Manley Hosts Will County Leaders at Legislative Advisory Committee Meeting

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, welcomed Will County Board member Kelly Hickey and Will County Community Mental Health Board Executive Director Teena Mackey to her Legislative Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, Nov. 2 at Romeoville Village Hall.

The meeting brought together members of both the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Advisory Committee and the Retiree Advisory Committee for a discussion about local government and mental health initiatives in Will County.

The Will County Board consists of 22 members, two each from 11 districts. Kelly Hickey, who represents District 10, explained the operation of the County Executive form of government, in which the County Executive manages the day-to-day administration of county operations, while the Board serves as the legislative body, responsible for determining funding levels for these operations and establishing certain policies.

The Will County Community Mental Health Board, also known as the 708 Board, is responsible for planning, coordinating, evaluating and allocating funding for mental health resources throughout the county. Its work supports local services addressing mental illness, substance use challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I thank Kelly Hickey and Teena Mackey for joining us to explain their work and help residents better understand the local systems that support our County,” Rep. Manley said. “The 708 Board plays a key role in knowing where to turn for support and has created a more accessible, responsive system of care.”

The Community Mental Health Board’s funding supports services across prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery. According to the executive director Teena Mackey, its 2025 annual grant awards supported 42 programs managed by 39 organizations, expanding existing services and access to care for residents throughout Will County.

For more information about Rep. Manley’s Legislative Advisory Committee or future meetings, visit repmanley.com or call 815-725-2741.

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