Family Service of Glencoe (FSG), Glencoe’s primary social service agency, welcomes four members to its 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: Bob Breisblatt, Colette Hays, Michele Heftman, and Katie Turner. They may serve up to three two-year terms beginning at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2018.

Bob Breisblatt and wife, Marjorie, have lived in Glencoe for 20 years and prior to that Wilmette for 12 years. Both of their daughters graduated from New Trier and his oldest lives in Glencoe with her husband and three young children. Bob graduated from Duke University Law School in 1972 and after two years in the Army and one year of practice in Florida came to the Chicago area. He was an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago for approximately nine years before moving to private practice. His last seven years of active practice was as a partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman in Chicago. He has now retired from the practice of law.

Colette Hays first moved to Glencoe in 1986 with her husband, Dave. As a marketing research executive with Information Resources, Inc. in Chicago, Glencoe provided an ideal small town atmosphere (and a backyard for their two labs) with easy train access to jobs downtown. Nine years and three daughters later, career opportunities moved the family to San Francisco and then Houston.  Fast forward to 2008, she and her family were fortunate to move back to Glencoe just three blocks from their first house. Colette comes to the board with 35 years of board experience in many charitable endeavors, most recently on the Winnetka Board of the Northwestern Settlement House. Colette looks forward to working with FSG community volunteers and serving with long-time friends since first settling in this very special community.

Michele Heftman grew up in Michigan and graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in Photography and Museum Studies. She comes to the board with an artistic eye and 15 years of experience working in Chicago area museums. Michele was the Collection Photographer at Spertus Museum before deciding to stay home to raise her family. She has lived in Glencoe for seven years with her husband Jeff and their two children. She enjoys volunteering with the Glencoe PTO and teaches art classes at both the JCC at Am Shalom and North Shore Congregation Israel.

Katie Turner grew up in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. After graduating from Miami University with a BA in Communications, she returned to Chicago and spent the next ten years at Aon consulting with Fortune 500 clients on their insurance needs. Her husband was transferred to Zurich, Switzerland in 2007, where their children were born. Shortly after returning to the States, the family moved to Glencoe where they have been happily residing since 2011. Katie has been an active realtor on the North Shore for the last seven years. She is excited about the opportunity to give back to the community she loves so much by being part of the FSG board.

“We are pleased to welcome these four new board members to the FSG family,” said William Hansen, MSW, Executive Director. “Their diverse backgrounds and shared compassion for those in need will be instrumental to our organization as we continue to serve the mental health needs of our community.”

This year’s board will be led by board president Lisa Cardonick who held the vice president position previously. “FSG is helping families of all ages through outreach and education, therapeutic treatment, and crisis care services,” said Cardonick. “I look forward to working with the board, villagers, and all of our supporters to ensure that FSG continues to be a go-to resource for Glencoe.” Serving in her fourth year on the board, Heather Jagher will begin her new position as vice president. Lara Port begins her new role of treasurer; Wendy Netter Epstein continues in her role as secretary.

Board members continuing their service include Amy Edelson, Holly Newcomb, Rick Richker, Susie Spitzer-Cohn, Jennifer Stone, and Sheri Styles.

On June 30, 2018, board terms came to a close for Elaine Duckler, Nicole Hayek, Beth Karnes, Karen Mason, Nicole Wineman, and Carrie Rose. FSG extends sincere appreciation for their significant contributions and leadership. Their combined 23 years of leadership and service have supported the agency in fundraising, governance, program development, and community awareness. Karnes will continue involvement with the agency as a villager.

FSG also welcomes two new villagers—Amy Kaniff and Elizabeth Ohana. Villagers continuing their service include Paula Alexander, Marisa Bingham, Erica Conlon, Mira Duncan, Carrie Feig, Rene Firmin, Melissa Jarmel, Amy Maher, Jennifer Mesterharm, Jessica Rappaport, Steve Santiccioli, and Jamie Straight.

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICE OF GLENCOE: Rooted in Glencoe for more than 100 years, Family Service of Glencoe strengthens our community through highly confidential services that prevent and treat emotional and psychological problems. Services include counseling to individuals and families; community education; crisis intervention; senior housing assistance and more. To receive help or become a supporter of this non-profit organization, visit www.familyserviceofglencoe.org.

FSG’s Senior Program Case Manager, Emily Mysel, LCSW, shares her thoughts on the important role of caregiving.

Caregiving comes in all shapes and sizes. It does not discriminate and can occur during any point of someone’s life.  I have observed both my maternal and paternal grandmothers become primary caregivers for each of my grandfathers.  As one grandmother learned about the course of Multiple Sclerosis and how to navigate caregiving responsibilities while raising three young children, my other grandmother became a caregiver in her 80’s and provided care for my grandfather who was impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease while she herself was dealing with severe medical issues.  Each grandmother dealt with a variety of challenges that greatly affected their lives, the lives of their husbands and their families. They both emotionally struggled through the journey of caregiving, often feeling overwhelmed, scared, and alone.  Each were unaware of how becoming a full-time caregiver would affect their emotional, mental, and physical health and felt that asking for help would exhibit failure.

Caregiving involves a vast amount of responsibility.  There are approximately 44 million Americans caring for an older family member at any certain time and these caregivers provide 37 billion hours of unpaid “informal” care each year for adult family members and friends (Family Caregiver Alliance). Caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one can be emotionally, physically, and financially draining.  Caregivers need support. Support services include caregiving and disease education, financial assistance, counseling, respite care, and support groups. When the appropriate level of support is available for caregivers, their loved ones will benefit.

Maybe you’re currently a caregiver or anticipating that you may need to commit to that role in the future.  Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Am I capable of caring for my loved one by myself? Should I hire additional help inside or outside of the home?
• Who can be part of my support team? Friends? Family?
• How may caregiving affect my physical and emotional health?
• Will I be open to accepting help from others or getting respite when necessary?
• How will caregiving financially impact me and my family? Am I ready to take on the additional costs?
• How may caregiving impact my historical relationship with my loved one?

For more information about caregiving, or if additional support is needed, please call 847-835-5111.

View additional caregiving resources

FSG’s Senior Program Case Manager, Emily Mysel, LCSW, shares her thoughts on Older American’s Month:

Older adults have always been a focal point in my life.  I celebrate older adults every day and strive to provide the support they need as they travel along their aging journey.  I reflect upon the impact they have made on society, the challenging times they have faced, and the ways they have overcome life’s adversities.  I enjoy hearing their stories and helping them review and process the meaning of their lives.  In the month of May, we celebrate Older American’s Month and the importance of community engagement for these residents.

According to the Administration on Aging and the Administration for Community Living, Older American’s Month was first established in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy collaborated with members of the National Council of Senior Citizens. During that time, there were approximately 17 million Americans who had turned 65 years old. Over the past 51 years, the older adult population has grown to 46.3 million Americans 65 and older. It is projected by the year 2060, there will be 98 million Americans living in this age group.  As the aging population continues to grow, it’s crucial that we acknowledge and support their unique needs.

Each year, the Administration on Aging creates a theme that drives programs, activities, and knowledge around aging issues. This year’s theme is Engage at Every Age. It’s a friendly reminder that no matter the age, people can get involved in programs that enhance emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.  There are many ways that older adults make a difference in our village, and it is important to recognize those contributions.

Recently, four Glencoe older adult residents participated in The Legacy Project—a collaboration between Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) and Glencoe Junior High Project. The older adults partnered with Central School students to share their wisdom and life experiences. Each student then developed a short video highlighting the life of the senior they interviewed. Friendships across the generations were fostered and legacies will live on through this intergenerational exchange.

As we continue to expand senior programs and support services at FSG, we recognize the importance of older adults taking part in activities that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is also vital that older adults are surrounded by a community that supports and strengthens their sense of belonging, purpose, and acceptance as they navigate through physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.  There are many ways that we as a community can engage older residents through local events, volunteer opportunities, and every day interactions.

For the month of May (and beyond), I encourage you to connect with the older adults in our community.  Ask to hear their stories, establish meaningful relationships, and find ways for them to engage in your life and the lives of other Glencoe residents.

For more information about senior services, please contact emily@familyserviceofglencoe.org or call 847-835-5111.

Family Service of Glencoe’s 2018 Waikiki Benefit Is Expected to Make a Splash!

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is pleased to announce our annual benefit, Glencoe Under the Stars: Waikiki, being held Saturday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Skokie Country Club.

In describing this year’s theme, Benefit Chair Jennifer Stone says, “Imagine being transported to a stylish 1960’s tiki bar, where ukulele music, tropical drinks, and pupu platters were all the rage. We hope people will come wearing their most festive, elegant resort wear, such as Hawaiian shirts and floral dresses.”

As in previous years, the event will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, as well as live and silent auctions. Auction Chairs Sheri Styles and Erica Conlon have assembled an exciting assortment of trips, experiences, and merchandise from which to bid. With bidding online through GiveSmart, people do not need to be present to bid on silent auction items, and can register to bid at www.glencoeunderthestars.org.

“Proceeds from this event make a significant impact on our community,” Stone continues. “Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to maintain our commitment to serve all who live or work in Glencoe who are struggling with mental health challenges.”

FSG provides confidential, high-quality therapy and crisis care to all who live or work in Glencoe, regardless of their ability to pay. Currently, 55% of clients receive counseling at a reduced rate based on income. Additionally, the organization helps foster a supportive community of parents here in Glencoe, with monthly discussion groups and educational talks at the schools. The success of last year’s benefit also enabled FSG to expand clinical office space and grow senior program staff and services.

Board President Nicole Wineman adds, “The event is such a special night for Glencoe. We look forward to gathering together in May with friends and neighbors in support of FSG. ”

The evening has been generously supported by local businesses and individuals. Corporate underwriters include J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Andrea Goldman Design, Jennings on the Park, North Shore Community Bank & Trust, Green Bay Cycles, Highgate Builders, Rappaport Pediatrics, Elise Rinaldi @properties, and Sarnoff & Baccash Property Tax Law. The floral centerpieces for the event have been donated by The Grand Food Center.

Tickets are $250 per person, and are now available for purchase. Visit www.glencoeunderthestars.org or call our office at 847-835-5111 for more details.