WellSpring Resources aims for changes in children’s mental health system

ALTON – WellSpring Resources says its Family and Community Engagement coordinator, Chris Hendrix, is working with the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership, which aims to help children and families cope with mental health conditions.

“What Chris does is life-changing for many Illinois families and our agency is proud to help facilitate her work,” Karen Sopronyi-Tompkins, chief executive officer for WellSpring Resources, said.

Hendrix wil work to public awareness. One of her biggest projects this year will be coordinating a statewide Family Youth Council. Hendrix says the council will focus on advocacy, public awareness, education, and empowerment for families experiencing mental health issues.

Hendrix has more than 15 years in the human services field. She was hired by WellSpring Resources in 2004 as one of the agency’s first family resource developers. Hendrix was not involved in the mental health field before, but had a lot of personal experience in advocating for her own family in the mental health system. From there, she became the Regional Family Leadership and Support coordinator and eventually the statewide Family Leadership and Support coordinator, through the partnership and a Family Leadership and Support grant.

“I have been very fortunate to be involved in several grassroots projects,” Hendrix said.

In 2011, Hendrix received the Award of Excellence for Family Advocacy from the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare.

For more information, contact WellSpring Resources at (618) 462-2331.

The Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership was established in 2003 and is committed to improving the scope, quality and access of mental health programs, services and supports for Illinois children.

Founded in 1959, WellSpring Resources is a total mental wellness resource serving Madison, Greene, Jersey, and Calhoun counties. With offices in Alton and Jerseyville WellSpring’s compassionate professionals work with children, adults and families to inspire hope and personal growth. Last year, over 6,000 people sought to change their lives for the better through WellSpring’s mental health and substance abuse services. Visit www.wellspringresources.co for more information.

The services Mental Health Court Case Management, Senior Services, Outpatient, Adult Community Support and Child/Adolescent Community Support and provider WellSpring Resources is funded by the Madison County Mental Health Board.