Awards

Maine Township Continues Success at Annual State Conference

November 29, 2018 — Known for excellence among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township continues to strive to be the best township in the state and was recently honored with multiple awards at the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). This year’s conference was held Nov. 11 – 13 in Springfield. The township received three statewide honors in total.

The MaineStay Youth & Family Services mentoring program won the TOI Mighty Message award for “Best Township Program” and MaineStay Director, Richard Lyon, won “Director of the Year” along with Samantha Lovett who won the “Volunteer Award” for leadership and commitment in the mentoring program. The individual awards were given through the Association of Illinois Township Committees of Youth (AITCOY).

“These awards are tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day to make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Supervisor, Maine Township.

MaineStay, which has been serving the mental health needs of the Maine Township community and working with at-risk youth for over 40 years, offers this on-site evening mentoring program at Town Hall in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

“Young people need to be surrounded by individuals who love, care, appreciate and accept them,” said Anne Camarano, MaineStay Youth Program Coordinator. “Our mentoring program is designed to help young people develop the skills needed to better deal with life’s challenges.”

Participation is open to students in grades 4-8 who live or attend school in Maine Township. The program, which involves a combination of group activities and one-on-one time with mentors and youth, is designed to help students enhance their social skills, confidence and self-esteem.

“Our highly skilled staff and dedicated volunteers are the true value of the program,” said Director Lyon.

For more information about MaineStay or to volunteer with the mentoring program, call 847-297-2510, stop by Town Hall at 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge or visit www.mainetown.com to explore all the resources and services available to residents.

Press Release

November 29, 2018 — Known for excellence among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township continues to strive to be the best township in the state and was recently honored with multiple awards at the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). This year’s conference was held Nov. 11 – 13 in Springfield. The township received three statewide honors in total.

The MaineStay Youth & Family Services mentoring program won the TOI Mighty Message award for “Best Township Program” and MaineStay Director, Richard Lyon, won “Director of the Year” along with Samantha Lovett who won the “Volunteer Award” for leadership and commitment in the mentoring program. The individual awards were given through the Association of Illinois Township Committees of Youth (AITCOY).

“These awards are tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day to make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Supervisor, Maine Township.

MaineStay, which has been serving the mental health needs of the Maine Township community and working with at-risk youth for over 40 years, offers this on-site evening mentoring program at Town Hall in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

“Young people need to be surrounded by individuals who love, care, appreciate and accept them,” said Anne Camarano, MaineStay Youth Program Coordinator. “Our mentoring program is designed to help young people develop the skills needed to better deal with life’s challenges.”

Participation is open to students in grades 4-8 who live or attend school in Maine Township. The program, which involves a combination of group activities and one-on-one time with mentors and youth, is designed to help students enhance their social skills, confidence and self-esteem.

“Our highly skilled staff and dedicated volunteers are the true value of the program,” said Director Lyon.

For more information about MaineStay or to volunteer with the mentoring program, call 847-297-2510, stop by Town Hall at 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge or visit www.mainetown.com to explore all the resources and services available to residents.

Press Release

Maine Township Continues Success at Annual State Conference

November 29, 2018 — Known for excellence among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township continues to strive to be the best township in the state and was recently honored with multiple awards at the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). This year’s conference was held Nov. 11 – 13 in Springfield. The township received three statewide honors in total.

The MaineStay Youth & Family Services mentoring program won the TOI Mighty Message award for “Best Township Program” and MaineStay Director, Richard Lyon, won “Director of the Year” along with Samantha Lovett who won the “Volunteer Award” for leadership and commitment in the mentoring program. The individual awards were given through the Association of Illinois Township Committees of Youth (AITCOY).

“These awards are tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day to make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Supervisor, Maine Township.

MaineStay, which has been serving the mental health needs of the Maine Township community and working with at-risk youth for over 40 years, offers this on-site evening mentoring program at Town Hall in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

“Young people need to be surrounded by individuals who love, care, appreciate and accept them,” said Anne Camarano, MaineStay Youth Program Coordinator. “Our mentoring program is designed to help young people develop the skills needed to better deal with life’s challenges.”

Participation is open to students in grades 4-8 who live or attend school in Maine Township. The program, which involves a combination of group activities and one-on-one time with mentors and youth, is designed to help students enhance their social skills, confidence and self-esteem.

“Our highly skilled staff and dedicated volunteers are the true value of the program,” said Director Lyon.

For more information about MaineStay or to volunteer with the mentoring program, call 847-297-2510, stop by Town Hall at 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge or visit www.mainetown.com to explore all the resources and services available to residents.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

Maine Township Brings Home Nine Awards from State Conference

December 1, 2017 — Singled out for excellence from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township was originally expected to bring home multiple awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) which was held in Springfield last month. But, by the end of the awards ceremony on Nov. 14, the township received nine recognitions for outstanding staff, departments, elected officials, volunteers and programs, the most awards ever received at a single event for the township which is often recognized by such statewide honors.

“This record number of awards is tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day at all levels that help make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor.

One of the standouts was a program called Recovery Connection, which helps young adults in the community stay clean and sober. It was first recognized by TOI as the Best Township Program of the Year in the Mighty Message competition. Then, Recovery Connection was again recognized for excellence when it was awarded as the Best Overall Program in 2017 for townships over 50,000 in population.

“While we had no idea about the second Recovery Connection win, it was a delightful surprise and very well deserved by Director Marty Cook, his staff and volunteers for the excellent and worthwhile work they do for young adults in recovery. My proudest accomplishment in 17 years on the Township Board was being one of the members three years ago that understood Marty’s unique vision and strongly pushed for the township to fund the program.”

Three awards were presented by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC). The MaineStreamers Newcomers Presentation was recognized as an Innovative Senior Program of the Year for helping newcomers feel that they are already part of the MaineStreamer experience. Marie Dachniwsky, MaineStreamer Program Coordinator, was recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year for her tireless and creative efforts to bring new experiences to seniors. Susan Moylan Krey, Maine Township Assessor, was recognized as Elected Official of the Year for her strong passion to assist seniors who live on fixed incomes.

Another TOI award was for a photo of kindergarteners embracing seniors who were celebrants at the 90-Plus Birthday Party. It was recognized as the Best Photo of the Year.

Two awards were presented by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY). Kelsey Coy was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award for her genuine interest in each of the young people she has mentored in the Future Leaders Program since becoming a member in 2015. MaineStay Youth & Family Services was recognized with the 2017 AITCOY Youth Organization Award for its determination and dedication in discovering and meeting the needs of the youth in Maine Township.

Lastly, Maine Township was also given a 2017 Education Award for completing over 70 hours of training through TOI in the past year.

Press Release

MaineStay Honored by Mental Health America-North Shore

May 19, 2017 — MaineStay Youth & Family Services was honored by Mental Health America-North Shore (MHS-NS) at the organization’s Celebration and Benefit held May 7 when MaineStay received the MHA-NS Community Service Award. Nominated for the award by Allyson Adams, a counselor at Maine West High School and Cristina Ramirez, a psychologist at Maine West High School, MaineStay was recognized for its dedication to addressing the mental health needs of the Maine Township community.

“MaineStay’s commitment to prevention, youth, and families aligns so closely with our goals and activities,” said Josefina Alvarez, MHA-NS Board Chair. “It is a model youth and family mental health services organization deserving of our tribute.”

Maine Township’s MaineStay Youth & Family Services has served the mental health needs of the Maine Township community for more than 40 years, according to Laura Morask, Maine Township Supervisor. “We are proud of the support that MaineStay provides to promote healthier families by providing affordable strength-based counseling and comprehensive programs focused on prevention and education,” said Morask, who added that the services are offered in three languages.

Maine Township Brings Home Two Awards from State Conference

November 21, 2016 — Maine Township recently brought home two more awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). They are the 2016 Youth Staff Award, and 2016 Youth Leadership Award. The Township was acknowledged in multiple categories for its many outstanding services that enhance the lives of all residents, according to Carol A. Teschky, Township Supervisor.

Singled out for recognition from staff and volunteers from among more than 1,400 Townships across Illinois at ceremonies Nov. 15 in Springfield, Kristina Oltrogge, a family therapist with MaineStay Youth & Family Services, received the 2016 Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY) Staff Award, and Jacki Kaiser, a volunteer mentor with MaineStay, received the 2016 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award.

“Thanks in great part to the dedication of our elected officials and township staff especially in MaineStay our work is regularly recognized by our peers around the state for being innovative and of high quality,” she said.

Oltrogge’s passion for helping youth is clearly evident by the great outcomes she has achieved with her therapy clients. Using her gift of creativity, she can quickly adjust her approach to best suit the needs of her clients. She connects incredibly well with youth of all ages, even those with particularly challenging issues. Perhaps the greatest testament to her effectiveness as a clinician is that many of the children with whom she works have encouraged their friends to see her for help as well. In addition to therapy, Oltrogge is also involved in leading an anxiety group and helping to run MaineStay’s summer camp for at-risk youth.

Highly organized and intrinsically motivated, Oltrogge has contributed to the operation of MaineStay and often takes on duties not included in her job description. Whether Oltrogge is engaged in direct service or working behind the scenes to help support other MaineStay programs, she gives one hundred percent of her energy and demonstrates an inspiring level of commitment.

Kaiser, a senior at Maine West High School, has been an active participant in the Future Leaders peer mentoring program at Maine Township. As a mentor in this program, Kaiser has acted as a positive role model and has helped build confidence, self-esteem and social skills among the younger program participants.

An excellent student, active in marching band, band, and choir at school, Kaiser exemplifies a very balanced approach to life unusual in someone so young. Her engaging personality, selflessness and dedication have had a tangible impact on many.

Maine Township Brings Home Two Awards from State Conference

November 21, 2016 — Maine Township recently brought home two more awards from the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). They are the 2016 Youth Staff Award, and 2016 Youth Leadership Award. The Township was acknowledged in multiple categories for its many outstanding services that enhance the lives of all residents, according to Carol A. Teschky, Township Supervisor.

Singled out for recognition from staff and volunteers from among more than 1,400 Townships across Illinois at ceremonies Nov. 15 in Springfield, Kristina Oltrogge, a family therapist with MaineStay Youth & Family Services, received the 2016 Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY) Staff Award, and Jacki Kaiser, a volunteer mentor with MaineStay, received the 2016 AITCOY Youth Leadership Award.

“Thanks in great part to the dedication of our elected officials and township staff especially in MaineStay our work is regularly recognized by our peers around the state for being innovative and of high quality,” she said.

Oltrogge’s passion for helping youth is clearly evident by the great outcomes she has achieved with her therapy clients. Using her gift of creativity, she can quickly adjust her approach to best suit the needs of her clients. She connects incredibly well with youth of all ages, even those with particularly challenging issues. Perhaps the greatest testament to her effectiveness as a clinician is that many of the children with whom she works have encouraged their friends to see her for help as well. In addition to therapy, Oltrogge is also involved in leading an anxiety group and helping to run MaineStay’s summer camp for at-risk youth.

Highly organized and intrinsically motivated, Oltrogge has contributed to the operation of MaineStay and often takes on duties not included in her job description. Whether Oltrogge is engaged in direct service or working behind the scenes to help support other MaineStay programs, she gives one hundred percent of her energy and demonstrates an inspiring level of commitment.

Kaiser, a senior at Maine West High School, has been an active participant in the Future Leaders peer mentoring program at Maine Township. As a mentor in this program, Kaiser has acted as a positive role model and has helped build confidence, self-esteem and social skills among the younger program participants.

An excellent student, active in marching band, band, and choir at school, Kaiser exemplifies a very balanced approach to life unusual in someone so young. Her engaging personality, selflessness and dedication have had a tangible impact on many.

Maine Township’s Recovery Connection Program Recognized for Excellence

April 18, 2016 — After only about a year in existence, Maine Township’s program to assist those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction has been recognized for excellence. The program called Recovery Connection was awarded The Henry White Memorial Award at the Shining a Light on Recovery Awards Dinner held April 9 at the Doubletree Hotel in Skokie.

The awards dinner was hosted by PEER Services, a non-profit community-based agency that recognizes the strength of individuals living in addiction recovery as it celebrates 41 years of delivering cutting-edge addiction prevention and treatment services to local communities. Since 1975, PEER Services has provided community-based substance abuse prevention and treatment services to the residents of Evanston, Northfield, New Trier, Maine and Niles Townships, and the north side of Chicago.

“It was a wonderful experience to be there and to be a part of saving the lives of teens and adults struggling with substance use disorders,” says Marty Cook, Community Outreach Coordinator of Maine Township’s Recovery Connection. Recovery Connection was honored for its innovation in developing a strong network of support for young adults in recovery.

That evening PEER Services also recognized the Red Eye newspaper with The Shining Light Award established in recognition that it takes a village to prevent and treat substance abuse problems in the community. The award was for the Red Eye’s Inspiring series on addiction and recovery.

The last of the three honors went to the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundations which received the Chairman’s Award presented for demonstrated courage and leadership in helping to bring awareness to addiction as a major health issue and philanthropic leadership in addiction prevention.

The Henry White Memorial Award was established in memory of Henry “Hank” White who was one of PEER Services founding board members back in 1975. Hank was a tireless advocate for prevention, treatment and recovery. This award recognizes the contributions of an individual or organization that has helped to shine a light on recovery making it easier for more people to find their way back to health.

Cook explains that getting and staying sober from drugs and alcohol is tough for anyone, at any age, but most particularly it’s difficult on those young adults 18-32, whose social fabric is often composed of parties and bars. For these reasons, in 2015 Maine Township launched Recovery Connection, a partnership with The Niles Park District, Presence Holy Family Hospital, Keys to Recovery, Oakton Community College, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and others.

Recovery Connection connects young adults who want to stay clean and sober with each other, as well as community resources, social events, and a strong network of peers to support each other and be positive examples of recovery. Cook and his team work collaboratively with health, vocational, governmental, educational, and behavioral experts to connect participants to community resources that can meet their needs.

“The goal of this community-based program is to support long-term sobriety, healthy lifestyle activities, and to assist young people as they mature into contributing members of our community,” Cook said.

For more information about the Recovery Connection Program visit their webpage or contact Cook at 847-297-2510. For more information about PEER Services visit www.peerservices.org.