With the closing of 2024, Family Service of Glencoe is full to the brim of New Year’s resolutions. We are so proud of all we accomplished in 2024, and we resolve to continue to expand our services and modernize our operations to better fit the needs of those we serve.  

As we look ahead to the new year, Family Service of Glencoe would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported us, whether it be through donations, participation in our programs, or by spreading the word about our services.

Our work is made possible by all of YOU, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community in the new year.

We wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season!

We Need Your Support Today

Last year alone, your generosity allowed us to cover $183,000 in counseling services for those with financial need. Can you help again?

Your support enables us to continue offering affordable, accessible mental health care right here in our community. Your gift will directly fund services for people who need help but face financial barriers - ensuring that no one is turned away due to cost.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to FSG and for being a vital part of our work.

Men - Make Your Mental Health a Priority in 2025

While Men's Mental Health Month is observed annually in June, it's important to remember year-round the challenges faced by men, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and encourage them to seek help when needed.

All people – regardless of gender, race, or class – will at some point face mental health challenges, with some suffering from significant or persistent symptoms. Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges, there are differences in who accesses help. Presently, women are between 1.5 to 2 times more likely to seek mental health treatment than men. Addressing this gap is important, as is broadening our notion of the ways men can support their emotional and psychological well-being in their day-to-day lives. Read more from former FSG Clinical Intern, Cary Sabados.

Upcoming and Ongoing Programs

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:

High School Parents:

Wednesday, January 8th

12 - 1 pm

Glencoe Park District - Takiff Center - Room 3

999 Green Bay Rd.

Glencoe

Click below for dates for all age groups and to register.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monthly Meetings Beginning in February

Are you caring for someone living with dementia?

You are not alone.

Join us for a supportive and confidential space where you can connect with others going through similar experiences.

Facilitated by:

Emily Mysel, LCSW,

FSG Senior Program Manager

and

Judy Altman, LCSW,

Guardian Home Health Care

First meeting:

February 13, 2025

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Glencoe Park District - Takiff Center

999 Green Bay Road

Glencoe

This support group will meet monthly, offering ongoing guidance, encouragement, and resources.

RSVP Required

Please email Emily Mysel, LCSW,

Senior Program Manager, Family Service of Glencoe

emily@familyserviceofglencoe.org

or 847-461-1668 to reserve your spot or for more information.

FSG is proud to partner with Guardian Home Healthcare to present this program.

Vibrant Living Senior Discussion Group

(regularly scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of each month)

Thursday, January 16th

1:00 - 2:30 PM

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.

In the Community

Kelly Clark, FSG Manager of Development and Communications, joined leaders from the Village of Glencoe, Glencoe D35, Glencoe Park District, Glencoe Public Library, and the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce at a realtors' breakfast on November 13th at Weinberg Family Recreation Center. Area realtors were invited to this event to learn about all the amazing services offered to Glencoe residents to share with their clients and new residents.

Meanwhile down the street at The Takiff Center on November 13th, Alex Ochoa, LCSW, FSG Outreach and Intake Manager, and Ana Balthazar, MFT, FSG Staff Therapist, represented FSG at a benefits fair for Village of Glencoe employees, showcasing the many health and investment benefits available to them. FSG is proud to provide services to any Glencoe employee in need, regardless of ability to pay, as we strive to support the health and well-being of our entire community.

On November 21st, Tara Bagnola, LCSW, FSG Staff Therapist joined at a matinee of Writers Theatre's performance of Every Brilliant Thing, attended by high school students and featuring a Q&A with the actor following the show. The production discusses themes related to suicide and mental health, and Tara was honored to be invited to join as an esteemed member of the mental healthcare community in Glencoe.

Please save the date!

Glencoe Under the Stars

Friday, May 2, 2025

We can't wait to see you there!

Share your FSG story with us!

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.

Connect with us on our Website, Facebook and Instagram!

Family Service of Glencoe | 847-835-5111 | info@familyserviceofglencoe.org