Every day, Americans of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds come face-to-face with trials of life, including trauma, personal hardships and uncertainties about ways to navigate the future.

Regardless of the reasons why people may face challenges with their mental health, now more than ever, both educators and community leaders are stepping up to recognize the importance of acknowledging the priority of mental wellness and helping people progress toward a healthy state of well-being. 

That’s why on Friday, April 17, Cicero District 99 is once again proud to partner with Chicagoland-based Sustainable Mental Wellness, Inc. in hosting its 10th annual Mental Health Roundtable, focusing on the overall mental health of students, educators, families and communities, and what it means to truly support “the whole person.”

From 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Unity Junior High School (2115 S. 54th Ave., Cicero), “Rooted & Rising: The Power of 10 — Reflecting. Reconnecting. Recommitting.” will be an in-person program open to educators and health professionals throughout the region, from school districts and community health centers to local and state municipal leaders.

“Prioritizing mental wellness is a key foundation for raising a generation of resilient, empathetic and successful individuals,” said Dr. Jack Rein, District 99’s director of Multi-Tier Systems of Support. “Mental health wellness not only shapes a student’s academic journey — it shapes their entire life. Because many mental health issues manifest during childhood, promoting awareness of the issue in schools helps educators and students recognize the signs of challenges early on, allowing for timely intervention and support.”

At the event, Cicero District 99 and Sustainable Mental Wellness, Inc. will facilitate discussions on topics surrounding mental health and the various types of trauma one can face, whether in the home, at school, in one’s community and more. Through discussing and understanding restorative practices from a trauma and grief-informed lens, guests will walk away with a clearer picture of how to implement best practices through guide points provided by area educational and mental health professionals. 

With keynote speakers and breakout sessions including topics of conflict resolution, expressive arts in schools, school crisis preparation, tools for communication, executive functioning skills, as well as interactive yoga and brain-body movement, the roundtable will provide tools, techniques and takeaways that professionals can implement in their own schools or organizations.

“As a career psychotherapist working with youth and families, I witnessed the positive impact that prevention and education can have on community health outcomes,” explained Amanda Norris, president and founder of Sustainable Mental Wellness, Inc. “By investing in the best and brightest helpers and healers who interface with youth, we are fueling the hearts and minds of future generations — and sustaining our current providers for long-term success and service.”

In addition to roundtable discussions, the program will also feature small group discussions and networking opportunities.

Alongside advocating for the cause in the District’s own backyard, since the fall of 2019, District 99 has continued to host annual roundtable seminars as a testament to the importance of bringing mental health support to communities outside Cicero. Since the roundtable’s inception, the program has attracted the attention of educators and health professionals from more than 60 districts, public health centers and community support agencies across Chicagoland. Longtime sponsor Riveredge Hospital will once again be providing continuing education credits for Illinois social workers and counselors, as well as offering lunch for participants.

Reservations are filling up quickly! To learn more and register for the event, visit https://tinyurl.com/10SBMHRTSITE