IN MEMORY OF
MICHELLE MCMARTIN
(November 15, 1973 - October 1, 2024)It is with sadness and gratitude that we remember Michelle McMartin. She was a friend, mentor, colleague, supervisor, teacher, advocate, and extraordinarily generous and kind human being. She was authentic and brought all of herself to everything she did. Her passion and enthusiasm were contagious and so evident in every relationship she had with colleagues and clients alike. We are all fortunate to have known her and learned from her. She inspired us to adopt some of her many qualities such as her acceptance, encouragement, laughter, and deep compassion for others. She made us better versions of ourselves. We will miss her tremendously and treasure the many gifts she gave us. We are grateful that she poured so much of herself into each of us so that a part of her will always be with us.
After earning her master’s degree in social work at Loyola University Chicago, Michelle began her career at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School in the ‘90s and worked as a therapist at the Juvenile Protective Association and as Clinical Supervisor at the Erikson Institute. She returned to the O School as Associate Director, then worked as a Staff Therapist at The Family Institute. She was beloved at each of these places and left an indelible mark on everyone she supervised and with whom she interacted. She came to The Kedzie Center first as a consultant and then in 2019 became our Associate Director. For the last two years, she found her happy place as EMHS Director of Clinical Training and Supervision. We are all honored to have had the privilege of working alongside her. Most recently, she served on the Board of the North River Commission on their Community Health and Safety Committee. Michelle brought joy and reflection to everything she did. We will remember her always and carry on her lifelong mission of providing quality services to those who needed it.
She is survived by her loving partner Craig and her cat Miah.
There will be a celebration of life in the weeks to come; we will share information once we have a date.
spring NEWSLETTER 2024
EXPANDED MENTAL HEALTH NEWS
We’re happy to share this news and engagement of the LSAH community.
Credit: Google Maps A mental health clinic paid for by community members is opening at 3557 W. Armitage Ave. in Logan Square.
News Article
Mid-South Siders to vote on creating a community mental health center in November election
Members of the Coalition to Save Our Mental Health Centers gather outside the Chicago Board of Elections office on Friday, August 5. Emma Ricketts.
Support two additional community mental health centers this November! Spread the word!!
PROCESSING THE HIGHLAND PARK TRAGEDY
Dear Kedzie Community,
This slightly delayed message in is response to the Highland Park tragedy. Being so close to our Chicago home, in an area we consider safe, has made it extra difficult to process. Our hearts are saddened, angry, frustrated, and broken once again. Finding words that are soothing and encouraging in these moments is difficult. I find myself thinking of all the families and children who thought they were safe, those who lost loved ones, and all of us who lost our sense of safety in the world - yet again. I thought of this young man and his traumatic past and his parents. And of all the first responders who still can’t process the horror of it all.
In these moments, we can feel so powerless. But then I realized that you, and we, do the daily work to treat trauma, prevent trauma, and raise awareness, understanding and empathy. And though it feels limited, it is the superpower we can bring to our communities when such tragedies occur, and hopefully, prevent them from occurring as well. This work has never felt more critically needed. It is our hope that with the healing of each child, person and family, we make our world a little safer and healthier. At times like this, how we respond matters and what we do daily matters.
We hope you'll take time for yourselves and that when you can you'll gather with your loved ones and neighbors. We thank you for all the ways that you come together to bring and support healing in our little corner of the world. Please know that it matters. We will grieve together for and with Highland Park, and hold them in our thoughts, as we continue to invest in our communities and in one another. Together, we hope for a better day when safety, health and hope are restored.
We acknowledge these painful moments and continue to care for ourselves and each other. Please know that we are here for you, our community. Please don’t hesitate to ask for resources and support as individuals or as a group. Being in community has a way of easing our pain and providing some comfort in knowing that we’re committed to healing together. We wish you restored peace, hope and healing.
Angela Sedeño, Ph.D., Executive Director
Kedzie in the news - Adelante Chicago
Kedzie's in the news! Please note the corrections: we are in fact 7.5 years old and located in North RIver (with a soon-to-open clinic in Logan Square/Avondale). We hope you'll support our fundraiser on July 28, 2022!!
Expanded Mental Health Services of Chicago NFP is awarded a contract to serve the Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa neighborhoods!
August 19, 2021
Expanded Mental Health Services of Chicago NFP, the parent organization of The Kedzie Center, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract to serve Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa. This center will serve residents in the area regardless of their ability to pay. We are thrilled to expand quality mental health care on the northwest side of Chicago and look forward to building community!
We hope to welcome Chicago’s 4th expanded mental health program soon!
Advocacy Team members (left to right: Shawn Ward, Emanuel Williams, LeFerrah Hill, Deja Brown, and team leader Rapheal Arteberry) in front of King Drive & 40th Street mural as they complete a day of outreach in the community.
“Coronavirus In Chicago: Recovery From Crisis Must Also Focus On Mental Health, Officials Say”
In Memory of Diane Plotkin
It is with deep sadness that we share that Diane Plotkin, LCSW, our board chairperson and beloved friend, passed away from a heart attack. We are grateful to have had her as a friend and partner in the work of expanding quality mental health care in Chicago. She was devoted to The Kedzie Center; it was the culmination of her life's work and mission. She will always be an inspiration and we will miss her tremendously. We plan to celebrate her life when we can be together. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends. We are with you.
The West Side Clinic is officially opened!
We are thrilled to share that the second program under the IL Community Expanded Mental Health Services Act, the Encompassing Center, is officially open as of October 15, 2019 - serving North Lawndale, East and West Garfield Park, and the Near West Side. We join in their celebration of increased access to mental health services for their communities.
IN MEMORY OF JUDITH BERTACCHI
(1938-2019)
On April 12, 2019, the Kedzie family lost a beloved member, colleague and friend, Judy Bertacchi. Judy was a mentor and consultant to our clinical team during our foundational years and a strong champion of the work being done at Kedzie. We will forever be grateful for all she gave of herself to us, including the wisdom she imparted. We extend our sincerest condolences to her family and to everyone who loved her. May you find peace and comfort at this time. She will live on in our hearts.
A THIRD MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC APPROVED AT 86% TO EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH IN CHICAGO!
Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance, one of the groups that fought to open the clinic, at an event.
Click here for the full article.
In times of darkness, we affirm our values for seeing the humanity in one another, for treating one another with dignity, and for striving for equity, diversity and inclusion. We stand with those who have been harmed by violence. We grieve with you and hold hope for healing, understanding and peace. We add this light to the darkness and offer our space for healing. You are welcome here.
Pittsburgh - October 27, 2018
Thank you to the Axelson Center for acknowledging The Kedzie Center as an Excellent Emerging Organization.
Addressing Trauma at the Community Level in Chicago
Photo by Connor Satterlee. Courtesy of Lawrence Hall.
We're pleased to share a story about our collaborative community event We're All in this Together, the first of several community conversations on becoming a trauma-informed community. Stay tuned for upcoming events!! We look forward to your participation.
For the full story, click here.
Trying to Fill the Mental Health Care
Gap in Chicago
Listen to a brief discussion of the challenges and opportunities in community mental health.
Recipient of the 2018 Susan F. Berkowitz Award
Thank you to the Susan Berkowitz Student Committee at Francis Parker School for recognizing our school-based work and making it possible for us to expand our work in North River schools, particularly regarding Suicide Prevention among youth. We are honored and grateful.
A NEW MODEL FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST STORY ON THE KEDZIE CENTER
For Chicago Voters, Supporting Mental Health Care Builds Common Ground
In recent months, the local news has reflected an increasing awareness of the complex and interlinked challenges of mental health, public safety and community vitality. The 1980s saw Chicago’s robust mental health infrastructure serving residents at 19 mental health centers, as well as an alcohol abuse treatment facility.
To read more, please click on link below.
l-r: Nathalie Henaine, Psychology Intern, Jim Grabowski, LCPC, Training Coordinator, Sinane Goulet, LCSW, Angela Sedeno, PhD, Executive Director, Eva Ledoux, Counseling Intern.
Little Explorers awarded an APF Grant
The Kedzie Center has received a grant from the American Psychological Foundation. The grant will provide funding to support the Little Explorers/Pequeños Exporadores program.
Little Explorers is a bilingual, interactive play group for parents and children, age birth through five years old. It is offered on Tuesdays from 10:00am to 11:30am at our office at 4141 N. Kedzie.
The program offers parents the opportunity to meet with other parents and share the successes and challenges of raising their child. It also provides children an opportunity to play and promote critical social, emotional and developmental skills. Our staff include an early child development specialist, Sinane Goulet, LCSW, and two advanced graduate students. Parent can learn about their child’s crying, temperament, motor development, language, and emotional development. Participants must live in our service area, and can verify eligibility at 773-754-0577 or at http://www.thekedziecenter.org/.
We are grateful to the American Psychological Foundation and Division 39 of the American Psychological Association for recognizing the work of the Kedzie Center.
LA RAZA FEATURES THE KEDZIE CENTER
Abren el primer centro de salud mental con fondos comunitarios
"En respuesta a la escasez de servicios, nace The Kedzie Center, centro de salud mental único en su tipo que es solventado por los contribuyentes." Click here to read the full story, by La Raza reporter Belhu Sanabria.
THE KEDZIE CENTER GRAND OPENING
On October 29th, 2014, The Kedzie Center opened its doors to the public for the first time. This event, attended by community members, local and state lawmakers, partnership agencies, and other stakeholders, was a long-awaited celebration of the opening of the center, which represented the culmination of years of work, organizing and advocacy by North River residents. The Kedzie Center's Executive Director, Dr. Angela Sedeño, was chosen to cut the ceremonial ribbon, on behalf of all of those involved to make the center a reality.
Please click the link to the story to learn more about the grand opening event, as well as the history of the center and the Expanded Mental Health Services Act.
