Community Healing Center



The Community Healing Center project is driven by the Mayor's Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention in the City of Rockford. This project is generously supported by the FY22 Strategies To Support Children Exposed to Violence grant from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. 

This project will be guided by the community’s input and through the collaboration of multiple community partners, including Comprehensive Community Solutions, to deploy prevention and intervention strategies, address risk factors and build upon protective factors to prevent and reduce the impact of exposure to violence on children.

Through a coordinated and collaborative community effort, the project will help to remove barriers to accessing services and resources that provide holistic healing to children who have experienced trauma from violence and provide support for their families. The project will combine therapeutic services, mentoring, recreation and Navigators in multiple locations to assist youth and their families with connection to community relevant healing resources, support, and services. To view all our location select the tab below Hours and Location.

Anyone can make a referral, including a parent/guardian/caretaker, a provider or the youth themselves. You will need parent/guardian/caretaker information to complete the form.  To make a referral to the Community Healing Center, click this link to fill out the Referral Form.

The Irving Strong House is currently in need of items to support office and program activities. To contribute, visit the Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Z8VZQJ77FMZO

 

Mission

Led by the voices of our youth, the Community Healing Center will strengthen the resilience of children and their families exposed to violence, by collaborating with community agencies to provide supportive services that promote youth development and empowerment through supportive trauma-informed services, provided with compassion, dignity, and integrity.

Vision

The Community Healing Center envisions a culturally rich, thriving community where all people have a sense of self pride, hope, safety and are free from violence.

Meet The Team

encore new employees - 2025-02-21T135730.921

Diana Hernandez 

(she/her/hers)

Children Exposed to Violence Project Manager


diana.hernandez@rockfordil.gov

Diana joined the Community Healing Center in 2023. Diana grew up in the Dupage County suburbs. As a first generation Chicana, she was the first in her family to attend college and holds a B.A. in Psychology from Dominican University. After graduating college, she moved to Redwood City, California and worked in the non-profit and local government sectors for 5 years before calling Rockford home. In her previous roles, she worked as a youth mentor, educator, and community outreach specialist in predominantly low-income and immigrant communities. She strongly believes children and youth know what they need to thrive in their communities and involving them in community-led action is the only way to equitable and effective change. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, reading, discovering new music and spending time with her family, friends and dog, Azul.

avery

Avery Dillon

(she/they/theirs)

Community Outreach and Navigation Specialist


Avery.Dillon@rockfordil.gov

Avery Dillon joined the Community Healing Center in 2025 as a Community Outreach and Navigation Specialist. Dillon specialises in holistic healing through somatic practices, horticulture therapy, and mindfulness communication with middle school youth. They are a proud Caribbean American hailing from Trinidad and Tobago and Southern Illinois. Before moving to Rockford, they graduated from Butler University with a B.A. in Marketing and spent 3 years in Washington D.C. working as a communications manager aiding networks of public affairs professionals across the nation. Outside of work, Dillon enjoys leading yoga and meditation sessions, spending weekends climbing trees and rocks, and dancing through life. 

chc head shot

Telena Minson


Community Outreach and Navigation Specialist


Telena.Minson@rockfordil.gov

Telena Minson joined the Community Healing Center in 2025 as a Community Outreach and Navigation Specialist. Telena is a prior Teachers Assistant and Paraeducator for the Winnebago County Special Education Cooperative for middle school youth. Telena grew up in Elgin, IL and moved to Rockford with her family in 2022. Telena has a background in Early Childhood Education, Behavorial Health, and Music Therapy. Outside of work, Telena enjoys singing, spending weekends with my family, and relaxing with a good book. 

  1. Frequently Asked Questions
  2. Hours and Location

What is the Community Healing Center?

The CHC is a project for children and youth who have been exposed to violence at home, school or out in the community. We offer supportive, healing, and mentorship services. Our goal is to help you in whatever way we can. 

Who can come to the Community Healing Center?

Any child or youth ages 0-18 and their families who were exposed to violence can visit the Community Healing Center to receive healing and supportive services that promote trauma recovery and youth development. We need parent or legal guardian consent for those under 12. 

Who are Navigators and what can they help me with?

The Community Outreach and Navigation Specialists, also known as Navigators, are trained and trauma-informed mentors that help young people by empowering them to find services and resources that can help support their unique needs. The Navigators also keep track of their work and follow rules to make sure everyone feels safe and respected. 

What services are offered at the Community Healing Center?

We offer mentorship, referrals to local services and providers, youth listening sessions, on-site counseling, informational workshops, recreation and life skills. 

Are Mental Health Services offered?

Yes. We provide limited counseling services through our partner Youth Services Network. 

How can I participate?

Call 779-207-1583.

What are your hours of operation?

The Community Healing Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. The CHC will be closed on major holidays. Calendar coming soon!

Are services free?

All services provided by the Community Healing Center are free. However, insurance may be required, if a referral is made to an off-site service provider. 

Who is eligible for services?

We serve any child or youth under 18. We do need parental or legal guardian consent for those under 12. 

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

No. We accept walk-ins. You may also contact us by email at CHC@rockfordil.gov, by phone at 779-348-7713  or click this link to fill out the form to be contacted by a navigator.

What will my first visit look like?

During your first visit you will talk with a Navigator and make a safe contact. We will let you guide your experience! Whether you just want to talk in a safe space, engage in social-emotional learning activities, use our office supplies for school work, ask questions about local resources and services or attend a workshop on healthy relationships. 

Is my information shared?

No. We do not share your information with third parties. We will ask for your consent when writing referrals out to partner agencies and local services.

Is transportation provided?

We understand transportation could be a huge barrier accessing our Center. Please call or text us and we could help you find transportation. We do offer a limited amount of Uber gift cards.