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.

Read the Summer Glencoe Quarterly

Summer 2016 Glencoe QuarterlyThe 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. The Summer 2016 issue will arrive in mailboxes shortly or you may read it online here: Summer 2016 Glencoe Quarterly. In this edition, FSG has put together a variety of articles on life transitions and independence.

Family Service of Glencoe is here to help. If you or your family need support, please contact us at 847-835-5111.

Let the Bidding Begin!

With our mission at the forefront, Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) hosts an annual celebration Glencoe Under the Stars: Derby at Dusk to raise funds for our always-evolving work in strengthening the emotional well-being of our village. With 59% of our clients receiving counseling services at a reduced rate based on income, benefit proceeds help us bridge this financial gap.

FSG remains at the heart of our community with your support. Our Derby at Dusk silent auction is open with 80+ packages with hundreds of amazing items and experiences for the your bidding pleasure. The silent auction is open to the public. Winner need not be present to win. There’s something to tempt everyone as we bid high to meet the rising needs in our backyard.

Preview items and register to bid at www.derbyatdusk.auction-bid.org

Our heartfelt thanks to our silent auction donors who bring magic to our auction and to our village.

Glencoe Under the Stars: Derby at Dusk

Hearts Thumping, Hooves Stomping, and Hopes Soaring for Family Service of Glencoe’s 2016 Benefit

DerbyAtDuskFamily Service of Glencoe (FSG) is pleased to announce its annual benefit, Glencoe Under the Stars, being held Saturday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. at Skokie Country Club.

Benefit Chair, Elaine Duckler, explains “This event is a special gathering of friends and neighbors that raises funds and builds awareness for the work FSG does in supporting the emotional well-being of our village.”

FSG provides confidential, high-quality therapy to all who live or work in Glencoe, regardless of their ability to pay.

Nicole Hayek, President of FSG’s Board of Directors, adds “It’s incredible that FSG has been helping the community for more than 100 years. Last year alone, FSG served hundreds of local families through counseling services, crisis care, and educational outreach programs. Many people may be surprised to know that even though we live in an affluent area, 59% of FSG’s clients receive services on a sliding scale because they cannot afford to pay. The proceeds from this benefit will allow FSG to continue to offer services to those in need.”

“With this year’s theme, Derby at Dusk,” Duckler continues, “we encourage our guests to show up in festive attire (hats, bowties, or even jockey’s silks). It will be a fun evening, filled with exciting items to bid on in our live and silent auctions, a delicious Southern-inspired dinner, and dancing with Charizma Entertainment.”

Items for auction include a variety of travel packages, unique experiences, tickets to sporting and theater events, and much more.  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.

The evening has been generously supported by local businesses and individuals. Corporate underwriters include, J.P. Morgan, North Shore Community Bank and Trust, Andrea Goldman Design, Abt Electronics, AdCap Securities, Good Egg Concepts, Green Bay Cycles, Highgate Builders, Jennings on the Park, Elise Rinaldi @ Properties, Sarnoff Baccash Property Tax Law, and Swisher & Walker Financial Group. All of the floral centerpieces for the event have been donated by The Grand Food Center.

Tickets are $250 per person, and are available for purchase online. Tickets are going quickly. Purchase yours today at www.glencoeunderthestars.org, or call our office at 847-835-5111 for more details.

 

 

April Is Alcohol Awareness Month

2014_NCADD_Alcohol_Awareness_Month_Logo_WebAffluent communities like Glencoe are disproportionately at risk for substance use. Learn more about this disease, ideas for prevention, and consider taking the alcohol-free weekend challenge.

Alcohol Awareness Month
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) created this special designation for the month of April 30 years ago to help reduce the stigma often associated with alcoholism by encouraging communities to reach out with information about alcohol, alcoholism and recovery. Alcoholism is a disease, but people can and do recover.

Facts about Alcohol
Tips for Parents

Take the Alcohol-Free Weekend Challenge
An integral part of NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month is Alcohol-Free Weekend, which takes place on the first weekend of April (this year April 1-3) to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, businesses and our communities. During Alcohol-Free Weekend, NCADD extends an open invitation to all Americans to engage in three alcohol-free days. Those individuals or families who experience difficulty or discomfort in this 72-hour experiment are urged to contact local NCADD affiliates, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and Al-Anon to learn more about alcoholism and its early symptoms.

If you are concerned about your own use of alcohol or that of a friend, family member or child, Family Service of Glencoe is here to help. Our experienced clinical team offers counseling for those struggling with substance use. Please do not hesitate to call us at 847-835-5111 to take the first step towards recovery. Over twenty million people are in recovery from addiction in the United States. You could be next.