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Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and acknowledge all that we are grateful for. Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, FSG has been able to reach more individuals and families than ever before, while also developing new ways to address emerging needs.
As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we at Family Service of Glencoe want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support. Your commitment helps us serve our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference together.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving!
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
November 23rd
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day on November 23rd is a day for survivors of suicide loss to come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.
In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, leading to the creation of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Also known as Survivor Day, the day was designated by the United States Congress as a day on which those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was determined that Survivor Day would always fall on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors.
Finding the right way to speak to a survivor can be a difficult and sensitive subject, recognizing that grief looks different for everyone. Click below for ten helpful tips to help you navigate conversations with suicide loss survivors in a kind, thoughtful, and responsible way.
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Demystifying Family Therapy by Ana Balthazar, MFT | |
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Ana Balthazar, MFT, FSG's newest Staff Therapist, is pleased to share her insight into the benefits and best practices of family therapy. During her studies at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Ana was able to experience working with diverse populations and ages, counseling in English, Portuguese, and Spanish as her fluent languages. Her ability to form strong alliances with her clients enables her to utilize her language skills to provide the entire community with highly skilled and compassionate counseling services. Ana Balthazar, MFT is currently accepting clients. To schedule, please call FSG at (847) 835-5111.
Family Service of Glencoe has proudly served individuals, couples, and families across the North Shore for over 100 years. While our services have evolved over time, it wasn’t until almost the 1960s that we shifted our focus toward individual, marital, group, and family counseling. Despite these changes, the need for mental health support has always remained constant, and family therapy, in particular, has proven to improve communication, functioning, and overall well-being of the entire family system; however, there continues to be a stigma surrounding therapy and what it means to seek counseling. One of our goals at Family Service of Glencoe is to help break down this stigma, one person at a time, through awareness and open conversation. Read more
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Upcoming and Ongoing Programs | |
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For parents of children Pre-K through grade 12 (open to all schools/school districts)
Join your peers in conversation about the universal challenges we face as parents. FSG clinicians will facilitate discussions relevant to your child’s age and development.
The session will be an open discussion without a set topic. We encourage you to bring your ideas on any concerns you'd like to address. Simply fill out a topic card and drop it in our topic basket, and the FSG clinician will kick off the conversation!
Some ideas for discussion:
Are my kids overscheduled?
How can I help them cope with worries?
What steps can I take to foster my child’s independence?
What’s my role in helping them with social concerns?
How much screen time is too much?
Is my child being bullied, or is it social conflict,
and how do I manage this with them?
ALL SESSIONS ARE FREE
Next session:
Pre-K - 2nd Grade Parents: Wed, 12/11
7:30 - 8:30 PM
Takiff Center
999 Green Bay Rd.
Glencoe
Click below for 2025 dates for all age groups and to register.
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District 35 is partnering with Screen Sanity, an organization whose vision is to join with parents in creating a world where children are captivated by life, not screens.
Are you trying to navigate parenting in the age of smart phones, social media, and screens?
Please attend this session to discuss this important topic and tackle the big questions like: "How much screen time is too much?" and "Is my child really the only one without a phone?" During this evening, we will view expert-led videos that will give practical tips and tools to help children stay safe online as well as help you develop a game plan for providing your child with a device. There will be opportunities to discuss the information presented in several videos and collaborate as a community to support one another.
An FSG clinician will serve as one of the facilitators for the discussions.
Complimentary childcare is available!
Wednesday, December 4th
5:00 - 6:30 PM
West School CLC
1010 Forestway Dr.
Glencoe
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Vibrant Living Senior Discussion Group
(regularly scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of each month)
Thursday, December 19th
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Glencoe Public Library
320 Park Ave, Glencoe
This discussion group is led by FSG Staff Therapist, Joan Merlo, LCSW, and focuses on finding meaning, balance, and resilience in the struggles, joys, and intergenerational politics at this most important stage of life. Judy Roin will conclude the sessions with closing exercises and meditation. Please RSVP to Joan Merlo, LCSW at joan@familyserviceofglencoe.org.
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FSG's Reach Out and Read's fall season concluded today, having engaged members of our community from across generations.
A partnership with Glencoe's School District 35, Reach Out and Read was developed to help young readers build their confidence in reading, support healthy reading habits, and create intergenerational connections along the way. Each session, students select a book to read to their senior buddy.
We are grateful for the 9 senior adult volunteers who participated this fall and look forward to a lively and enriching spring season.
Keep reading!
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Giving Thanks and Giving Back | |
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As we gather with family and friends to give thanks, FSG would like to take this opportunity to thank YOU - our loyal and supportive community.
Through your continued support, we have been able to expand our team and services to provide for the increasing number of people seeking the mental health care they so greatly need and deserve. Last year alone, your generosity allowed us to cover $183,000 in counseling services for those with financial need.
Thank you to all of our generous individual donors, event attendees and sponsors, and those who spread the word of our services, ensuring that no one struggles alone. The support from our community partners has truly been humbling. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to FSG and for being a vital part of our work.
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Please mark your calendars for GivingTuesday on
Tuesday, December 3rd.
Please consider INVESTING in your community and donating to FSG on GIVINGTUESDAY!
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Share your FSG story with us! | |
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Family Service of Glencoe would like to hear from current and former clients. If you have an experience you would like to share with us, please share your story to help us learn what you love about FSG! Stories may be anonymous.
Raising awareness about mental health is one of the most effective ways to combat the stigma experienced by many individuals grappling with these challenges.
By sharing your own experience, you may encourage someone to seek mental health care for themselves or a family member.
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Connect with us on our Website, Facebook and Instagram! | |
Family Service of Glencoe | 847-835-5111 | info@familyserviceofglencoe.org | | | | |
