News

Healthy Boundaries

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) and District 35 are co-sponsoring a special community talk on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm for parents on “Healthy Boundaries:  How to Hold Them and What Gets in the Way” with guest speaker Dr. Brad Reedy co-owner and clinical director of Evoke Therapy Programs.

Dr. Reedy has developed an accessible approach to adolescents, young adults, and their parents. His powerful ability to use his own story and stories from the thousands of families he has treated offers hope to families suffering with mental health, addiction, and stage-of-life issues. He will explain the difference between boundaries and limits and explore the do’s and don’ts about boundaries and setting them in our relationships.

“Boundaries help make life predictable and safe for kids,” noted FSG Clinical Director Al Ross, LCSW, RDDP. “One of the greatest struggles many parents experience is establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries in terms of their children’s behavior and activities. Dr. Reedy’s down-to-earth style and practical wisdom make his teachings tremendously valuable to those faced with the challenges of parenting in a time when the ability to stay on top of our kids’ activities is becoming more and more difficult.”

Dr. Reedy is a parenting and youth expert who has worked extensively with children and families for over 20 years. He is the author of The Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child’s Struggle & the Road Home. He holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University, and is the father of four children.

This free discussion is open to the public and takes place at Central School’s Young Auditorium, 620 Greenwood Avenue, Glencoe. The program is geared towards parents of students in third grade through high school. Reservations are requested at http://bit.ly/boundaries2017. For more information, please contact Al at al@familyserviceofglencoe.org or 847-835-5111.

2017 Annual Report: Standing with FSG

Our 2017 annual report celebrates an outstanding year! Thank you for standing with FSG in support of friends and neighbors. Individuals and families of all ages have benefited from a variety of programs and services noted in this report.

Donor Appreciation Event Update: We are sad to inform you that we have cancelled our event on Thursday, November 2 due to a low rsvp count. We heard from many community members that the date didn’t fit their schedules. Our apologies for any inconvenience. We are working to bring Dr. Spira to Glencoe in the future.

Parenting with Conviction

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG), North Shore Congregation Israel, St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church, and Glencoe Public Library are collaborating on a special series Parenting with Conviction: Insights from Our Books and Our Lives.

The second of two community conversations takes place on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:30pm at the Glencoe Public Library. The main topic, raising socially conscious children, is especially relevant in these challenging times.

This nondenominational dialogue will be facilitated by Reverend Daphne Cody (St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church), Rabbi Lisa Greene (North Shore Congregation Israel), and Kathy Livingston, LCSW (Family Service of Glencoe). They will explore developmentally appropriate, practical ideas for parents in an effort to help them raise socially responsible children.

“This event grew out of parents from all of our organizations questioning how they can integrate social consciousness into their daily lives,” said Kathy Livingston, LCSW, FSG Staff Therapist. “Just as with our spiritually aware event, parents have many questions, and are looking for discussion and exchange of ideas.”

This free discussion is open to the public. For more information, please contact Kathy at kathy@familyserviceofglencoe.org or 847-835-5111.

Fall Ladies Night Out at North Shore Exchange

The Board of Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) invites you to our fall Ladies Night Out–an intimate gathering at North Shore Exchange (NSE). Join us at the Glencoe boutique on Wednesday, October 25 from 6:30-8:30pm for friends, fun, and fashion at the hottest shop in town. We are excited to come together for a special evening of friendship and shopping to benefit families in need.

Let us know you’re coming.

FSG is proud to partner with Glencoe’s upscale resale with a heart through volunteering, recruiting volunteers and consigners, and introducing new friends to the shop.  North Shore Exchange is not your typical resale shop. Voted Make It Better’s “Best Luxury Consignment Shop” for both 2015 and 2016, NSE features luxury and contemporary women’s designer fashions and accessories, as well as stunning furniture and home décor.  Run primarily by 30-plus volunteers, North Shore Exchange is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  Unlike similar for-profit shops, 100% of their profits go to charity, including Family Service of Glencoe.  So whether you shop, donate or consign with NSE you’re making a difference in the lives of children and families in need.

We look forward to seeing you on October 25! Bring a friend!

View the Fall Glencoe Quarterly

The 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: Fall 2017 Glencoe Quarterly

Fall topics include:

  • Advocacy for mental health
  • Meet FSG Therapist Sari Glazebrook, LCSW
  • Senior program events
  • Parenting with Conviction
  • Celebrating Kindness

Back-to-School Tips for Families

Ready or not, the new school year is just around the corner. Here’s a great article recommended by FSG Senior Therapist Kathy Livingston to help your family with back-to-school transitions and expectations.

Six Things Parents Should Know about Sending Kids Back to School

How to Talk to Your Kids About the Violence in Charlottesville

With the news over the past few days, parents are faced with a dilemma: if, and how, to talk about violence and racism with their children. We encourage you to have age-appropriate dialogue with your kids about these difficult topics as children may have a tough time processing their views about what’s going on.

Here are some suggestions from parents and mental health experts on how to process in a healthy way:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-charlottesville-talking-to-kids-20170812-htmlstory.html

FSG Welcomes New Board Members & Villagers

FSG welcomes three members to its board of directors as well as acknowledges the service of outgoing board members. Our newest board members were elected at the June board meeting: Holly Newcomb, Lara Port, and Sheri Styles. They may serve up to three two-year terms beginning at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2017.

Holly Newcomb attended Susquehanna University where she received a B.S. in Accounting from the School of Business. After graduation Holly pursued a career with Arthur Andersen in the audit group and earned her CPA. In 1997 she went to work for Xerox Corporation in their corporate accounting group where she held several different positions. Prior to moving to Illinois, Holly worked for the Canine Company in Wilton, Connecticut as their accounting manager. She has moved several times and has lived in Maryland, Connecticut, Illinois and Warsaw, Poland. Holly served as PTO Treasurer for the American School in Warsaw and also served on the Board of the American Friends of Warsaw. She currently lives in Glencoe with her husband and two sons. Holly can usually be seen every morning walking her two Labrador retrievers around Glencoe; she also enjoys golf and yoga.


Lara Port has lived in Glencoe for four years with her husband Ben and two children. Lara has a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Prior to moving to the Chicago area, she worked in New York City in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Currently, Lara works as an independent contractor for the financial management consulting firm Greenwich Associates. She previously served as the treasurer of the board of Glencoe Junior Kindergarten.


Sheri Styles grew up in Wilmette and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with BSBA in Marketing and a Computer Science minor. Sheri comes to the board with 20 years of merchandising experience. Her last position held was director of merchandising for Oilily USA before deciding to stay home to raise her family. Sheri has lived in Glencoe for seven years with her husband Mark and three children. Sheri has enjoyed participating in various positions for Glencoe Parent Connection and Glencoe PTO. Last year, she held the post of villager for FSG.


 “We are delighted to welcome our newest board members to the FSG family,” said William Hansen, MSW, Executive Director. “Their insight, leadership, and compassion will be instrumental to our organization as we continue to impact the community in positive ways.”

This year’s board will be led by board president Nicole Wineman who held the vice president position previously. “FSG is strengthening families with relevant outreach programs and therapeutic services,” said Wineman. “I look forward to working with the board and all of our supporters to ensure that FSG continues to be a significant resource for Glencoe and the northern suburbs.” Serving in her fourth year on the board, Lisa Cardonick will begin her new position as vice president. Nicole Hayek returns to the role of treasurer; Wendy Netter Epstein steps into her new role as secretary.

Board members continuing their service include Elaine Duckler, Heather Jagher, Beth Karnes, Karen Mason, Rick Richker, Carrie Rose, and Jennifer Stone.

On June 30, 2017, board terms came to a close for Kimberly DuBord, Erica Freeman, Erika Goldstein, and Amy Maher. FSG extends sincere appreciation for their significant contributions and leadership. Their combined 15 years of service have supported the agency in fundraising, governance, program development, and community awareness. Maher will continue involvement with the agency as a villager.

FSG also welcomes three new villagers including Erica Conlon, Mira Duncan, and Jessica Rappaport. Villagers continuing their service include Paula Alexander, Marisa Bingham, Carrie Feig, Rene Firmin, Melissa Jarmel, Jennifer Mesterharm, Steve Kohn, 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, please contact us at info@familyserviceofglencoe.org

New! Donor Recognition Playhouse

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is pleased to announce a special playhouse will be coming to Glencoe to celebrate our major donors. The playhouse, a small wooden structure complete with play sink and stove, invites our town’s youngsters to engage in imaginary and collaborative play. It will first be located at Wyman Green in front of Glencoe’s Village Hall and then rotate throughout the community during the summer and fall months. Families are encouraged to stop by for a visit on a walk or a bike ride.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of local families, businesses, and foundations and wanted to acknowledge their kindness in a meaningful way,” noted Bill Hansen, FSG Executive Director. “This playhouse represents the homes that are cared for by FSG because of their strong support.”

Glencoe community members are invited to join us for a family-friendly ceremony to unveil our new playhouse on Saturday, June 24 at 10:30am at Wyman Green in front of Village Hall.

View playhouse ceremony pics on Facebook.

Donors being recognized include The Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park, New Trier Township, North Shore Community Bank & Trust, North Shore Exchange, The Perlman Family Foundation, The REAM Foundation, The Roger & Susan Stone Family Foundation, and the Village of Glencoe, as well as several local families, The Hayek Family, The Karnes Family, The Olshansky Family, and The Willian Family.

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.

Senior Discussion Group Meeting at Chicago Botanic Garden

Family Service of Glencoe’s Vibrant Living Senior Discussion Group is on the go this month to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Facilitated by FSG staff counselor Joan Merlo, LCSW, participants will experience the benefits of “Mindfulness in Nature” on the Thursday, June 22 outing. The group will depart from the Takiff Center at 12:30pm and leave the garden at 3pm. Guests are asked to make a reservation with Joan by Thursday, June 15 in order to coordinate transportation even if they choose to drive separately.

This discussion group series for senior men and women has been meeting since December 2016 to share ideas and gain new perspectives on a variety of topics related to this season of life. Discussions are lively and authentic—filled with both humor and inspiration.

The monthly discussion group is part of FSG’s expanded services for seniors. “We are pleased to create meaningful opportunities for seniors to grow and connect here in Glencoe,” says Merlo. “I hope many residents will join us for this special outing in nature.”

Additional discussion group dates include July 27 and September 21. The group will not meet in August. Open to the public, meetings take place from 1-2:30pm at the Glencoe Public Library, a partner in FSG’s expanded services to seniors. For more information, or to rsvp, please email joan@familyserviceofglencoe.org or call 847-835-5111.

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.