Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Foundation FFA, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Farm Family Resource Initiative SIU School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development, has announced grant awards aimed at enhancing mental health awareness in communities. The "Bend, Don't Break" grants are designated for Illinois FFA chapters to foster initiatives that promote mental health and wellness education.

"Bend, Don't Break grant funding is critical to advancing information about the importance of mental health," stated Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "This partnership empowers local FFA chapters with needed resources to address their community's mental health needs."

The following chapters will each receive a $1,000 grant: Arcola FFA Chapter, Calhoun FFA Chapter, Cambridge FFA Chapter, Edwards County FFA Chapter, Galva FFA Chapter, Maroa-Forsyth FFA chapter, Newark FFA Chapter, Odin FFA Chapter, Olympia Middle School FFA Chapter, Pecatonica FFA Chapter, Shelbyville FFA Chapter, Shiloh FFA Chapter, Staunton FFA Chapter, Sterling FFA Chapter, Streator FFA Chapter and Vandalia FFA Chapter.

Upon completing their projects, recipients will provide summaries detailing their events' impact on increasing mental health awareness. Mindy Bunselmeyer, Executive Director of the Illinois FFA Center said: "The impact this grant is making in the communities of these FFA Chapters is remarkable. The opportunity for young leaders to understand the importance of mental health in their communities is priceless."

The Farm Family Resource Initiative offers services focused on rural areas and those involved in agriculture. It provides confidential support via 1-833-FARM-SOS and up to six telehealth counseling sessions with SIU Medicine counselors at no cost.

"We are pleased to partner with our Illinois FFA Chapters to assist in the important work we are doing throughout the state as we help to keep Illinois farm families healthy both physically and mentally," remarked Karen Leavitt Stallman from Farm Family Resource Initiative. She highlighted that "with 1 in 5 teens and young adults living with a mental health condition," efforts by these chapters receiving mini-grants are encouraging.

For more information about available resources through SIU School of Medicine's Farm Family Resource Initiative visit siumed.edu/farm/ffri-resources.