Project SUN

The System of Care Community Navigator training program certifies individuals as Community Navigators. This training is beneficial to anyone who receives requests for assistance or community resource information. It is designed to prepare case managers, receptionists, office staff, law enforcement, and any other personnel directing people to community resources to effectively make referrals using the Kan-I Help database.

It is important to have people in systems of care that understand and are responsive to cultural and linguistic differences. In order to help accomplish this, Project SUNs Cultural Competency Work Group has three initiatives: Racial Equity, Supporting Youth in the LGBTQ+ Community, and Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Immigrant Youth & Families. Various programs are offered to meet these initiatives.

Project SUN provides assists families in accessing Kankakee County resources related to healthy social and emotional development, behavioral health, and the well-being of young children and adolescents. Community Navigators help teens and families identify the behavioral health services and supports available locally to meet their needs. To find information and local resources, contact the Project SUN office at 815-304-5933.

Parents, grandparents, and other caregivers across Kankakee County are invited to our many parent programs, such as our Parent Cafes. Our cafes are intended to provide a space for parents to bring their questions and concerns, gain free education from local professionals, and connect with others who may share similar experiences. Project SUN sponsors and promotes educational programs on a broad range of topics related to children's mental health, parent-child relationships, and strategies to help young people flourish. Current Programs include:// Parent Advisory Council (PAC)// Parent Cafes// NAMI Family to Family (a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions.)

Project SUN is recruiting and training adolescents, parents, and other caregivers who have lived experience with children's behavioral health services in Kankakee County. Current Peer Support programs include:// Family Support Group (NAMI)// Cyndi's Craft Club// Peer Parent MentoringFor more information, please contact the Project SUN office at 815-304-5933.

Project SUN works with community partners to develop and implement workshops, seminars, and other professional development trainings. These opportunities are intended to grow local implementation of evidence-based practices aimed at strengthening parent-child communication, interagency collaboration, and meeting other unmet family needs. Other opportunities for community education will be explored, particularly regarding behavioral health issues pertinent to children and their families.