Mayor Steven Landek and the Village of Bridgeview have secured $90,000 from the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission to bring a full-time community social worker to Bridgeview. The program will support residences facing mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, and other struggles.
Often, police calls involve people who have mental health issues. As Police Chief Mancha notes, “Many times the calls we respond to are criminal in nature, but a certain percentage are for people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, school absenteeism, or memory loss. Having a social worker who can help respond to these issues will help immensely.”
Also, many issues related to property maintenance are a result of residents who are hoarders, aged, or experiencing mental health or addiction issues. The social worker will help and try to solve the root of the problem, not just deal with the symptoms.
The program was made possible by Elyse Hoffenberg, Clerk of Lyons Township and President of the Mental Health Commission. “People often argue about whether government should be bigger or smaller,” Hoffenberg said. “But that’s not the real question. People deserve better government–government that actually works, supports people, and solves problems.”
This pilot marks a new kind of community support, one that meets people where they are, with real solutions.