While the pandemic continues to affect households everywhere, there is local help available with a range of services.
Services for Seniors
Oak Park Township
Inquiries about any senior services, including questions on Medicare, Medicaid and other benefits, and assistance with grocery and pharmacy pickups, call Oak Park Township: 708-383-8060
Oak Park Township Senior Lunch program has changed to frozen and shelf-stable meals. More: oakparktownship.org/senior-services/, 708-383-8060.
Senior transportation for medical appointments ($1.00, suggested donation), can be arranged: 708-383-4806.
River Forest and River Forest Township
River Forest seniors who need assistance with meal pickup and delivery, transportation, grocery and prescription pick up and no-contact delivery, care management and information/referrals, call: 708-383-8060.
Domestic Services
Sarah’s Inn
To access services, schedule a remote appointment for an intake or a counseling or advocacy session, or to be connected to a Legal Advocate (also onsite at 555 Harrison, Chicago) for help obtaining an Emergency Order of Protection. Call 24-hour crisis line: 708-386-4225, or text 708-792-3120. Message Partner Abuse Intervention Program staff for case management and support: 708-386-3305 x.1010
Substance Abuse Hotline
Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances is confidential and open 24/7 for those experiencing opioid/substance use, families and others affected by the disease. Helpline specialists are trained in evidence-based approaches to help connect callers with treatment and recovery support services. Call: 1-833-2FINDHELP.
Mental Health Support
Support Groups
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) runs virtual support groups three days a week. Information on joining: namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/nami-connection, or call: 708-582-6580. The NAMI Drop-in Center is hosting virtual daily discussions on a variety of topics, support and skill building. Information on joining: namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/the-drop-in-center, or call 708-582-6580.
NAMI Metro Suburban
NAMI Metro Suburban and partners offers help with Recovery Support Specialists for emotional support, mental health assessments, crisis planning and overall daily wellness planning. Contact the virtual living room 1 to 9 p.m. daily at 708-582-6580.
Thrive Counseling Center
The Thrive Counseling Center 24/7 Crisis Line: 708-383-7500. Thrive also offers phone-based counseling, medication management, a free Thrive Check-In phone support line and more. Call: 708-383-7500, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: www.thrivecc.org/
Illinois Call4Calm
Illinois Call4Calm offers support for thoseexperiencing stress and in need of a listening ear via text messaging. Text: “TALK” TO 552020 (or “HABLAR) for Spanish. (Not a crisis line.)
NAMI Family Support
Private Phone Support with a NAMI Family Support Specialist is available to parents and loved ones of those with mental health conditions. Call: 708-524-2582 x108 or email bockus@namimetsub.org.
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 in many languages for anyone experiencing emotional distress. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 for yourself, or on behalf of someone else. Counseling can be received anonymously. Brought by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (National)
For additional mental health/social emotional support, contact Riveredge Hospital: 708-771-7000 or the Community Mental Health Board: 708-358-8855.
Food Security Services
Beyond Hunger
Food continues to be distributed for those who qualify. Bring photo ID and proof of address in service area. See website for qualifications: gobeyondhunger.org/need-help. Food Distribution hours – Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon; 1st Wednesdays, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.; all other Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St.
Social Services
Beyond Hunger Social Services
A Social Service Coordinator helps people apply for public benefits, including SNAP and benefits access. Social Service Hours – Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St.
River Forest Township
River Forest residents requiring information about food, medical and financial services, and assistance for those with disabilities, call the Township: 708-366-2029
Youth Services
D97 Mental Health Wellness Checks
While schools are closed, if D97 students are experiencing stress or emotional difficulties parents/caregivers can sign students up for a mental health triage appointment with a school psychologist. Coping and self-care tips are offered. Appointments are 15 minutes long between 1 and 3 p.m. Sign up here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/selfsched?sstoken=UUVKMGZxZ0E0ZkpvfGRlZmF1bHR8ODI4ZTEzZmFkOTFjYWY5OGU5NjFiZDBkMDExZjkzNmY
Support4U
The Support4U app is for youth in School Districts 90, 97 and 200, who may text a licensed clinician 24 hours a day. Support is available for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, thoughts of suicide or any other mental health-related topic. Enter: 844-670-5838, then D90 – text SAFE; D97 – text HOPE; D200 – text CARE.
Oak Park Township Youth Services
Oak Park Township Youth Services: 708-622-8535. Those in need of supportive services for youth, call 708-445-2727.
Housing
Housing Forward
Help for those experiencing homelessness, or are at risk of becoming homeless, is available through the Homeless Prevention Call Center: 877-4-COOK-15. To access a PADS Shelter, call: 708-338-1724 or 888-338-1744, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More: www.housingforward.org/get-help
More Information
In the NAMI Guide to the Coronavirus, read topics on anxiety, medication, losing a loved one to coronavirus, mental illness, how homeless and prison populations are affected by the pandemic, and more: www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US
Online Resource Search: www.healthconnectionhub.org/
Oak Park and River Forest Township COVID-19 Social Service Resource Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fAK-N6X2rWy4qe_7fwRB42byX3kSridp/view
