By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — More than $1 million in federal funding will help the YMCA of Rock River Valley create a Youth Equity Center and allow Rosecrance to establish a new outpatient behavioral health clinic in Freeport.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, announced Thursday the funding package passed the House and is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, my top priority is bringing taxpayer dollars back home to support our communities,” Bustos said in a news release. “These transformative investments will help make a Youth Equity Center and new health care clinic a reality in these communities.”
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The YMCA will get $750,000 to create a Youth Equity Center with programming focused on breaking the cycle of poverty by addressing food insecurity, supporting college and career readiness, promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing social responsibility.
The center will be located at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1829 N. Rockton Ave., which approached the YMCA about using the building. The church is across the street from West Middle School.
The funding will help pay for building upgrades, including an updated kitchen, a fitness center and gymnasium, a music studio and a remodeled multipurpose room. The programming includes a nutritional director, program staffing, and physical and mental health services, an after-school and a weekend and summer program.
“The YMCA of Rock River Valley is incredibly grateful to activate this investment to better serve northwest Rockford. Congresswoman Bustos has shared our vision to create a center that meets the ever-changing community needs,” Brent Pentenburg, CEO of the YMCA of Rock River Valley, said in a news release. “Right now, the need is academic, social, and emotional support for students – particularly those at West Middle School. Newly renovated spaces will allow more robust programming with everything from maker spaces for creative exploration, to a remodeled kitchen to provide meals to fight food insecurity. The funds will help create a place for the whole family, complete with recreational space, childcare, and community meeting rooms. When we serve the whole family, we strengthen the community. We are so incredibly grateful for the support.”
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The proposed Rosecrance outpatient clinic will provide evidence-based care for mental health and substance abuse patients. The proposed clinic would be staffed with four clinicians – two mental health clinicians and two substance abuse clinicians – and would offer at least four hours of telepsychiatry per week. The clinic would offer both individual and group services targeted to meet patient needs.
“We are grateful that Congress is prioritizing the need for behavioral health care resources in our communities, and we applaud Rep. Bustos for her support,” said Dave Gomel, CEO of Rosecrance Health Network, in a news release. “Rural areas with limited resources will greatly benefit from expanded access to care.”