Thresholds

It was another great year celebrating the YWCA Evanston/North Shore Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate with Team Thresholds!

Each year, we proudly come together at the largest social justice run/walk event of its kind nationwide in unity against racial hatred and violence. Thank you to all the Thresholds staff who participated and all who supported us and this great cause.

We're already looking forward to next year!

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating the resilience, contributions, and achievements of Black Americans.

Advancing equity requires ongoing action. Thresholds remains committed to fostering inclusive communities while expanding access to the support and resources people need to thrive.

Thank you to our dedicated staff working today to ensure our members continue to receive the care and support they deserve.

Last week, Thresholds joined crisis response leaders from across the country at the Alternative Response Convening in Chicago.

Ariellah Goldbloom, Director of Crisis Services South, presented “Beyond the Manual: Training Crisis Workers for the Moment They're Actually In,” sharing practical ways to prepare teams for the real moments they face in the field.

As alternative response programs grow nationwide, we’re proud to share what we’ve learned, and to learn alongside others working to build more compassionate, community-based solutions.

Thank you to the Alternative Mobile Services Association for hosting, and to our partners at Cook County Health and Trilogy for their support.

Happy Pride Month! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Thresholds friends and family had a blast at Woodstock PrideFest this weekend. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebration of community and love!

We are proud to show up, celebrate, and stand with the LGBTQ+ community every day. We can't wait to keep celebrating Pride with friends across Chicagoland all month long.

Last week, we were joined by Deloitte volunteers for Impact Day 2026. Together, we prepped school supplies, which will help set up students across Chicagoland for success.

We are so thankful to the Deloitte volunteers for making an impact that matters on

OPEN POSITION: Medical Director (Psychiatrist)

This role is still open! We’re looking for a compassionate clinical leader to be a driving force in community-based mental health care across Chicago while supporting clients and staff.

Learn more about this opportunity and share with your network to help us spread the word! https://bit.ly/4okyIE9

! Leadership in mental health care starts in the community.

Thresholds is hiring a Medical Director (Psychiatrist) to help shape the future of community behavioral health across Chicago. This role combines clinical leadership, compassionate care, and systems-level impact — guiding psychiatric services that support people living with serious mental illness and substance use conditions.

As Medical Director, you’ll lead with a recovery-centered approach, support interdisciplinary teams, and help ensure people receive high-quality, person-centered care where they need it most: in their communities.

At Thresholds, we believe mental health care goes beyond treatment — it’s about housing stability, accessibility, connection, dignity, and helping people build the lives they want.

📍 Chicago, IL
💼 Full-time leadership role
💙 Mission-driven work with community impact

Join one of Illinois’ largest and oldest community mental health organizations and help expand access to transformative care: https://bit.ly/49ddQZj

Not applying? Sharing this opportunity still makes a difference — helping expand access to community mental health care across Chicago.

Please join us in recognizing the incredible career and impact of Mark Furlong, Thresholds COO. After four decades with Thresholds, Mark is officially retiring after today.

Thresholds’ ability to show up for people is a reflection of the people who show up for us. Mark is a perfect example of that, and we are lucky to have grown under his leadership and guidance.

Mark joined Thresholds in 1986 as a job coach and helped shape the organization through decades of growth, innovation, and change throughout different departments and locations. From expanding programs and services to supporting staff through the challenges of the pandemic, his leadership has left a lasting mark on our agency and the communities we serve.

Most of all, he has led with kindness, creativity, and a deep belief in people.

Thank you, Mark, for four decades of service and impact. Thresholds is better because of you. 💙

Read more about Mark's remarkable career: https://www.thresholds.org/celebraring-mark-furlong

It's time for an important advocacy update!

The FY27 legislative session brought important wins for mental health, supportive housing, and recovery in Illinois, including funding to preserve affordable housing, the passage of HJR52, and protections for critical housing investments.

There's much more work ahead, but we're proud to be part of the movement advancing home, health, and hope for communities across Illinois.

Read the entire recap: https://www.thresholds.org/illinois-fy27-budget-advances-mental-health-housing-and-recovery-priorities

Starting the week with some good news!

HJR52, our resolution affirming the importance of evidence-based treatment and housing models, has officially passed the Illinois House.

Thank you to State Representative Lindsey LaPointe for your leadership in championing this effort and helping move it across the finish line.

Get ready for a night of good vibes and great prizes with the Thresholds Junior Board at Play It Forward: BINGO, Bites & A Boost to Mental Health!

Join us Thursday, September 24th, from 6–9PM at Burning Bush Brewery’s River Room in the heart of Chicago’s North Center. Starting at just $65, tickets include an evening packed with BINGO, craft brews, tasty bites, lively community spirit, and exciting prizes — all in support of mental health programs at Thresholds.

Buy your ticket today to take advantage of our early bird special, and save $15 by using code "earlybird" today.

https://bit.ly/4uE4Gh2

See you there!