Renewed Hope is a counseling collective offering mental health treatment to kids, teens, and adults
06/19/2025
Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing journey toward justice. On June 19, 1865—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom.
Juneteenth is not just a historical moment—it’s a celebration of Black strength, culture, and contributions, and a call to continue the work of equality and healing.
At Renewed Hope Counseling, we stand in solidarity with our Black community members and honor their stories, struggles, and joy. Mental health is deeply connected to historical and generational experiences, and we are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for healing, growth, and empowerment.
Let today be a time for reflection, education, and celebration.
Freedom is not just a moment—it’s a movement.
05/17/2025
🧠💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚🧠
At Renewed Hope Counseling, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health.
Mental Health Awareness Month is about shining a light on the importance of taking care of our minds, reducing stigma, and reminding everyone: it’s okay to ask for help.
Whether you’re managing anxiety, healing from trauma, navigating life transitions, or simply trying to cope — you are not alone.
Let’s keep the conversation going — not just in May, but every day.
03/11/2025
March is National Social Work month.
Social workers are employed and serve in many different roles in our society: healthcare, child welfare, mental health, advocacy, governmental roles, schools, corrections, geriatrics and hospice, academia and research, non-profits, and many other areas.
The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics states the Social Work profession's primary mission is "to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty."
We strive to honor and uphold the Social Work mission and values at Renewed Hope Counseling. Happy Social Work month!
11/28/2024
11/27/2024
October 2024 marked the beginning of our fifth year at Renewed Hope Counseling. We are so grateful to be here doing this work, and we are excited for what lies ahead.
Nichele Hawbaker, Nicole Ekiss, and Jaymie McCammon look forward to serving the mental health needs of Decatur and surrounding area. Thank you for trusting us with your care.
07/14/2022
Starting this Saturday, July 16!
06/03/2022
One way to stop the stigma regarding mental health conditions is to share your story with someone else. Nicole Ekiss, LCSW shares a part of her story and encourages us all to do the same. 1 in 5 individuals will experience a mental health condition THIS YEAR. At RHC, we SUPPORT the 1-in-5; we ARE the 1-in-5.
How many times have you thought about saying those words to someone, but held back out of fear of offending or upsetting them? Maybe you’ve said the words out loud only to be met with defensiveness or anger. Why is it that those words are so hard to hear? What is it abo
06/02/2022
"I am the one-in-five and recovery is possible. I will never say I am recovered because recovery is an ongoing process…I am recovering. I have shared my story and I encourage you to do the same. The only way to normalize mental health and reduce stigma is to share our stories and keep the conversation going."
- Nicole Ekiss, LCSW
How many times have you thought about saying those words to someone, but held back out of fear of offending or upsetting them? Maybe you’ve said the words out loud only to be met with defensiveness or anger. Why is it that those words are so hard to hear? What is it abo
As a therapist to young children and families, I wish I did not have to write articles like this one. However following the recent school shooting in Texas , I received countless texts, messages on social media platforms, and was even asked to sit down with the local news to explain how to talk to
05/26/2022
In light of the recent shooting in Texas that killed 19 children and two teachers, Heather Kaloupek, LCSW sat down with WAND TV News correspondent, Oliviana Calmes, to discuss exactly HOW to talk to kids about mass shootings. You can find the full video of their interview on WAND's website. The following article is a brief summary of their conversation:
DECATUR, Ill (WAND) -Mass shootings are hard for adults to digest, and can be difficult for children to understand.
05/19/2022
When life gets crazy it is common to turn to our bodies to find control and get the results we crave. Mess up at work? Have a fight with your partner? Feel generally unsatisfied?
Focusing on our physical condition can give us a dopamine rush and sense of power. Physical health is extremely important and is linked to well-being and confidence - but it can also distract from the things that are truly bothering us because these things are not as obvious to change.
Are you stuck in an on-again/off-again relationship with food or use your physical ability to rate your self-worth? Do you find these things difficult to maintain and find yourself in the same place the next time you’re stressed? It might be time to add counseling to your overall health & wellness routine!
When things are hard, it’s so common to focus on and blame our bodies instead of confronting the hard stuff going on. For example, you might have a fight with your partner and then notice your body image is suddenly in the dumps. When things feel out of control, changing your body may (falsely) feel like something that you can control.
But our precious bodies don’t deserve to be scapegoated. The next time you notice yourself having a hard body image day, maybe check in with yourself to see what’s been going on and what you might be needing. 💗
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05/03/2022
We are offering another session of our LGBTQ group for teens starting June 6!!! Call 217.330.6282 or email info@makingmindsmatter.org to get registered for this FREE group!
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Renewed Hope Counseling is a female owned counseling cooperative located in downtown Decatur, Illinois. Our practice consists of 3 Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) providing a wide variety of mental health services to a diverse group of clientele. We offer in-person and teletherapy sessions.
Kaloupek Counseling, LLC is a private counseling practice providing quality counseling services to younger children, teen girls. their parents, and adults in Decatur, Illinois. Owner, Heather Kaloupek, MSW, LCSW graduated from Millikin University (Decatur) in 2006 with a BA in Human Services. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa in 2009.
Heather has 10 years experience helping her clients find solutions to overcome school, behavioral, and mental health problems.
Back to Basics Counseling, LLC is a private mental health practice in Decatur. Illinois. Back to Basics Counseling is owned by Jaymie McCammon, LCSW. Jaymie is a 2004 Millikin University graduate with a B.A. in Human Services. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at University of Illinois Champagin-Urbana in 2007.
For 12 years, Jaymie has helped teens and adults learn skills to cope with mental health struggles, family problems, school difficulties, and life adjustments.
Restore Wellness Counseling, LLC is a private practice counseling practice providing quality therapeutic services to children, teens, and adults. Owner Nichele Hawbaker, MSW, LCSW, graduated from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) in 1995 with a BA in Psychology. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Southern Illinois University in 1999.
Nichele has 26 years of experience working with children, youth, and families in a variety of domains.
To learn more about Renewed Hope Counseling, our staff, and services call (779) 220-0441 to schedule your FREE 15 minute phone consultation.
