INA, Ill. (October 28, 2026) — From practical wellness strategies and mental health education to financial guidance and supportive community resources, Rend Lake College students engaged in a robust lineup of presentations during the Fall 2026 Community Enrichment Week.
The week kicked off on Monday with RLC’s own Sarah Draper, Coordinator of Student Success and Wellness and member of the RL-Cares Team. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience with the college in various capacities, Draper presented to students about vital community resources — detailing how and where to find the support they need.
Sarah Draper, Coordinator of Student Success and Wellness, presents on community resources and where to find them.
On Tuesday, Becca Chavez, a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 15 years of experience, led a session titled "Running on Empty: A College Student's Guide to Self-Care." Chavez, who supports students through the Regional Office of Education #13 and practices at Cornerstone Counseling in Mt. Vernon, offered practical strategies for navigating academic stress, busy schedules, digital overload and changing relationships through healthy boundaries, sleep, time management and knowing when to ask for help.
Becca Chavez leads the "Running on Empty: A College Student's Guide to Self-Care" presentation, breaking down the main types of self-care for students.
Midweek activities focused on community safety and healthy interpersonal relationships with an interactive prevention program titled "Healthy Relationships." Co-presented by Molly Donoho and Regina McKinney from SAFE, the session helped students explore healthy communication, boundaries, consent and the warning signs of emotional, physical, sexual and technology-facilitated abuse.
Donoho, a Prevention Educator for SAFE covering Jefferson, Hamilton, Washington, Wayne and White Counties; and McKinney, SAFE's Director of Prevention and Awareness, emphasized how peers can respond safely and supportively to promote a campus culture rooted in respect and accountability.
Molly Donoho and Regina McKinney of SAFE co-present an interactive session on building healthy relationships and recognizing the differences between safe and unsafe connections.
Thursday featured dual impactful sessions, beginning with a presentation titled "Grief is More Than Goodbye: Understanding Loss, Healing, and Hope." Led by Melissa Webb and Jacey House of Spero Family Services and Spero Counseling and Wellness Center, the presentation explored the various types and stages of grief, common misconceptions and practical coping strategies.
Webb, Clinical Director of Community Programs, and House, an outpatient therapist, certified thanatologist and licensed funeral director, brought their extensive clinical and life-transition experience to help attendees navigate loss with compassion and empathy.
Melissa Webb and Jacey House present "Grief is More Than Goodbye: Understanding Loss, Healing, and Hope," discussing the various types of loss and healthy coping strategies.
Later that Thursday, Banterra Bank led a practical Financial Management Workshop for students. Presenters Jared Leslie, Investment Consultant; Aaron Fitzgerrel, Assistant Manager; and Amy Wilton provided valuable financial literacy tools to help students build long-term economic stability and smart management habits.
Representatives from Banterra Bank — including Investment Consultant Jared Leslie, Assistant Manager Aaron Fitzgerrel, and Amy Wilton — lead a Financial Management Workshop covering everyday banking services and financial tools.
Rend Lake College thanks all the guest presenters and community partners who shared their expertise, as well as the students, faculty, and staff who participated in making Community Enrichment Week a success.
To learn more about upcoming campus events and ways to get involved, click here or contact Sarah Draper at drapers@rlc.edu / 618-437-5321, ext. 1264.
