"It always seems impossible until it's done."
— Nelson Mandela
The Department of Happiness: A Transformative Health & Wellness Policy for District 21
A New Promise for District 21: Health, Hope, and Lower Costs for Every Family
In District 21, too many families are stressed, overworked, and paying more for healthcare while getting less support. Many people are juggling long hours, tight budgets, and the pressure of caring for kids, aging parents, and themselves—all without enough time or resources.
The Department of Happiness is a new kind of community wellness model built on a simple belief:
Everyone deserves to feel healthy, supported, and less stressed—without breaking the bank.
This initiative is about giving our community the tools to live better, save money, and stay strong. It is about helping parents breathe a little easier, helping seniors stay active, and helping our youth grow up with confidence and resilience. And it is about building a district where wellness is not a luxury, but a shared right.
What We Will Offer
Free Programs for Every Resident
These services are open to the community—no insurance required:
Free fitness classes in local parks and community centers
Stress relief and mental wellness workshops to help people cope, reset, and decompress
Nutrition and cooking classes, including culturally familiar foods
Senior mobility and balance training to reduce falls and hospital visits
Youth wellness programs to support mental health, confidence, and physical activity
Basic wellness coaching check-ins to help residents stay on track
These programs help our families stay healthier and spend less on medical care in the long run.
Low-Cost or Sliding-Scale Services
For residents who want individualized support:
One-on-one counseling
Personalized wellness coaching
Premium workshops and specialty programs
Mobile wellness visits for homebound individuals
These services remain affordable because they are partly supported by grants, partnerships, and optional program fees.
Free Services
Community fitness classes in parks and local centers
Stress-reduction and mindfulness workshops
Nutrition basics, cooking demos, and health education
Wellness coaching check-ins for qualified families
Senior mobility and fall-prevention classes
Youth activity and mental-health resilience programs
Low-Cost or Sliding-Scale Services
One-on-one counseling and coaching sessions
Specialized programs (weight management, chronic condition support, etc.)
Small-group premium workshops taught by certified instructors
Mobile wellness visits for homebound residents
Why This Matters for District 21
Because too many people in Cicero, Berwyn, North Riverside, Riverside, and surrounding areas tell the same story:
“I’m tired.”
“I’m stressed.”
“My healthcare costs keep going up.”
“It feels like everything is getting harder.”
The Department of Happiness is a promise to reverse that.
It lowers the cost of staying healthy.
It brings wellness into neighborhoods that have been overlooked for years.
It gives parents, seniors, and workers real support—not paperwork, not waitlists.
This initiative improves quality of life and builds a happier, stronger community for the next generation.
FAQ
It is a district-level wellness system focused on prevention, stress reduction, and family well-being. Instead of waiting for people to get sick, it helps residents stay healthy with free and low-cost programs.
No.
This does not replace your current doctor, insurance, or benefits.
It is an added layer of support that helps you avoid unnecessary medical visits and reduce long-term costs.
Yes—over time.
Residents spend thousands on medical costs each year, much of it for conditions linked to stress, poor nutrition, or inactivity. By helping people stay healthier, we reduce:
avoidable doctor visits
chronic disease risks
long-term healthcare spending
medication dependence in some cases
Some residents may eventually qualify for insurance premium reductions based on participation and measurable wellness improvements.
Everyone living in District 21: families, workers, seniors, youth, immigrants, undocumented residents, and people without insurance.
No one is left out.
Through a combination of:
State and federal wellness grants
Partnerships with local hospitals and universities
Corporate sponsorships
Low-cost fees for optional premium programs
Community partnerships with nonprofits and parks
This blended model keeps the core services free and makes the program sustainable long term.
Yes.
The Department of Happiness creates opportunities for:
wellness coaches
community health educators
event coordinators
counselors
youth program leaders
local fitness and nutrition instructors
This brings new jobs directly into the community.
Today’s system is focused on treating illness.
The Department of Happiness focuses on preventing illness and strengthening families from the ground up.
Instead of waiting until people are sick, stressed, or overwhelmed, we help them earlier—when support costs less and means more.
Because happiness is not a luxury.
It is the foundation of strong families, safe neighborhoods, and thriving communities.
This program is about health, but it is just as much about hope—and that deserves a name that reflects its purpose.
Support Eric's Campaign
CONTACT
Campaign HQ
2504 Keystone Ave
North Riverside, IL 60546
Contact Info
Email: info@teamericsu.com
Cell: 630-253-4813
About Team Eric Su
A campaign for IL State Rep District 21. Eric Su is running to make a difference for the people in District 21.
Approved and paid for by Team Eric Su Campaign
