Elgin Area Chamber Of Commerce: Ecker News For February

Press release from the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce:

February 03, 2022

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Ecker News Read about our news and latest updates. February is widely recognized as a month dedicated to love. However, February isn’t just for Valentine's Day, which is observed on February 14th. It can also be a month for self-love and self-care, strengthening relationships with family and friends, and loving others. In February, we celebrate Black History Month, which is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Scroll down to the section Black History Month 2022 to learn more about the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed on February 7th to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in black communities. To all of our supporters, stay warm and be well this month! Our "Now Hiring " billboard is on Route 31 in Aurora through February 13th. Ecker still has positions available for qualified candidates looking for a rewarding career in a behavioral health field! Ecker offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package including vacation, sick, and personal days, paid holidays, extended sick leave for short-term disability, medical, dental, vision coverage, voluntary life insurance, Aflac supplemental benefits, an Employee Assistance Program, a flexible spending account, and a retirement plan with company contributions. Benefits eligibility depends on hours worked. In addition, Ecker Center is a qualified 501(c)3 organization, and working at Ecker Center full-time qualifies for public service student loan forgiveness. Ask about hiring bonuses being offered for all positions! Black History Month is recognized across the USA & Canada in February every year. Initially proposed in 1969 by black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University, formal celebration first began a year later in 1970. A mere 6 years later, backed by President Ford, Black History Month was celebrated across the nation. President Ford stated citizens should “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” February was chosen specifically to celebrate Black History Month due to a number of historic events that took place in the month. Originally coined “Negro History Week” by Carter G Woodson in 1926, he hoped to change the content and commentary of textbooks and historical reviews which often ignored or minimized the impact and influence of black individuals. The second week in February was chosen to focus attention on this cause. Woodson chose that week specifically because it covered the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (February 14) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12). The ensuing publicity led many mayors and college campuses to recognize the week; through the years, the increase in support allowed the occasion to stretch throughout the entire month.  Now a hugely recognized month of celebration, recognition and debate, Black History Month has been adopted by countries across the world. Find out more this February and continue the discussions and celebrations. Previous Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Vote,” is in honor of the centennial anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment (1920) granting women’s suffrage and the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) giving black men the right to vote. Click here to learn more about the origins of Black History Month. The Black History Month 2022 theme, “Black Health and Wellness ,” explores "the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well." 8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier Black innovators changed the way we live through their contributions, from the traffic light to the ironing board. 5 Myths About Slavery Find out the truth behind five common myths or misunderstandings about slavery in the United States. Racism, Inequality, and Health Care for African Americans The American health care system is beset with inequalities that have a disproportionate impact on people of color and other marginalized groups. Learn why we should all, regardless of our own heritage, celebrate Black History Month:  Four Reasons Why We Should Celebrate Black History Month. Youth Empowering Students (YES) is a youth community service group that promotes academic and professional success and a lifestyle free from substance use. YES is part of Ecker's Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention Services, which provide programming in schools and throughout the community to prevent underage drinking and illicit drug use, decrease risk factors, and increase protective measures in the community. Ecker employee and Prevention Specialist Jared Erickson manages the social media component for YES, which is essential to the program's success in reaching youth in our community. "We strive to make a difference in the community whether it is in the schools, our leadership group or anyone in the community," says Erickson. YES has profiles on the following social media channels and we encourage youth and community members to visit, share, and engage with YES staff and students! The YES social media channels are listed below. Facebook: @ElginYouthEmpoweringStudents
Instagram: @yesecker If you have any questions about YES or Ecker's ATOD Prevention Services Ecker Center is extremely grateful for the opportunity to provide services that promote healthy lifestyle choices for our community's youth and proud of all that these young leaders have accomplished through this program. NAMI plans to re-open the Drop-In Center on February 8th. NAMI Drop-In Center services are provided to individuals, age 18 and older, who are living with mental illness and would like  the company of others while enjoying activities such as art projects, puzzles, games, book discussions, needlework, music, fellowship, and fun! ​ Groups are offered Tuesdays and Fridays, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. ​ Registration is required.  Anyone from the community is welcome to participate.  Masks are required. ​ The Drop-In Center is held in the Wellness Center (3rd Floor) at Ecker's Grandstand Office. For more information about the Drop-In Center or NAMI services in general, contact Laurie at (847) 410-9719. We are happy to welcome the following new Ecker staff members: Samuel Bagyo Therapy Intern Danielle Curtis Therapy/PSR Intern Emily Spillios Emergency Therapist We're glad you're here! Do your online shopping through AmazonSmile, and Amazon will donate a percentage of the price of eligible purchases to Ecker Center! No fees or extra costs to you! Click on the image above or go to smile.amazon.com and select "Ecker Center for Behavioral Health" as your favorite charitable organization! Every penny helps! Our generous donors and community supporters make it possible for us to provide essential behavioral health services to thousands of individuals in our community. We are extremely grateful for your continued support! Get Our Latest Updates Add your email... 1845 Grandstand Place, Elgin, IL, USA (847) 695-0484 Share on social Check out our website  

This press release was produced by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.