Community Health Initiative to Support and Promote Awareness
(C.H.I.S.P.A.) Program

The CHISPA program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Child & Adolescent Services, provides mental health education resources for families. These services incorporate a local systems of care model which is youth-guided, evidenced-based, focused on clinical excellence, and provided in a way that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. Prevention services include referrals, the development of support groups, coaching, mentoring, training and education, advocacy, and the creation of community forums. These additional intervention services serve as a continuum of the clinical work the TOYS Program currently provides.

The CHISPA program, part of DMH's "Reaching Out to Help" Initiative involves efforts to expand promotion/prevention and early intervention services and seeks builds upon its C&A service system transformation.

The “CHISPA” (meaning SPARK) program will outreach religious, educational, and other community stakeholders. CHISPA behavioral health workshops for service providers, parents, and youth will also support coping skills building and develop coping skills to increase resiliency and protective factors associated with better mental health outcomes. For additional information or to request any related services please contact mental.health@pilsenwellnesscenter.org.