Envision Unlimited to offer free mental-health workshops at Dolton Resource Hub; first-aid training available

Angela Russell, a Darden resident and mental-health specialist with Envision Unlimited, told attendees at a Village of Dolton public meeting that the nonprofit will return to the Dolton Resource Hub to offer free weekly mental-health workshops beginning March 2.

The workshops will run every Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will cover topics including “the weight we carry,” identifying and releasing emotional boundaries, trust and processing betrayal, and cultivating joy. Russell said the sessions aim to provide education, resources and support for community members ages 18 and older and to support clergy and faith leaders.

Russell also described a separate Mental Health First Aid training that the organization will offer in March. “It does not teach you how to be a therapist, but it does teach you the support you need to help someone or even to help yourself if you’re going through something difficult,” she said. Russell said the course provides 7.5 continuing-education units and a three-year certificate and described the training’s retail value as $170.

According to Russell, the first-aid training is state-funded and therefore free for clergy and faith leaders; other residents who wish to attend must pay a $50 fee. She said the trainings will be half-day sessions held in March from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church.

Russell left printed flyers on the back tables and gave contact information for registration: (773) 580-2394 and arussell@envisionunlimited.org. She said the programming is intended to help Dolton residents and local faith leaders cope with recent community challenges and to build practical skills for supporting people in emotional distress.

The announcement consisted of public comment and did not include any formal requests to the village board, motions, or votes during the meeting.