THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS AWARDING FOUR MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS TO HELP STUDENTS PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH. 

THE INNOVATIVE PROGRAM AIMS TO TRAIN THOSE WHO BATTLE THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH OR ADDICTION ISSUES TO WORK AS CERTIFIED RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALISTS SAYS D-H-S SPOKESPERSON MARISA KOLLIAS.

THE IDEA IS FOR PROGRAM GRADUATES TO OFFER HOPE AND RELATED EXPERIENCE TO OTHERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING. SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING INCLUDE THE COLLEGE OF DUPAGE, HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, THE ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY IN EDWARDSVILLE.

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE FUNDING FOR TUITION, CHILDCARE AND MORE AS THEY WORK TO BECOME A CERTIFIED RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST.