Nexus Family Healing - Manteno Campus

07/29/2026

While on our Manteno campus, our youth receive support in navigating difficult emotions and developing resilience. Off-campus trips can also provide similar learning opportunities. After a recent visit to Indian Caves in Bourbonnais, one of our youth shared that he felt better after walking the trails and observing wildlife with his peers. Experiences like this show our youth that they can use nature for their self-care. This is such a valuable lesson, a moment of hope, and it's one of the reasons we serve our youth and their families.

07/23/2026

A group of our young men gathered outside recently for a game of wiffle ball. With encouragement from peers and staff, the youth took to the field to see who could score the most runs. It was great to see them focused and working on a shared goal. We love supporting our youth and providing opportunities like this, where they can practice teamwork and self-regulation while having fun.

07/16/2026

As our youth go on their healing journeys, some begin to set goals such as getting their first job. Our food services supervisor, Eric Preslik, offers just that to those considering food-service work. He teaches our youth kitchen safety and helps them build dependable work habits. Some have earned food-safety certifications, searched for employment, and found fast-food jobs in the community. We're inspired by Eric's patience and care in teaching skills our youth can carry into the future.

07/13/2026

We are excited to welcome Principal Keith Wideman and Assistant Principal Ashley Stachniak to the Safe Harbor School on our Manteno campus! As an educator for over 20 years, Keith has a proven track record of leading evidence-based programs that help children and young adults overcome learning difficulties. For 11 years, Ashley's passion for special education has fueled her teaching, curriculum design, and school management. We look forward to working with them to help our students reach their learning potential.

07/08/2026

Nexus Family Healing brought staff together at our annual conference to strengthen company culture. This year's theme was Showing Up and Shining Bright. Our Manteno campus staff participated in sessions exploring how they can "show up" to support our youth and each other. We're excited to learn from these Manteno leaders and work together to maintain our trauma-informed and inclusive workplace.

07/06/2026

We are currently seeking bids from qualified general contractors to support interior and exterior improvements to the Carriel building on our campus. The bidding window is from July 6, 2026, to July 23, 2026. An in-person, pre-bid conference will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, 11:00 AM, at 101 North Bramble Street, Manteno, IL. For additional Request for Proposal information, visit https://buff.ly/mAXERyt.

06/30/2026

Our LGBTQ+ youth group, Pride and Purpose, ended a month of Pride activities with a campus-wide party. The activities gave our LGBTQ+ youth opportunities to express themselves and build confidence. Our staff and other youth joined the group to enjoy music, arts and crafts, and a water fight! We thank the Manteno Community Fire Protection District for supporting our campus march with the lights of one of its engines, and we thank our case manager Lexi Orr for stewarding Pride and Purpose and caring for all of our youth.

06/28/2026

When a child comes out, parents can experience unexpected or even conflicting feelings while still loving them. If you're thinking through how to show up for your child, what to say, or how to move forward, this resource offers ideas:

June 18, 2026 Navigating Love, Growth, and Your Own Emotions When a child shares something deeply personal, like their sexual orientation, it can be both a meaningful and emotional moment for a parent. For many, the first instinct is love and support, paired with a strong desire to respond “the ri...

06/26/2026

Huge thank you to our Umoja Committee for organizing last week's Juneteenth celebration! Our youth and employees enjoyed a barbecue and games while honoring Black American history. The Umoja Committee is a group of employees who support our youth through campus-wide events. We appreciate their dedication to creating these moments of joy and community.

06/23/2026

Help children, individuals, and families find paths to brighter futures at Nexus Family Healing - Manteno Campus. We are hiring a full-time, on-site Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to provide medical services that promote resident health and well-being. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and the chance to make a difference every day. Click here to learn more and to apply: https://buff.ly/2F1JKfo