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Northbrook Mental Health Center Raises $360K At Annual Fundraiser

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 19:28 GMT by Patch

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Northbrook Mental Health Center Surpasses Goals at $360,000 Annual Fundraiser

Northbrook, Illinois – The Northbrook Mental Health Center (NMHC) celebrated a record‑breaking success at its annual fundraiser, raising $360,000 in a single evening of philanthropy, community support, and heartfelt storytelling. The event, held on Thursday, September 20 at the historic Northbrook Community Center, drew more than 200 guests, including long‑time donors, local business leaders, and residents of the Northbrook area who share a commitment to mental wellness.

A Night of Connection and Celebration

Guests were welcomed into a warmly decorated ballroom with tables arranged in a banquet style, each adorned with local flowers and photo displays showcasing the Center’s impact over the past decade. After a reception featuring live acoustic music, attendees enjoyed a three‑course dinner that highlighted local vendors, from a farm‑to‑table chef to artisanal cheese makers. The evening’s program included a keynote address by NMHC Director Dr. Sarah Jensen, who reflected on the Center’s journey since its founding in 2005 and underscored the vital role that community support plays in sustaining its services.

Following the keynote, a panel of community partners—representatives from the Northbrook School District, local hospitals, and the Northbrook Public Library—discussed the broader mental health ecosystem in the region. The panel emphasized the growing demand for accessible counseling, crisis intervention, and preventive programs, noting that the funds raised will directly address these needs.

Record‑Breaking Funds and Future Vision

“The $360,000 we raised this year is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the unwavering commitment of the Northbrook community to mental health,” Dr. Jensen told the audience. “This money will allow us to expand our after‑school counseling program, add a new office space for our outpatient services, and launch a community outreach initiative aimed at reducing stigma.”

The NMHC’s Annual Report 2024 indicated that the organization had previously raised $275,000 at last year’s fundraiser, making the current total a significant jump of 31%. The new funds will be earmarked for specific projects, including:

• Expansion of Outpatient Services: Adding two additional therapy rooms to accommodate the rising number of clients seeking individual and group counseling.
• After‑School Counseling Initiative: Providing free counseling services to at least 500 students in the Northbrook school district, a program that has already helped improve school attendance and reduce behavioral incidents.
• Community Outreach and Education: Hosting monthly workshops in partnership with local faith organizations, schools, and businesses to educate residents about mental health resources and early intervention strategies.

A special recognition was given to the “Northbrook Community Care Fund,” a collective donation from local businesses that pledged to cover the cost of the evening’s catering, thereby allowing the Center to reallocate those funds to direct service provision.

Stories of Impact and Community Voices

During the reception, several attendees shared personal stories of how NMHC’s programs had transformed lives. One woman, who requested anonymity, spoke about her daughter’s anxiety disorder and how the Center’s cognitive‑behavioral therapy sessions helped her regain confidence and return to school. Another attendee, a high‑school teacher, highlighted the importance of the Center’s staff in supporting students who were experiencing bullying and depression.

The event also featured a silent auction, featuring items ranging from fine art donations to weekend getaways. The auction generated an additional $45,000, which was directed to the NMHC’s scholarship fund for trainees in psychology and social work.

Community Links and Additional Resources

The fundraiser’s official page on the NMHC website includes a comprehensive overview of the Center’s services, detailing offerings such as:

• Individual Therapy: For adults, adolescents, and seniors, covering a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders.
• Couples and Family Counseling: Facilitated sessions aimed at improving communication and resolving relational challenges.
• Group Therapy: Focused on peer support for specific populations such as veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and those recovering from addiction.
• Crisis Intervention: 24/7 helpline and rapid response teams available to address acute mental health crises.

The Center’s online resources also provide a calendar of upcoming workshops and community events, encouraging residents to engage in proactive mental health care. A donation page is available for those who were unable to attend but wish to support the Center’s mission, offering multiple giving options and highlighting the impact of their contributions.

Additionally, a link to the “Northbrook Mental Health Awareness Campaign” is featured on the website, an initiative that partners with local businesses to promote mental health literacy through in‑store displays, social media challenges, and public service announcements. The campaign aims to reach over 50,000 residents in the next twelve months.

Looking Ahead

In closing remarks, Dr. Jensen expressed gratitude not only for the funds but also for the community’s shared commitment to mental wellness. “Our success tonight is a reflection of how far we can go when we unite,” she said. “The next step is to implement these new programs and continue to provide compassionate, evidence‑based care for all Northbrook residents.”

The Northbrook Mental Health Center’s fundraiser marks a significant milestone in the organization’s history and sets a new benchmark for community-driven philanthropy in the region. With the $360,000 raised, NMHC is poised to enhance its services, expand its reach, and deepen its impact on the mental health of Northbrook’s residents for years to come.