Geneva Mental Health Board reports $200,000 in city grants and outlines awareness work

The Geneva Mental Health Board presented its annual report to the City Council on Dec. 1, saying it dispersed $200,000 in city grants to 16 local organizations that provide services to Geneva residents with mental health issues, substance-use disorders and developmental disabilities.

"The Geneva Mental Health Board is a city 708 board and it has its mission supporting members of the community through funding, advocacy and education," said Eleanor Hamilton, chair of the board. Hamilton said the board evaluates grant applications based on how many Geneva residents an organization serves and the hours of service provided.

Hamilton told the council the board was created by voter referendum in the 1980s and that grant funding often covers operating costs that insurance and Medicaid do not, such as facility, materials and support services. She said the board also partners with Geneva High School, Geneva Middle Schools and the Geneva Public Library each May for mental-health-awareness programming.

Council members thanked the board and praised its diligence. Alderman Kilberg said, "$200,000 is a significant amount of money to manage, and I know that your committee has been diligent in doing the type of investigation and the follow-up that it takes to make sure these funds are dispersed appropriately." The council complimented retiring board members and approved the mayor's nomination of Mary Edmondson to the board by voice vote.

The board said a full list of grant recipients and award amounts is attached to the board's executive summary and is available in the council packet.