Understanding Mental Health Disorders & Effective Support Strategies

RACMI - Community of Practice

Join us for an inspiring and educational session featuring Xavier Whitford, a dedicated mental health advocate who has spent the past decade working to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. After the tragic loss of her son, Tommy, to suicide, Xavier channeled her pain into a mission—educating communities, providing support, and fostering resilience for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.

As a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Xavier teaches life-saving skills to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and crisis situations. Her work spans multiple sectors, including public safety, youth, veterans, and emergency responders, equipping individuals with the tools to provide meaningful support.

In addition to leading Teen & Young Adult Mental Health Groups and Grief Support Groups, Xavier founded the Restore & Resilience Retreats, which offer interdisciplinary programs focused on healing the mind, body, and spirit. Through her speaking engagements at schools, churches, and organizations, she shares her personal journey and expertise, empowering others to take action in their communities.

A published author and blogger, Xavier’s advocacy is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Her unwavering commitment to mental health education and compassionate support has made her a leading voice in the movement to build stronger, stigma-free communities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn practical strategies for supporting those affected by mental illness and fostering a culture of understanding and resilience.

DATE and TIME: Wednesday, April 23, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

LOCATION: NICNE at NIU Rockford, 8500 E State Street, Rockford, IL 61108

Cost: FREE - This program is funded by the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB), and the 1/2 cent sales tax is voted on by residents of Winnebago County.

Intended audience: Case managers and front-line staff from area human services organizations and mental health providers should attend. All are welcome!

Presenters: Kristin Cottrell, Community Center Manager, and Staff Members at BRCC.

Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided.

Accessibility: The training will present in English. Accessible parking, mechanical assist entry doors, elevator access, and accessible bathroom stalls are available.

This program is funded by WCCMHB with the 1/2 cent sales tax voted on by county residents.

About the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB): The WCCMHB plans, implements, and monitors a system of care by investing in and supporting local organizations, nonprofits, and governmental agencies which provide critical mental health and substance use services for adults and children in Winnebago County. The WCCMHB supports community mental health and substance use services in Winnebago County through a robust "Community Support System" (CSS) which represents an array of services that allows individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders to live and recover in the community. Thanks to a voter-approved half-cent sales tax specifically designated for mental health services, $20 million in funding has been collected and allocated in Program Year 2023-2024. This significant contribution has greatly enhanced mental health services and programs within the County and WCCMHB is a vital partner and resource for the RACMI as a funded program. Their support and investment enable the RACMI to deliver essential training and education to case managers, human services staff, and mental health staff as they deliver essential mental health and substance use services to adults and children in the community. Learn more at r1planning.org/wccmhb.

About the RACMI: The Rockford Area Case Management Initiative (RACMI) is a community-wide approach to deliver individualized strength-based and person-centered support services that help participants achieve specific, self-defined outcomes leading to healthy self-reliance and interdependence within their community.

The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) facilitates the RACMI in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, The Literacy Council, RAMP, and other area organizations. RACMI programs are presented with financial support from the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB).

Quarterly Community of Practice sessions provide valuable and relevant information for all case managers and human services professionals, regardless of your area of service. These quarterly events strengthen skills and increase knowledge on specialized topics, share information and best practices for case management in general, and provide an opportunity for networking among local case managers to help you successfully implement the foundation skills of the community-wide approach to Case Management.

About NICNE: The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) has strengthened nonprofits since August 2004 by providing capacity building, training, technical assistance, resource support, and initiative leadership to nonprofit organizations in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. NICNE believes in investing in people and organizations that make communities in our area safer, healthier, and more vibrant. We provide training opportunities that help nonprofits successfully achieve their missions. As the region’s primary resource for nonprofit capacity and movement building, NICNE encourages collaboration and best practices, resulting in a strong, vibrant nonprofit sector demonstrating significant social impact. NICNE is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with Northern Illinois University. NICNE Mission: Promote, model and grow innovation, excellence and social impact. Learn more at niu.edu/nicne.

Please email questions to NICNE RACMI Program Coordinator Deanna Mershon at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE)