Jack McGraw

Hi, I am Jack, a substance abuse counselor intern. I am currently taking classes at Elgin Community College to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Benedictine University. I am extremely passionate about being able to help people discover their strengths, human dignity, and how they can find happiness without the use of substances. I aspire to be a counselor because I feel called to serve those who are marginalized, feel hopeless, and powerless over substance abuse and mental illness.

Although I like working with all population, I have a passion for working with adolescents. When I interned at a special education alternative school, working with a lot of students who have had struggles with substance abuse and mental health, I learned that adolescence is such a critical time for the youth to be surrounded by friends and family who do not pressure the kid to use because adolescents are seeking how to be independent. So, I think it is crucial for adolescents to be educated on the dangers of drugs and alcohol so that they are less likely to become dependent.