Elgin Group Home For Women Closing May 8

Despite efforts to save it, a group home for mentally ill women in Elgin will close May 8 as a result of the state's budget crisis. Ecker Center for Mental Health plans to sell the group home on the city's northwest side, which costs about $10,000 monthly to run, Executive Director Karen Beyer said. A fundraising effort earlier this year netted $30,000, which is keeping the home open through May. Five of the seven residents will move to a local nursing home. Arrangements are pending for the other two residents. Ecker has cut staff members' benefits . . .