National Alliance on Mental Illness McHenry County (NAMI) will host their Sunset Gala to raise funds and awareness on Friday, May 9 at 5 p.m. at the Crystal Lake Country Club, 721 Country Club Road. Vision of Hope Awardees Thomas Faber and Warp Corps will be honored for their ongoing contributions to our county’s mental health.
“Each year NAMI gives two Vision of Hope Awards to a person or group whose actions advance the care, treatment or awareness of those living with mental health conditions and their families,” said NAMI executive director Abbey Nicholas. “I am thrilled that the NAMI Board has chosen Tom Faber and Warp Corps as our 2025 Honorees.”
Thomas Faber is an Employment Specialist at the 22nd Judicial Circuit treatment court team. He completes employment risk/needs assessments for clients developing the needed interventions for work readiness and client employment plan and placement as part of the mental health, drug and DUI court teams.
Faber was previously employed as the Business Service Representative at McHenry County Workforce Network. As a Certified Workforce Development Professional, he has been involved in serving the marginalized workforce, including those with disabilities. Currently, he serves on the Stateline Board of Directors for Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), is the Alternative Talent team lead for the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium and is on the Advisory Board for NAMI McHenry County.
The mission of Warp Corps is prevention through engagement. Warp Corps is a nonprofit organization that has creative, encouraging and positive programs, embracing individuality to tackle substance use disorder, mental health issues and support people without housing.
Through their original facility, Warp Skatepark, they gained years of experience working with youth. Warp Corps believes everyone has their own organic passions that need to be identified, understood and nurtured to provide the best opportunities for success in life. Headquartered on the Woodstock Square, Warp Corps offers an array of events, activities and opportunities for all.
Gala guests will enjoy a new location for 2025, the Crystal Lake Country Club. The event includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a cash bar while surrounded by beautiful music, and an inspirational program and awards ceremony. Tickets are $75 each or $750 for a table of 10. Sponsorships and donations are welcome.
NAMI McHenry County provides free mental health services in our community, including one-on-one peer and family support, support groups, classes, and educational workshops on mental health and suicide prevention. NAMI works closely with schools, workplaces, churches, and other organizations across McHenry County to ensure that everyone has access to free, quality mental health services and training. NAMI McHenry County is also the co-leader of the McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force and co-founder of the Youth Empower Alliance.