ASCA Chicago offers a weekly peer-to-peer support group, as well as self-guided support materials, all free of charge. Please go to our website above for more information, as well as contacting the above email address.
60601
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Call or check website to find one of the many groups meeting in Evanston.
60025
Comprehensive, compassionate and multidisciplinary care program that focuses on individuals coping with memory problems. The team consists of a neurologist, geriatrician, neuropsychologist, registered nurse and licensed clinical social worker, all specializing in memory disorders. The goal of the program is to diagnose, treat, and manage the patient's care in conjunction with his/her primary care physician.
Family Support Group meets the second Thursday of every month at Glenbrook Hospital.
Chicago, IL
60601
The American Cancer Society provides free programs and services to local residents facing a cancer diagnosis, information on cancer prevention and early detection, and ways to get involved locally in the fight against cancer. Call 1-800-227-2345 to access patient services or to get more information about Society programs and events.
Hours: Local office 8:30 am to 5:00pm, M-F.
Volunteers: Needed to help plan and organize community events, provide services to patients including volunteer drivers, and assistance in the local office.
60201
Camp Kesem specializes in providing free summer camp to children who have been affected by a parent or guardian's cancer. We provide programming opportunities year-round for campers to get to interact with one another. Summer camp sessions are held for 5 days in Fredonia, Wisconsin. Note: All camper programming will be virtual in 2021 due to COVID-19
60202
Presence St. Francis Hospital offers cancer rehabilitation & survivorship programs that include STAR-certified rehabilitation services, pain management, complementary therapies, support groups and seamless transitions to continuous care and home care through Presence Life Connections. Learn more about the Presence Life Connections nursing and rehabilitation centers and Presence Home Care options nearest you. For more information, call 877-737-INFO (4636).
60062
Provides educational programs, wellness activities and support services to treat the whole cancer patient, from immediate diagnosis through post-treatment care. The center’s mission is to help anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis connect with a welcoming, empowering community of people; navigate the emotional side of a diagnosis; find targeted, individualized programs; and provide resources and highly credentialed health professionals to smooth the journey through cancer.
60202
CarePoint delivers social services to marginalized and underprivileged populations acutely affected by HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and STDs, substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness and youth at risk.
Hours: Weekdays 10am-4pm
Advocacy: information, guidance and referrals for obtaining social services of all kinds
HIV testing and prevention: confidential and anonymous free HIV rapid tests and HIV risk reduction counseling, safer sex supplies, offered on site and through outreach.
Harm reduction: outreach to intravenous drug users, which includes syringe exchange, hepatitis and HIV risk reduction counseling, Naloxone overdose prevention training, safer sex supplies.
Hepatitis C testing and prevention: confidential and anonymous hepatitis C testing and viral hepatitis risk reduction counseling
Job center: computers, telephone access and job search skills training for the homeless, formerly incarcerated, residents of halfway homes and other clients.
Access to Recovery: substance abuse counseling and transportation assistance (CTA passes) for formerly incarcerated men and women on probation or parole.
Youth at risk: academic tutoring, drug prevention education, safer sex education, free enrollment for Chicago Park District sports programs and referrals for other social services.
Services to clients on probation, parole and in the criminal justice system.
60201
A not-for-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and their families develop the "skills and opportunities to realize full lives."
Maintains Evanston Township High School's Transition House which helps students who have credits to graduate acquire life-skills.
60201
Offers a wide range of services to families affected by child sexual abuse, including counseling, support and survivors groups, crisis intervention and case management.
60201
Faith-based counseling and social service center. People of all denominations and religious backgrounds are welcomed. Appointments available between 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.
Fees are determined primarily by the client’s resources.
Also facilitates support groups, specific subject groups, and group counseling.
60202
North Shore Senior Center's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, which is operated and overseen by staff in our Niles Senior & Family Services Office, provides information and assistance for older adults who are raising young children.
Through this program, seniors can receive emotional support, parenting education, respite and financial counseling/assistance while they navigate the challenges of raising their grandchildren.
Participants meet monthly at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston. The meetings include a healthy meal and separate activities for the grandchildren, whose parents are absent for many reasons, including incarceration, addiction and mental health issues.
Case managers on staff at North Shore Senior Center's Niles Senior & Family Services Office act as program facilitators. Guest speakers are often invited to address such topics as discipline, promoting educational achievement, teen dating and understanding social media.
GRASP Chicago-Evanston is a peer-run support group for adults with Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities and other similar Learning Disabilities. Meetings are on the third Sunday of each month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meeting topics relate to the challenges faced in work, relationships, and family life, and resources are available to people on the Asperger-Autism Spectrum.
Meetings are held at Evanston Northwestern Hospital, Room 1711, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. From the main lobby, take escalators to the first floor and follow signs to Frank Auditorium. Room 1711 is adjacent to Frank Auditorium.
Information is kept through the main GRASP office; persons must subscribe before attending meetings. The Chicago-Evanston group requests that individuals RSVP at Chicago Adults with Aspergers and Friends Site.
60202
Resource organization serving children, teens and young adults with autism. With offices in Park Ridge and Evanston, Have Dreams offers individualized after-school programs, vocational, life skills and transition to employment programs, along with diagnostic and family support services. Our continuum of services support individuals from early childhood through adulthood, and offer a broad range of programs to serve the full range of the autism spectrum. Programs for children and teens include Special Olympics, Technology Club and a nationally recognized Film & Multimedia camp. Transition to adult services include Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism at Northwestern University and Have Dreams Academy, as well as a variety of programs that focus on developing critical soft skills for employment, internship experiences and life skills. Have Dreams also provides best-practice autism training for professionals and individual, in-home and school consultative services.
After School and Weekend Programs
Vocational and Life Skills Program
Program and Services Overview
62762
State of Illinois Dept. of Human Services/Dept. of Rehabilitation Services offers programs for adults with visual impairments to enable them to work and participate fully in family and community life. Includes vocational rehabilitation, independent living skills instruction, and a business enterprise program.
Hotline:800-843-6154, V/TTY: 800-447-6404, web: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32305
60707
The Illinois Spina Bifida Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families living with spina bifida.
60202
Founded in 1913, the non-profit oversees 2 full-day child care nurseries: Baby Toddler Nursery for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old and Teen Baby Nursery full-day child care for infants and toddlers whose parents attend Evanston Township High School, located in the Family Focus Building. Caseworkers make weekly visits to the 70 families enrolled in the Family Support Program to connect parents with resources, help them cope with their child's development and understand that they are their child's first teacher.
5150 W. Golf Rd., Skokie, IL
60077
JCFS Chicago, a non-profit social service agency, offers expert, individualized help to support people of all ages and abilities as they strive to live successfully in their community. Our services enhance social-emotional well-being for adults, children, teen and families.
60025
Offers a comprehensive range of services for seriously ill people and their families, including Palliative Care, Hospice Care, and Grief Support Services.
Care is provided where the patient resides, or in the Hospice Pavilion in Glenview or Hospice Suite at Northwest Community Hospital.
60202
Are you a new mother looking for additional emotional support? Do you have questions about your baby's development? Join the Mom Network, a weekly support group for new mothers that provides parenting support and information. Topics covered in the weekly meetings are determined by participants and typically include "the baby blues," fatigue, feeding issues and more. Free to attend; maximum of 20 attendees. For more information and to register, please call 773.665.3605.
Created in November 2011 through the combination of 2 nonprofit Catholic health systems, Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care, Presence Health is now the largest Catholic health system based in Illinois.
Support group for mothers of multiple birth children, multiple children born within six months of each other, or anyone expecting multiples. Semi-annual resale occurs in the Fall and Spring, usually in September/October and March/April at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. Contact the either MOM or the Unitarian Church for more information about the sale.
60077
National grassroots organization aids individuals and families coping with mental illness through support groups, educational programs and advocacy efforts.
Crisis hotline: 1-800-273-8255
60077
Hospice helps patients remain in their own homes when possible and their preference, and also provides care at NorthShore Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie hospitals as well as in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Services include Grief Counseling Support Groups.
60201
NorthShore University HealthSystem hosts various support groups for individuals coping with chronic illness or loss, for parents and caregivers. Check Calendar of Events Most meet monthly. Some specific groups are:
Parenting: 847-570-2880 (Evanston Hospital)
and Parental Bereavement: 847-570-2882 (Evanston Hospital)
60611
Conducts research to discover how the brain coordinates mental functions such as memory, language, attention, and emotion, and passes the benefits of this research to patients with brain diseases that impair cognitive function. Trains researchers and clinicians who want to work in this field.
Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic.
60035
Nurture is a non-profit organization that provides cooking, nutrition and wellness education through social service agencies serving low-income families and through schools. Gives participants slow cookers to speed the cooking process and educates families on preparing whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Provides recipes for delicious, nutritious meals costing $1.50 or less a serving. In 2012 Nurture programming reached over 7,000 children and parents. Program alumni are making healthier meals, increasing physical activity, and saving money on food. Nurture’s leadership manages over 130 volunteers, who donate over $500,000 worth of hours annually.
In Evanston, it partners with Junior League of Evanston-North Shore for hands-on cooking classes and Campus Kitchens of Northwestern University, which provides meals for for those in need and nutrition education, COPE,a community network of volunteers who are housed at individual Evanston schools and the Hillside Food Pantry.
60202
Provides specialized classes, support groups, substance abuse, and mental health treatment programs. Provides specialized outpatient care for a wide range of behavioral problems, including:
- Mood disorders such as depression
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Serious and longer-term mental illness (SMI)
- Anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and post-traumatic stress
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Anger management
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and overeating
- Addictive behaviors, including substance abuse and gambling
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Other comprehensive services include:
1. Outpatient mental health counseling and psychiatric treatment for adults, teens and children – including individual, couple, family and group therapy
2. Intensive outpatient program for teens to address emotional or behavioral challenges by improving their social skills, self-esteem, coping skills, communication and insight
3. Substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents, including intensive outpatient treatment, DUI services, medication assisted treatment and HIV testing
4. Parenting classes and support groups
5. Mental health residential program for adults, including short-term, long-term and transitional housing
6. Crisis services with 24-hour crisis intervention and psychiatric pre-screening
7. Anger management programs for adults and adolescents
8. Domestic violence group for males and females
Most major insurance plans are accepted as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Discounted rates are available for those who qualify.
For immediate help, call 24/7 Crisis Hotline at (708) 681-4357.
60056
Hospice provides support and guidance for patients and the families coping with loss and the end of life. Hospice care can be provided in the patients home, the home of a loved one, an assisted living community, a long-term care facility or a hospital. The hospice team includes a physician, nurse, social worker, home health aide, chaplain, volunteer and bereavement counselor. The hospice team visit and assist the patient and family on a regular basis, as determined by individual needs.
Random Acts of Flowers recycles and repurposes flowers by engaging dedicated volunteer teams to deliver beautiful bouquets and moments of kindness to individuals in healthcare facilities across the country.
As a recycling “green” nonprofit organization run almost entirely by volunteers, Random Acts of Flowers is committed to nourishing the health of the environment, individuals, and the community.
Volunteer advocacy group which promotes and supports restorative justice activities in the community such as Community Peace Circles. The Community Peace Circles facilitate peaceful dialogue to help promote mutual understanding and peaceful alternatives to violent responses among community members who are in conflict.Community Peace Circles work to bring all involved parties toward resolution through respectful and effective communication.
60201
Theraplay is a child and family therapy for enhancing and building attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun. Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge. Theraplay sessions at our Evanston clinic create an active, emotional connection between the child and parent or caregiver, resulting in a changed view of the self as worthy and lovable and of relationships as positive and rewarding.
The Theraplay Institute specializes in helping children with:
• Shy, withdrawn, or clingy behavior
• Acting-out, angry, or disruptive behavior
• Defiant, oppositional or controlling behavior
• Behavioral problems at school or with peers
• Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Developmental disorders such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders
• A history of trauma, abuse, or neglect
• Attachment disorder due to adoption or multiple changes in living arrangements
• A history of social deprivation due to living in an institution
• Psychological trauma due to medical care or serious illness
60640
TPAN provides healthcare and empowers people affected by HIV and health disparities. Our programs and services include peer-led programming, youth services, mental health and group therapy and counseling, education, patient/client advocacy, and services for older adults. We provide care to a broad community of people affected by HIV and health challenges, including LGBTQ individuals, people of color, and vulnerable individuals from across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
60201
YWCA Evanston/North Shore is a social justice organization working in the areas of racial justice and civil rights, women’s empowerment and economic advancement, and health and safety of women and girls. Learn more about YWCA programs and services below:
Domestic Violence Services: www.ywca-ens.org/what-we-do/domestic-violence-program
Relationship Violence Prevention: www.ywca-ens.org/what-we-do/violence-prevention
Women’s Economic Empowerment: www.ywca-ens.org/what-we-do/womens-empowerment
Racial Justice Initiatives: www.ywca-ens.org/what-we-do/racial-justice
Flying Fish Aquatics: www.ywca-ens.org/what-we-do/flying-fish-aquatics
24-hour hotline for domestic abuse victims: 847-864-8780 or (toll free) 877-718-1868.
60201
This comprehensive domestic violence program provides crisis intervention, emergency assistance and shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, community-based services, violence prevention and outreach and education. All services are offered free of charge.
Toll Free Crisis and Referral Line: 877-718-1868; Crisis and Referral Line: 847-864-8780
Mary Lou's Place 32-bed residential shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The only criteria for admission is that the individual or family is fleeing from a dangerous situation. They can stay for up to 90 days; transitional housing services are then available.
For donations of hygiene, household items, non-perishable foods, and diapers, contact 847-864-8445.
Chicago, IL
60615
Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, and designed to create and provide affirming and culturally competent services for the entire LGBTQ+ community of Chicago. Due to discrimination and harassment, many LGBTQ+ people struggle to obtain resources. BSA provides educational and access-based programming to provide community members with what is needed to survive and thrive. All programming, services, and resources are intended for BIPOC trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. BSA also supports individuals and organizations in building networks and strategies. Our trainings and workshops are intergenerational and intersectional, for people of all ages interested in anti-oppression and movement building.
Access the BSA Trans Resource List for wellness, housing, community and support, food and nutrition, employment, and health resources in the area.
Chicago, IL
60613
Howard Brown Health Center exists to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness. Howard Brown provides the following:
Health Services:
Aging Services
Alternative Insemination (AI) Program
Broadway Youth Center
COVID-19 Services
Dental Services
Insurance Enrollment Assistance
Men’s Health
OB/GYN Services
Pediatric Services
Primary Care
Trans & Nonbinary Health Women’s Health
HIV/AIDS Services:
Case Management
Community Testing Sites & Outreach Services
Howard Brown Health Express Linkage To Care
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Services for HIV+ Women and Youth
Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic
Counseling:
Behavioral Health
GED Program
In Power: The Sexual Harm Response Program
Intimate Partner Violence
Smoking Cessation
Substance Use & Abuse
Support Groups and Workshops
Online contact form: https://howardbrown.org/contact-us/
Suite 1830
Chicago, IL 60601
5340 N. Clark St.
Suite 212
Chicago, IL 60640
60601/60640
We are committed to providing an affirming therapeutic environment for the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Intersex) population and beyond that supports the development of a strong professional relationship between clients and their therapists. The safety and strength clients draw from that solid therapeutic relationship allows them to feel more freedom to examine, embrace, and express who they really are.
IntraSpectrum literally means “the spectrum within” – IntraSpectrum counselors serve as guides and companions in the process of exploring with our clients their unique internal spectrum of identities, thoughts, feelings and desires. In our work together, we endeavor to help you become more you.
Intake form: https://intraspectrum-chicago.com/get-support/
Contact form: https://intraspectrum-chicago.com/talk/
This group meets monthly and offers individuals the opportunity to discuss their insights and challenges of living with vision loss. Additionally, participants have accessed resources that could help them understand their vision impairments and develop skills to manage daily living tasks successfully. The group meets the first Tuesday of the month from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Avenue, in Evanston, Illinois.
To learn more, please contact Nicole Compiani at 847.424.5676 or ncompiani@nssc.org.
60093
This weekly support program provides information and encouragement in dealing with common concerns and issues related to Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's disease and their families/caregivers meet in separate groups at the start of each session. Then, all the participants come together for light refreshments and conversation. Groups meet at North Shore Senior Center's Northfield location every Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Suggested monthly donation is $20 per family.
Advance registration is preferred but not required. For more information, please contact Tierney Wilson at 847.242.6241 or twilson@nssc.org, or Heather Resnick at 847.784.6041 or hresnick@nssc.org.
60026
The Pride Youth Program offers social, support, and leadership programming for more than 250 LGBTQ+ youth ages 4-24 and their families from across Chicago’s northern suburbs. Our prideCONNECT, prideSUPPORT, and prideLEAD programs offer a variety of opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender youth, and youth who are questioning their sexual and/or gender identities to build relationships, get support, and lead their communities. The Pride Youth Program is guided by our core values: inclusion, hope, non-punitive accountability, partnership, and responsiveness.
Upcoming events and crisis resources available here.
60093
Share solutions and successes with others who are dealing with hearing loss. Express the frustrations of hearing loss. Learn ideas about how to accommodate changes in your lives, and for activities that work for hearing-impaired people. Discuss coping and stress-reducing strategies, assertiveness and self-advocacy, and about new assistive technologies. This group meets every Monday (except the second Monday of the month) from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
Preceded by Speech Reading class, which teaches individuals who experience some hearing loss how to read lips. Learn how to use visual awareness, listening strategies and communication strategies to make communication easier. This group meets every Monday (except the second Monday of the month) from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and is followed by Sound Off.