Holiday Support

dscn0071The holiday season is here. Our culture pushes us towards the perfect holiday. For some its a joyous time. For others, this time of year can be difficult. Know that you are not alone. Our experienced clinical team offers support for family relationships, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, and other concerns. If we can support you through the holidays, please call our office at 835-5111 so we can connect you with a counselor.

Please note: We are closed on Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving. We reopen on Monday, November 28.

Preview the Winter Glencoe Quarterly

winter-2016-gq-final-1The Glencoe Quarterly is a combined newsletter published jointly by the Village, the Park District, School District 35 and Family Service of Glencoe. This publication is mailed four times each year to all Glencoe residents and includes current topics of interest and general information about services and programs.

Read the current issue online here: Winter Quarterly 2016. In this edition, FSG has put together a variety of articles related to the needs of seniors and those who care for them.

We are here to help. If you or your family need support, please contact us at 847-835-5111 or info@familyserviceofglencoe.org.

Senior Discussion Group Series: Vibrant Living

Update: At the request of participants, the discussion group will continue monthly. Our next meeting is Thursday, January 19 at 1pm at the Glencoe Public Library.

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is hosting a new discussion group series for senior men and women focused on vibrant living.

Senior Discussion Group Series: Vibrant Living

Glencoe seniors are invited to come together to share ideas and gain new perspectives on a variety of topics related to this season of life. Facilitated by FSG staff counselor Joan Merlo, LCSW, participants will discuss how to best cultivate purpose, define new priorities, and practice mindfulness in their personal lives and relationships. Discussions will be lively—filled with both humor and inspiration. Participants will collaborate on ideas for future topics.

Thursday, December 8
Finding Balance in Caring for Your Emotional & Physical Health
•  Defining new priorities with perspective & humor
•  Cultivating purpose, creativity & resilience

Thursday, December 15
The Challenges & Rewards of Maintaining Nourishing Relationships
•  Becoming the parents, grandparents & friends we hope to be
•  Practicing mindfulness, attuned communication & ways to share our life lessons

FSG’s discussion groups are a safe place to connect and learn from one another. “The key to healthy aging is to stay active and connected,” says Merlo. “I hope many residents will join us to explore opportunities for personal growth and perhaps begin some new friendships as well.”

Open to the public, this free series takes place on consecutive Thursdays, 9-11am, at the Glencoe Public Library, a partner in FSG’s expanded services to seniors. Reservations requested for one or both dates. For more information, or to rsvp, please email joan@familyserviceofglencoe.org or call 847-835-5111.

We’ve Reached 25% of Our Goal Because of You!

everyhomeOur work – outreach and education, counseling, and crisis care – is possible because you give. Thank you for standing with those who are courageously seeking social-emotional support. We reach out to friends and neighbors to help us raise funds to care for those in our community who cannot afford to pay for services. Because of your kindness, we are at 25% of our goal. Thank you, Glencoe!

This year’s annual appeal donors (as of November 14, 2016):

aadonorlist1114

Your gift brings hope to families in need. While our community as a whole is affluent, not every household has the means to pay for clinical services. Currently 60% of our counseling clients receive services at a reduced rate based on income. Please donate today.

Senior Connections Celebration

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is pleased to announce expanded services to Glencoe’s older residents and caregivers.

Last year, FSG continued our study of the concerns of Glencoe’s seniors through a targeted needs assessment. This assessment prompted the development of new programs and services. “As Glencoe’s primary social service agency, it is our mission to care for the social-emotional needs of our older residents,” said William Hansen, MSW, Executive Director of FSG.

FSG is hosting a free celebration event on Monday, November 21 at 1:30pm at North Shore Congregation Israel. Guest speaker is Linda Collins, Director of Care Options at North Shore Senior Center. The event will focus on information related to new offerings from FSG and community partners. Guests are requested to rsvp to Audrey@familyserviceofglencoe.org.

The intention of our new program is to provide awareness of, advocacy for, and access to an array of services for Glencoe seniors and those who care for them. Program framework is organized into three primary components: outreach and education, social and emotional health, and direct assistance. The program will be launched in phases beginning this fall as funding allows.

Partner organizations include Glencoe Junior High Project, Glencoe Park District, Glencoe Public Library, Glencoe Public Safety and North Shore Senior Center.

Check Out the Fall Issue of the Glencoe Quarterly

gq-fall-2016-1The Glencoe Quarterly is a combined newsletter published jointly by the Village, the Park District, School District 35 and Family Service of Glencoe. This publication is mailed to all Glencoe residents and includes current topics of interest and general information about services and programs.

Read the current issue online here: Fall 2016 Glencoe Quarterly. In this edition, FSG has put together a variety of articles including our parent discussion groups, the importance of sleep and how to get plugged in if you are new to our community. You’ll also find some great reads selected by our clinical team.

We are here to help. If you or your family need support, please contact us at 847-835-5111 or info@familyserviceofglencoe.org.

New Trier Township Text-A-Tip Program

TextATip

In March, New Trier Township announced a new program called Text-A-Tip a collaboration between the Township, schools, and local social service agencies including FSG. The service is a text hotline which provides 24/7 anonymous professional consultation for youth at no charge. Not all students will need to use Text-A-Tip, but they will all be informed about the number to text in case a situation ever arises in which they feel they need clinical support. Some adolescents may encounter situations wherein they want to seek assistance, but they may be afraid of the potential stigma of visiting a school social worker. Every student may text this line if and when a problem-big or small-presents itself.

Since the official public launch of Text-A-Tip on March 14, 2016 a grand total of 90 users generated 982 texts for the period covering 3/14/16—7/1/16. Learn more about text trends, content and statistics as students understand and embrace the new service as another layer of support in their world.

http://www.newtriertownship.com/text-a-tip_90-day_update/

FSG Welcomes New Board Members & Villagers

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) welcomes four new members to our board of directors as well as acknowledges the service of outgoing board members. FSG’s newest board members were elected at the June board meeting: Beth Karnes, Karen Mason, Rick Richker, and Carrie Rose. They may serve up to three two-year terms beginning at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2016.

BethKarnesBeth Karnes is a communications consultant, public speaker and parent, dedicated to learning, creating, and sharing ideas that promote the social, emotional, and physical health of children. With more than 16 years of experience in communication design, including seven years as the founder of Karnes Prickett Design, she has received some of the industry’s highest honors for graphic design and branding. Beth received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University. She has lived in Glencoe for 21 years with her husband and three children. She also volunteers at North Shore Exchange.


KarenMason2Karen Mason attended Ohio University where she received a B.A. from the College of Business with a focus in finance. She pursued a career as a corporate auditor and project manager at JP Morgan Chase for five years. In 2006, Karen took her management and analytical skills developed at JP Morgan, as well as her love for working directly with clients, and launched her real estate career. She is currently a broker with @properties in Winnetka. Mason lives in Glencoe with her husband and two children. Prior to joining the board she served as a villager.


RickRichkerRick Richker grew up in Deerfield and attended the University of Iowa where he received a B.A. from the School of Journalism. After graduation, he pursued a career as a futures trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He spent 15 years trading in the currency and equity pits. Rick is currently a broker with @properties in Winnetka and also redevelops properties on the north shore and in the city. He volunteers as a baseball and basketball coach for the Glencoe house league programs. He has coached both of his children for the past seven years. Rick also serves on the Village of Glencoe Zoning Board of Appeals.


CarrieRoseCarrie Rose, a Glencoe resident for three years, is general counsel at Oak Street Health, a group of primary care health centers in the Midwest focusing on senior care. Carrie has degrees in political science and business from Indiana University, Juris Doctor with a certificate in health law from Loyola University Chicago, and a Master of Science in education and public policy from Northwestern University. Rose and her husband Seth have twin boys and a daughter. She also serves on the executive board at Glencoe Junior Kindergarten.


“All four of our new board members bring talent, expertise and energy to the table,” said William Hansen, MSW, Executive Director. “We are very fortunate to have them be part of the FSG family and are confident in their ability to have positive impact.”

This year’s board will be led by board president Jennifer Stone who held the vice president position previously. “FSG is helping families with a variety of social-emotional needs through caring and confidential therapeutic services,” said Stone. “It is an honor to lead the organization this year alongside this compassionate group.” Board member Nicole Wineman will continue her role as program chair in addition to her new position as vice president. Kimberly DuBord serves in her third year as treasurer; Erica Freeman serves in her second year as secretary.

Board members continuing their service include Lisa Cardonick, Elaine Duckler, Wendy Netter Epstein, Erika Goldstein, Nicole Hayek, Heather Jagher, and Amy Maher.

On June 30, 2016, board terms came to a close for Melissa Jarmel, Niki Kittnar, Jennifer Mesterharm, Diane Miller, and Rachel Stein. FSG extends sincere appreciation for their significant contributions and leadership. Their combined 16 years of service have supported the agency in fundraising, governance, program development, and community awareness. Jarmel and Mesterharm will continue involvement with the agency as villagers. Stein will continue serving with FSG on the executive leadership council.

FSG also welcomes five new villagers including Paula Alexander, Carrie Feig, Steve Kohn, Jamie Straight and Sheri Styles. Villagers continuing their service include Marisa Bingham, Rene Firmin, Rebecca Hoffman, and Steve Santiccioli.

New! Parents of Preschoolers Discussion Group

PreschoolerFSG offers monthly parent discussion groups throughout the school year in an effort to raise emotionally healthy children. Grade-level-based discussion groups are professionally facilitated and designed to encourage positive conversations around social-emotional issues.

FSG is starting a preschool parent discussion group in the fall. Would you like to be part of a dynamic group that shares ideas and learns together? Consider joining other preschool parents from all of Glencoe’s preschools for a once a month discussion group. Interested? Contact FSG Program Director Kathy Livingston at 847-835-5111 or email kathy@familyserviceofglencoe.org. You may also submit your request through our online parent group form.

Senior Well-being Calls

seniorwellbeingDo you know someone who might like to get a call and hear a friendly voice on the other end of the line? Perhaps their family is not close at hand and their friends may have moved away. Sometimes it’s just hard for others to make consistent and frequent check-ins with a loved one. Well-being calls may be a solution.

SASI-Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes is a community resource that offers well-being calls for older adults living alone to provide a connection with someone who is in tune with the needs of an older adult. There is no charge and they can be easily scheduled. Please note: the call will only be made to a person at his/her request.

How it works:
This is a short call to check in with the recipient to make sure they are doing well. Calls are currently available on either Tuesdays or Fridays, or both days if the recipient prefers. Calls are set at a pre-scheduled time, the same time every time. If the recipient doesn’t answer, we will try again in 15 minutes. If the recipient doesn’t answer on the second attempt, we will call their designated emergency contact. If we are unable to reach the emergency contact, we will call the recipient’s local public safety to request a well-being check.

SASI is also looking for friendly volunteers to assist in making well-being calls. This volunteer program is a real personal connection.

For more information about well-being calls, please contact SASI at 847-864-7274 or info@SASIathome.org.