February 22, 2024 -The Maroa Forsyth FFA chapter has received a $1000 grant to support initiatives that increase awareness of mental health in rural communities.
The Illinois Foundation FFA, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Farm Family Resource Initiative SIU School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development, announced Bend, Don’t Break grant funding to Illinois FFA chapters.
“Bend, Don’t Break grant funding is critical to advancing information about the importance of mental health,” said 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.”
In addition to Maroa-Forsyth, the following chapters were selected to receive a $1,000 grant:
Arcola FFA Chapter
Calhoun FFA Chapter
Cambridge FFA Chapter
Edwards County FFA Chapter
Galva 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
Vandalia FFA Chapter
Upon completion of the project, each grant recipient will provide a summary of their event and an overview of the impact it had on creating increased awareness of mental health and wellness efforts.
“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,” said Mindy Bunselmeyer, Executive Director of the Illinois FFA Center. “As the goal of the grant is to connect directly with the agriculture industry, both FFA members and farmers benefit from the relationships that are being built from the programs this grant supports.”
The Farm Family Resource Initiative provides services to all with a focus on rural Illinoisans and those in the agriculture industry. Anyone can confidentially call or text 1-833-FARM-SOS at no cost to talk with trained a specialist who understands the struggles of farming. Up to six telehealth counseling sessions with SIU Medicine counselors are available for those in need of additional support at no cost to the farmer or farm family member.
