Lending a Hand
At Midwest Ag, we believe the strongest communities are built one conversation, one partnership, and one neighbor at a time.
Our work is guided by a Barn Raising Philosophy. Years ago, neighbors came together to raise a barn, each bringing their own skills, time, and willingness to help. Many of those barns are still standing today. The same spirit that raised them can now help strengthen the farmers, families, and rural communities who continue their legacy. While the work may look different, the need for neighbors helping neighbors has never been greater.
Midwest Ag brings together farmers, farm families, rural communities, and trusted partners to share ideas, build connections, and develop practical solutions that reflect the real needs of agriculture. Whether we're offering education, connecting people with resources, strengthening partnerships, or simply gathering around a table for a cup of coffee, we believe lasting change happens when neighbors work together.
We're not here to tell rural communities what they need. We're here to listen, learn, and build together.
Click the button above to share through this anonymous community survey designed to help Midwest Ag better understand the experiences, strengths, and needs of agriculture and rural communities
About Midwest Ag
At Midwest Ag, we believe the strongest solutions grow from the people who live and work in our rural communities. Midwest Ag is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening agriculture by bringing people together. We connect farmers, farm families, agricultural professionals, and rural communities with trusted resources, practical education, meaningful partnerships, and opportunities to learn from one another. We are neighbors.
Everything we do is guided by our Barn Raising Philosophy—the belief that strong communities are built when neighbors help neighbors. Rather than assuming what rural communities need, we begin by listening. Through outreach, workshops, and agricultural mental health education, we help strengthen the network of support.
What We Do
Midwest Ag's programs are built on one simple belief: strong rural communities are built by working together. Through education, outreach, partnerships, and community conversations, we work alongside farmers, farm families, and rural communities to strengthen agriculture—together.
Agricultural Outreach
We meet you where you are—at farm shows, county fairs, community events, and around kitchen tables—to build relationships and strengthen rural communities.
Resource Navigation
Finding the right resources shouldn't be a chore. Whether you're looking for information, support, or a trusted connection, we'll help you find the right place to start.
Community Conversations
Some of the best conversations happen around a table. We bring people together to listen, share ideas, and strengthen our rural communities.
Youth & Family Outreach
Supporting the next generation of agriculture through education, connection, leadership development, and mental well-being initiatives for rural youth and their families.
Educational Outreach
Practical workshops, trainings, and educational opportunities that bring people together to learn, share ideas, and strengthen agriculture through knowledge, connection, and community.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Join us as we bring neighbors together to learn, connect, and strengthen our rural communities. Whether it's a workshop, community conversation, or educational program, there's always a place at the table.
on the horizon
Midwest Ag is continuing to grow through new programs, partnerships, and community initiatives designed to educate, connect, and strengthen agriculture and rural communities.
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Tell Us What It's Really Like – An ongoing Rural Community Listening Project that helps Midwest Ag understand the experiences, strengths, challenges, and priorities of the people who know agriculture best.
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Kitchen Table Talks – Small-group conversations where neighbors gather to share experiences, ideas, and practical solutions.
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Barn Raising Community Conversations – Bringing communities together to strengthen agriculture through collaboration, education, and local partnerships.
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Mental Health First Aid Training – Equipping community members to recognize, respond to, and support someone experiencing a mental health challenge.
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Farmer Wellness Days – Bringing together health, wellness, agricultural, and community resources in one convenient location.
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Community Film Screening – Hosting SHIFT: Do What Moves You from Tell MyStory, followed by a community conversation about resilience, hope, and mental well-being.
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Agricultural Leadership Workshops – Encouraging and developing the next generation of agricultural and rural community leaders.
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Community Story Series – Sharing authentic stories from farmers, farm families, and rural neighbors that inspire hope, understanding, and connection.
Resources & Connections
Sometimes you need information, a connection, or someone to listen. Midwest Ag helps farmers, families, and community leaders find trusted resources and people who can help support rural life.
You don't have to know exactly what you're looking for before reaching out.
Don't Know Where to Start?
That's okay. Give us a call or email. If we don't have the answer, we will
help you find someone who does.
(618) 579-4716
info@midwestagwellness.org
Southern Illinois Mental Health Resources
Crisis & Immediate Support
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (24/7)
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911 – For immediate emergencies
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Local Emergency Departments for psychiatric emergencies
Community Mental Health Centers
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FindHelp Southern Illinois – Search by ZIP code for mental health providers, food assistance, transportation, housing, financial help, veteran services, and hundreds of other community resources across Southern Illinois.
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Comprehensive Connections – Mount Vernon
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Outpatient counseling
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Crisis intervention
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Community support services
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Substance use treatment
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Egyptian Behavioral Health Services – Fairfield
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Adult & youth counseling
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Crisis services
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Family services
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Community behavioral health
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Community Resource Center – Centralia
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Individual & family counseling
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Psychiatry
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Substance use services
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Recovery programs
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ComWell – Multiple Southern Illinois locations
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Counseling
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Psychiatry
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Recovery services
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Community support
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Hospital Behavioral Health Programs
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SSM Health Behavioral Health (Angela Center) – Centralia
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Psychiatry
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Counseling
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Medication management
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Adult behavioral health
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Integrated Health of Southern Illinois – Carterville
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Counseling
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Behavioral health
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Primary care integration
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Southern Illinois Healthcare Behavioral Health Services
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Outpatient therapy
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Psychiatry
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Inpatient behavioral health
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Crisis stabilization
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Specialized Resources
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NAMI Southern Illinois
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Family support
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Peer support
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Mental health education
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Mental Health America of Illinois
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Education
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Screening
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Community resources
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Agricultural & Rural Support
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Midwest Agricultural Wellness Institute
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Farm Family Resource Initiative (SIU School of Medicine)
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Farm Bureau resources
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Illinois Extension
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Farm Stress resources
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Veteran resources
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Faith-based partners
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Peer support opportunities
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Kitchen Table Talks
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Barn Raising Community Conversations