Family Counseling Service

10/12/2026

We are so proud of Quintin, who is one of our therapists at FCS ❤

🟢🌎TODAY - OCTOBER 10 - IS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, AND WE SALUTE ALL MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE HELPING PEOPLE HEAL, FIND HOPE, AND BUILD BETTER LIVES, LIKE . . .

👑 BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #10:
QUINTIN INGRAM!
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT!
Age 26 | Licensed Social Worker
THERAPIST. ADVOCATE. LEADER.
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❤️ QUINTIN INGRAM is a 26-year-old Aurora native who has turned his passion for helping others into a career dedicated to improving mental health and strengthening families. Raised on Aurora's east side, Quintin graduated from East Aurora High School in 2018, earned his Associate Degree from Waubonsee Community College in 2020, and continued his educational journey at Aurora University, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 2023 and Master's Degree in Social Work in 2024. Today, he is a Licensed Social Worker at Family Counseling Service, helping children, adolescents, adults and older adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma and life's everyday challenges.

🖤 BUT THIS YOUNG MAN UNDERSTANDS THAT HELPING PEOPLE HEAL SOMETIMES REQUIRES MORE THAN COUNSELING! Recognizing that financial struggles, food insecurity and the inability to afford basic necessities can contribute to emotional distress, Quintin proposed the creation of the Family Donation Closet at Family Counseling Service. The initiative provides clothing, food, hygiene products, toys and other essential items to individuals and families in need. His vision connects mental health care with practical resources, helping relieve some of the everyday stressors that can affect a person's emotional well-being. His work has even attracted the attention of FOX 32 Chicago, which featured his efforts to help local families.

💚 AND PERHAPS WHAT MAKES QUINTIN'S STORY MOST SPECIAL IS THAT HE IS USING HIS GIFTS TO SERVE THE VERY COMMUNITY THAT RAISED HIM! From East Aurora to Waubonsee to Aurora University, Quintin's educational journey is a powerful example of what is possible when passion, preparation and purpose come together. Now, as a young Black male mental health professional, he is helping break down barriers, encourage conversations about mental health and demonstrate that seeking help is a sign of strength. He is also showing other young Black men that they belong in professions where they can lead, advocate, inspire and change lives.

👑 NEPHEW, YOU MAKE US SO PROUD! You've remained rooted in your community while using your education, compassion and professional gifts to make life better for others. Keep opening doors, breaking barriers and reminding people that their mental health matters. YOU ARE BLACK BOY JOY IN ACTION!
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AURORA IN BLACK IS SHINING A POSITIVE SPOTLIGHT ON BLACK BOYS AND YOUNG MEN THROUGHOUT OCTOBER 2026!

📩 Have a young king you would like to nominate? Email [email protected] or submit a nomination at tinyurl.com/BlackBoyJoy2026.

10/02/2026

It's First Friday in downtown Aurora, and we're opening our doors tonight! 🍂

Bring your family and friends to the FCS Aurora Office for an evening of fall fun with free family-friendly activities, treats, and community connection!

📅 Tonight, Friday, October 2
🕔 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
📍 70 S River Street, Aurora

Many downtown businesses will have activities going on too, so make a night of it and explore! We can't wait to see you. 🧡

09/28/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month, and as it comes to a close, we want to share a simple reminder: reaching out matters.

Checking in on a friend, asking a direct question, or simply listening without judgment can make a real difference for someone who is struggling. And if you are the one who is hurting, you deserve support too.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

For ongoing counseling and support, Family Counseling Service is here. Call us at 630-844-2662 or visit aurorafcs.org to learn more. 🌱

09/25/2026

Yesterday, our team and a few other special guests gathered for a Farewell Fiesta to celebrate Dr. Eric Ward and his 16 years of leadership as Executive Director of Family Counseling Service. It was an afternoon full of tacos, cake, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes.

Eric, thank you for the dedication and care you have poured into FCS, our staff, and the communities we serve. Your leadership has shaped who we are, and we are so grateful.

Eric's final day is September 30, and on October 1, we will welcome Jason Andrade as our next Executive Director. Here's to the next chapter!

Learn more about the transition at https://buff.ly/Dfs6JhF.

09/17/2026

You don't have to be okay all at once. 🤍

Healing isn't a straight line, and that's actually how it's supposed to work. Our blog post walks through healthy coping habits for teens and young adults, from grounding exercises to the power of simply sitting with your feelings.

Check it out: https://buff.ly/0NX8Zgo

09/11/2026

Today we pause to remember September 11, 2001, and all those we lost. We hold in our hearts the victims, their families, and the first responders who ran toward danger to save others. 🕊️

Days like this can bring up heavy emotions, even decades later. If you or someone you know is struggling, know that support is here.

09/10/2026

Big news to share. The Aurora Beacon-News just featured Dr. Eric Ward's 16 years of leadership at Family Counseling Service, and what a run it has been. 👏

Since taking the helm, Eric has helped grow FCS into a trusted resource for mental health support across Aurora, Oswego, and the Fox Valley area. Starting October 1, he'll be passing the torch to Jason Andrade, MS, LCPC, who has worked alongside Eric for 25 years and is ready to carry that mission forward.

Thank you to columnist Denise Crosby and the Aurora Beacon-News for telling this story with so much care. Read the full column here: https://buff.ly/U5VIo73

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from our team at Family Counseling Service! Our offices are closed today in observance of the holiday, and we look forward to welcoming clients back tomorrow. Wishing everyone a restful day 💙

09/04/2026

Proud moment for our team! 🎉 Kyle Jennings, MS, School-Based Program Manager here at Family Counseling Service, was featured in a Chicago Tribune column this week on social media and teen mental health.

In her column, reporter Denise Crosby spoke with Kyle about the mental health toll these platforms take on young people. Over his 12 year career, Kyle has consistently seen social apps play a major role in the struggles kids face. He explained that every notification and every "like" triggers a hit of dopamine, creating a cycle of anticipation and reward that's hard for a developing brain to resist. His team fielded hundreds of crisis calls from schools across southern Kane and Kendall counties last year, and a recurring pattern was the child, in his words, "up until one in the morning messaging someone on Facebook Messenger, Snapchat or Discord," instead of getting the sleep they need. Kyle also pointed out that simply taking a phone away without other coping tools in place, like routines, hobbies, or family support, doesn't actually solve the problem. 💙

Full column here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/30/column-meta-settlement-important-step-toward-a-social-media-reckoning

08/28/2026

Life gets hard sometimes, and that's okay. Whether it's stress at home, a friendship falling apart, or just the weight of growing up, teens and young adults deserve real tools to cope. 💙

Our latest blog shares simple, doable habits like moving your body, expressing your feelings, and leaning on people you trust. No perfection required, just small steps.

Read it here: https://buff.ly/rFHJKx4