Nexus Family Healing - Onarga Campus

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Iroquois West CUSD 10 High School senior Chloe Wagner, one of our 2026 Grand Prairie Seminary & Nexus Family Healing (Onarga Campus) Scholarship winners! Chloe, an outstanding scholar and student leader in 4-H and FFA, will attend Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, next fall to study early childhood education. We wish Chloe the best as she begins her journey to shape the future!
photo: Jamie Kozma, Executive Director at Nexus Family Healing's Onarga campus, and Chloe Wagner

05/08/2026

We are happy to announce that Jessie Nuss is our May Employee Spotlight! What makes her a Spotlight-worthy employee? Her coworkers know! They see how Jessie always goes out of her way to make sure our youth are growing and healing! In her care coordinator role, she provides a calm presence that supports an environment that is much like Jessie herself - steady and grounded. When she isn’t caring for youth, she’s checking on her coworkers and offering a helping hand whenever she can assist. As a team member who has grown her career with Nexus, she now harnesses that experience to engage the youth in activities that are both creative and constructive. “Jessie is an asset to the team and brings so much to the table. We are lucky to have her.”
Congratulations, Jessie ~ Thank you for being a trusted team member and sharing your skills to make a positive difference in the lives of our youth!

05/06/2026

Our rural communities face unique risks and challenges with addiction. This impactful episode of the Nexus Family Healing "In This Family" podcast features Dr. Lee, CEO of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation speaking with Dr. Michelle K. Murray, President and CEO of Nexus Family Healing. The discussion gives families hope to seek help and heal together. Listen now > Click below to access the link in the comments.

This week on "In This Family" podcast, we’re bringing back another one of our most impactful conversations.

Dr. Lee, CEO of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, joins Dr. Michelle K. Murray for a compassionate, eye-opening discussion about how addiction really works, why shame and blame hold families back, and what actually helps people recover.

Listen today at the link in the comments.

05/01/2026

Industrial Arts instructor Bill Gullquist teamed up with the junior high teachers to bring agricultural education to our Grand Prairie School students. After patiently waiting for eggs to incubate in the classroom, the youth watched with fascination as they welcomed the little hatchling! With Bill's surprise addition of two more chicks to the mix, the students are now immersed in their own mini-farm experience! 🐣👨‍🌾🐥

04/25/2026

Each grade quarter, our Grand Prairie School students celebrate their successes at an all-school awards assembly. At a recent ceremony, Tidjani Maouloud, Behavioral Intervention Supervisor, rallied school spirit with an enthusiastic response from the students as they followed his cheer of "G... P... S!"
Grade reports can be a source of joy...and sometimes stress. School assessments can also bring questions and concerns. Read on to learn how these evaluations can help you support your child's educational growth: www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/blog/school-assessments

04/20/2026

Team members from our Onarga and Manteno campuses joined colleagues in Minneapolis, MN, for a 3-day supervisor training to collaborate with leaders across the Nexus Family Healing organization. The foundational training included the topic of building a constructive workplace culture - one that our teams are excited to bring to the agency level! Thanks to all our attendees for their commitment to growing as they lead!
Learn more about opportunities to change lives with a company that invests in your career development at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/careers.

04/11/2026

It's almost time for the Lions Of Onarga Illinois and Nexus-Onarga Pancake & Sausage Breakfast! Join us on campus and enjoy a great breakfast with family and friends to support the programs of our local Lions! 🦁 (Breakfast will be served from 7-11am.)
Learn about other Nexus-Onarga happenings in our spring newsletter: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=6884fdd84f7c8e732211823af&id=aae95c0468

04/08/2026

We are excited to announce that Andrea Druck is our April Employee Spotlight! Andrea consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to building strong, therapeutic relationships with the youth she serves. She approaches every situation with remarkable resilience, professionalism, and calm, always emerging stronger and more capable. Cultivating meaningful partnerships with her teammates, she readily shares her knowledge and mentors new staff to positively impact the entire team! Andrea ensures that our youth feel safe and supported with her sound judgment, swift action, and unwavering commitment to safety. Whether she’s making important decisions or providing engaging youth activities, Andrea sets high goals and delivers! She is truly a shining star and a tremendous asset to campus!
Congratulations, Andrea! ~ Thank you for the focus and energy you bring to campus! Your continuous growth makes us all stronger and shines as an example to those around you!

04/04/2026

Our youth and staff across the Onarga campus found a bit of fun on Friday! The Grand Prairie School team organized Easter egg hunts for each class, with students happily embracing the tradition--and the surprise treats! Our recreation department also offered art projects for a colorful Illinois Inter-Agency Athletic Association activity. Enthusiasm was on display from another crew, as well, with proud University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign fans among our staff preparing to cheer on their Final Four team this weekend!
We appreciate this collaborative spirit that brings employees together and helps bring happiness to our youth! Learn about opportunities to work together to change lives every day at www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/careers.

04/01/2026

Yes! We will have bacon at the Lions Of Onarga Illinois and Nexus-Onarga Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on April 11th! 🥓🥞🥓🥞 As the Lions are at the griddle flipping pancakes, our kitchen staff will be ready to serve all the morning favorites, from biscuits to bacon! Tickets are available locally at Federated Bank.IL and Cornerstone Café & Gallery, as well as from our local Onarga Lions and Iroquois West CUSD 10 National Honor Society members. Plan now to join us and support the Lions programs in our community!