Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center Receives Community Needs Grant for The Living Room Program

The Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center is thrilled to announce the receipt of the Spring 2024 Community Needs Grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The grant presentation was gracefully conducted by Ms. Regina Parker, a respected member of the DCCF Board, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting local health initiatives.

This generous grant will be dedicated towards enhancing the facilities of our 24-hour Living Room program. The funds will specifically be used to purchase comfortable recliners, ensuring that the Livingroom continues to provide a welcoming and soothing environment for DeKalb County residents in need. This program offers a vital alternative to traditional emergency or psychiatric hospital care for individuals coping with mental health and substance use crises.

Located at 12 Health Services Drive inside the Ben Gordon Center, the Living Room provides a safe, comfortable, and nonclinical space to residents 18 years and older, operating around the clock and offering its services free of charge. The essence of the Living Room is to offer a peaceful setting akin to that of any home’s living room, where individuals can relax and find support among peers and professionals without the need for an appointment.

Key Features of the Living Room:

• Open 24 Hours: The Living Room is available around the clock, ensuring that individuals in crisis have a supportive place to turn to at any time.
• No Cost Services: Our services are provided at no cost to 18+ visitors, removing financial barriers for those seeking help.
• Location: The Living Room is conveniently situated inside the Ben Gordon Center at 12 Health Services Drive in DeKalb, Illinois.
• Walk-In Access: No appointment is required; walk-in guests are always welcome.

For more details about the Living Room and its operations, please visit [nm.org/dekalblivingroom](http://nm.org/dekalblivingroom) or contact the Ben Gordon Center at 815.756.4875. In times of crisis, individuals can also reach out to our 24-hour Ben Gordon Center Crisis Response Line at 866.242.0111.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the DeKalb County Community Foundation and Ms. Regina Parker for their support and trust in our mission to provide compassionate and effective care to our community.