10 Years Strong
Together, We’re Unlimited
Founded in 2010 by mental health professionals and advocates, EMHS was created in response to the growing need for accessible, quality mental health services in Chicago. Guided by a community needs assessment, the organization focused on developing care that reflects the strengths and needs of local residents. With support from the North River community and its mental health services program, EMHS opened The Kedzie Center in October 2014 to reduce barriers to care and expand access.
On June 26 from 6-9 p.m., we will celebrate this milestone at our annual summer fundraising event.
Expanded Mental Health Services of Chicago NFP celebrates 10 years of The Kedzie Center’s service and community impact.
Honoring the Past, and Embracing the Future
As we reflect on over a decade of community-rooted work, we honor the vision that led to the founding of EMHS, The Kedzie Center, and LoSAH Center of Hope: a commitment to accessible, culturally responsive mental health care for all. Born from a collective belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported, our journey has been shaped by the resilience of the communities we serve and the dedication of those who walk alongside us—clients, clinicians, neighbors, and advocates alike.
In these uncertain and often divided times, our mission feels more urgent than ever. Yet we remain hopeful. With compassion, collaboration, and courage, we will continue to meet the moment—expanding our services, deepening our impact, and strengthening the connections that heal. The path ahead is not without challenge, but together, we will keep building a future rooted in care, equity, and belonging.
Every step forward was made possible by those who walked beside us.
10 Years Strong:
Together, We’re Unlimited
You’re invited to celebrate a decade of integrative care and community-rooted healing.
Join Expanded Mental Health Services of Chicago (EMHS) as we mark 10 years of The Kedzie Center—Chicago’s first community-funded mental health center. The evening will highlight the work of both centers, including the first anniversary of LoSAH Center of Hope, which serves the Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa communities.
This year’s theme, “10 Years Strong: Together, We’re Unlimited,” is inspired by Wicked and a tribute to the power of community. At EMHS, we’ve learned that healing isn’t just personal—it’s collective. True transformation happens when people feel seen, supported, and surrounded by care. In a world that can feel isolating, community becomes a source of strength, connection, and possibility. Your support helps create spaces where people don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. And together, there is no limit to what we can make possible.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, we’ll come together to reflect on what it means to build care from the ground up. Over shared food and stories, we’ll honor the people and partnerships that have shaped this work—and recommit to a future where mental health care is accessible, dignified, and community-driven. Expect good food, a signature cocktails, music, a silent auction, and community voices that remind us why this work matters.
Together, we heal. Together, we grow. Together, we’re unlimited.
Our Annual 2025 Summer Fundraising Event will celebrate 10 years of the work we’ve done, the communities we’ve reached, and the individuals that have helped us get here.
We hope you will join us for the celebration, or donate to the event. Your contribution is tax-deductible.
When: Thursday, June 26th, 6:00–9:00 PM
Where: St. Augustine Hall 1345 West Argyle Street, Chicago, IL
Parking on site.
Dress Code
Oz Garden Chic:
More than casual, less than cocktail.
Renowned journalist Lourdes Duarte will be the
Expanded Mental Health Services of Chicago Annual Event Emcee
We are thrilled to welcome back Lourdes Duarte, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of the WGN Evening News, as Emcee for our annual celebration. Lourdes is not only one of Chicago’s most respected journalists—she is a proud Latina, a compassionate storyteller, and a dedicated advocate for equity who deeply understands the values at the heart of our mission.
Born and raised in Chicago to Cuban parents, Lourdes brings both personal and professional insight to the stories that shape our city. Her career has taken her from general assignment reporting to anchoring the news Chicagoans trust most. Along the way, she’s earned four Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards for her excellence in investigative and community-centered journalism.
Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Ph.D.,
Community trailblazer and advocate, will honor our event as Keynote speaker
We are honored to welcome Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Chief of Staff to Mayor Brandon Johnson, as a featured guest at our annual celebration. A proud daughter of Logan Square, Dr. Pacione-Zayas is a lifelong advocate for education, equity, and community power. Her trailblazing work spans early childhood policy, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, housing justice, and mental health—always rooted in the belief that thriving communities begin with care, dignity, and opportunity for all.
As the former Associate Vice President of Policy at the Erikson Institute, Dr. Pacione-Zayas spearheaded the Early Childhood Leadership Academy and Community Data Lab—two groundbreaking statewide initiatives helping Illinois leaders understand the critical value of early investment in children and families. Her leadership as State Senator for Illinois’ 20th District led to the passage of 35 bills advancing equity in education, public safety, and housing, and returning $235 million to Illinois households.
Now serving at the highest levels of City Hall, she continues to champion bold policies that reflect Chicago’s rich diversity and resilience.
Lifetime Achievement Honoree
Michelle McMartin, LCSW
(November 15, 1973 - October 1, 2024)
We take this time to honor and cherish the memory of 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. 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.
Ways to Get Involved
Every contribution has the opportunity to make an impact.
$25 can buy 5 bus passes or group snacks.
$50 funds art supplies for child and senior art groups.
$150 covers the cost of a trauma therapy session for an under or uninsured client.
$300 covers the cost of a bilingual parent workshop.
$500 funds our parent-child playgroup sessions with new migrant families.
$1200 funds a Mental Health First Aid Training to enhance our community's ability to respond to mental health crises and teach others how to respond in a mental health crisis
Your sponsorship is more than a donation—it’s an investment in healing, resilience, and the belief that no one should suffer alone and go without mental health care. As a 10th Anniversary Sponsor, you will play a direct role in shaping our next chapter and the expansion of mental health access in our city.
By sponsoring this event, you are eligible for perks and benefits, which you will find in our sponsorship packages.
You will find our sponsorship packet here. Call or email us if you are interested!
Do you have a service, experience, or business that could help make our 10-year celebration unforgettable? We’re looking for sponsors and raffle prize donors to support community-rooted quality mental health care.
Donate an experience, item, or certificate to be sold at our silent auction at the fundraising event.
Please fill out our auction item form and send it to us, via email.