Kankakee County Out of the Darkness Walk

08/24/2026

It’s National self first day! What do you do to put yourself first?

08/21/2026

Our hearts are full after spending the day celebrating amazing things that are happening with behavioral healthcare here in Kankakee County! First, we were honored to attend an open house at Riverside Healthcare's new adult inpatient behavioral health unit before it opens to patients next month. It is a beautiful space and the passion of the staff member who led our tour made it evident how much care and concern was put into all of the details. Thank you to them for including us in this event!
Then tonight, we had our walk kick off at The Grow Center. Thank you to them for being gracious hosts. We were honored to be joined by our friends from Project SUN Kankakee and Thresholds and hear about all of the amazing work both of them are doing. Do you know we have a 24/7 mental health crisis response team here in Kankakee (and Ford) county? The number is 815-348-4444. Please save it in your phone for a time you might need it. We had a great kickoff thanks to our walk committee and got the rust kicked off all of our walk gear from last year and ready to see y'all on September 19th! Are you signed up for the walk yet? You know where to find the link if you need it 😉 Ooh also, you see that adorable yard sign in the last pic? If you have a business or a home in a well traveled area and would let us us put one there, please send us a message. We will be delivering them next week.

08/20/2026

Just a little sneak peek of what you'll see when you join us at our walk kick off TONIGHT from 5:30 to 7 at 310 Main St NW in Bourbonnais! Can't join us tonight? Sign up to register to walk with us next month on September 19th https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Kankakee
We can't wait to see your faces and be in community with you as we walk together to ***de in our community 💙

08/20/2026

💙 **Help Us Create a Culture That’s Smart About Mental Health** 💙

Collective Balance Counseling is proud to participate in the **Out of the Darkness Walk**, supporting su***de prevention, mental health awareness, and the importance of connection and community.

We believe creating a culture that’s **smart about mental health** starts with talking openly, reducing stigma, knowing the signs, and making sure people know they don’t have to face difficult moments alone.

We’re asking our friends, family, clients, colleagues, and community to **help us make a difference**. If you’re able, please consider making a donation through our team’s fundraising page—and just as importantly, **please share this post**. Every share helps us reach someone who may need support, resources, or simply a reminder that they are not alone.

💙 **Donate. Share. Start the conversation.**
Together, we can create a community that takes mental health seriously and supports one another.

***dePrevention

Please support the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. Donate or register to walk!

08/20/2026

Hi everyone! Co-chair, Jen here. I took advantage of the beautiful weather today to pre-walk our walk path at KCC. I've found that one of the best things for my mental health is to get outside, get out of my head, and move my body. And with views like the ones along the riverfront, it doesn't feel like exercise. Here's a preview of what you might see when you come and walk with us on September 19th. The only way it could be more beautiful, is when it's filled with our community of walkers. Interested in walking? Join us at our walk kick off tomorrow night at The Grow Center at 5:30.
If you can't join us tomorrow feel free to register for the walk at https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Kankakee
We can't wait to walk with you to ***de in our community.

08/17/2026

We're excited to kick off this year's walk season together THIS WEEK on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 at The Grow Center
This is a great opportunity to connect with others, and get everything you need for a successful walk!
At the kickoff, you'll find:
💙AFSP Resources and information
📝Help with walk registration
💲Fundraising tips and ideas
🙋‍♀️ Volunteer sign-ups for Walk Day
📹The chance to record a "Why I Walk" short to encourage others in our community to sign up to walk with us.
We'll also hear from Anne Melvin, Secretary of the AFSP Illinois Chapter Board of Directors, during a presentation at 6:15.
Bring a friend, meet fellow walkers, and help us build momentum as we come together to support hope, healing, and su***de prevention. We can't wait to see you there!
***de

08/10/2026

We would love to have you join us at our walk kickoff next week! Any questions, please comment or send us a message

New this year! Joins us for our 2026 Kankakee County Out of the Darkness Walk Kickoff!

We're excited to kick off this year's walk season together on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 at The Grow Center.

This is a great opportunity to connect with others, and get everything you need for a successful walk!

At the kickoff, you'll find:
💙AFSP Resources and information
📝Help with walk registration
💲Fundraising tips and ideas
🙋‍♀️ Volunteer sign-ups for Walk Day
📹The chance to record a "Why I Walk" short to encourage others in our community to sign up to walk with us.

We'll also hear from Anne Melvin, Secretary of the AFSP Illinois Chapter Board of Directors, during a presentation at 6:15.

Bring a friend, meet fellow walkers, and help us build momentum as we come together to support hope, healing, and su***de prevention. We can't wait to see you there!

***de

08/02/2026

New this year! Joins us for our 2026 Kankakee County Out of the Darkness Walk Kickoff!

We're excited to kick off this year's walk season together on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 at The Grow Center.

This is a great opportunity to connect with others, and get everything you need for a successful walk!

At the kickoff, you'll find:
💙AFSP Resources and information
📝Help with walk registration
💲Fundraising tips and ideas
🙋‍♀️ Volunteer sign-ups for Walk Day
📹The chance to record a "Why I Walk" short to encourage others in our community to sign up to walk with us.

We'll also hear from Anne Melvin, Secretary of the AFSP Illinois Chapter Board of Directors, during a presentation at 6:15.

Bring a friend, meet fellow walkers, and help us build momentum as we come together to support hope, healing, and su***de prevention. We can't wait to see you there!

***de

07/21/2026

You belong here. You are not alone. Come and walk with us on September 19th. https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Kankakee

10/05/2025