mental Health Committee Meeting, 7PM, room 208

November 5 - Mental Health Committee Meeting, 7PM, room 208

January 5 - Mental Health Committee Meeting, 7PM, room 208

February 2 - Mental Health Committee Meeting, 7PM, room 208

March 2 - Mental Health Committee Meeting, 7PM, room 208

Upcoming Mental Health Events for 2026-2027

October 1 - I/DD Disability Employment Month Activity: Non-Profit Affinity Group - Mario Martinez from Community Support Services - Billy Bricks Wood-Fired Pizza

October 9 - I/DD Disability Employment Month Activity: OPRF Chamber Women in Business Affinity Group - Heidi Russell Green from UCP Seguin - Sunrise Senior Living, 800 North Harlem, River Forest

October 13 - OPRF Chamber Spotlight Awards - Spotlight Awards, 6-8:30 at the Nineteenth Century Club (178 Forest Ave, Oak Park)

October 16 – OPRF Chamber Meet Me for Lunch, 12-1:30, River Forest Community Center (8020 Madison St, River Forest) room 208, catered by Knockout Kitchen.  Representatives from Opportunity Knocks will be speaking

October 28 - Intellectual/Developmental Disability Consortium meeting, 9:30am - 11am, room 208