September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | | |
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - a time to shed light on this critical issue and remind our community no one is alone.
Our clinical team provides compassionate care, including assessments for suicidality and support for individuals and families during moments of crisis. We also provide long term support for individuals and families impacted by suicidal thoughts or actions. When appropriate, we work with family members and community supports to ensure safety and care for all.
If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, help is in your community:
- In a crisis dial 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room. If the crisis is located in Glencoe, you can ask the 911 operator to send an FSG Crisis Clinician along with first responders.
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For 24/7 support from a trained crisis counselor call, text, or chat 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
To start therapy, get suggestions for local resources, or consult with a clinician about how to help a loved one, call FSG at 847-835-5111 or send us a confidential message through our website: fsgcares.org. Our goal is to respond to these calls and inquiries within 24 hours. This route does NOT access our crisis counseling.
For additional information, education, and tools to support yourself or a loved one visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services website.
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We’re proud to share that Amber Bond, FSG’s Executive Director, was recently a guest on District 35’s On the Go podcast with Dr. Wang! The episode highlights the unique resource our community has in Family Service of Glencoe and covers:
- The range of services FSG offers to support mental health and well-being
- How community members can reach out when support is needed
- A preview of our upcoming Hearts & Minds in Motion event, which helps sustain this important work
We’re grateful for the chance to shine a spotlight on FSG’s impact and invite you to tune in to hear the full conversation.
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Welcoming New Families!
Ana Balthazar, MFT, FSG Staff Therapist, and FSG Board Member Karen Rogatz recently attended the District 35 PTO New Family Welcome Event on August 25th.
The gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to meet families new to Glencoe, share information about FSG’s services, and connect alongside other community organizations.
Ana and Karen were happy to welcome new neighbors and highlight the resources FSG offers to support the community.
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Tech and Teens
On Tuesday September 9th, the Knowledge Empowers Youth (KEY) Coalition hosted a special community screening of Screenagers at the Wilmette Theater. FSG staff therapist Alex Ochoa, LCSW serves as a coalition member. The event had a great turnout, featuring a panel of experts who led a thoughtful discussion following the film. FSG Staff Therapist Ana Balthazar, MFT attended the event and connected with families and community members, highlighting FSG’s resources for youth and parents.
CLICK HERE to learn about FSG's Youth and Family services including TECH SENSE Parent Consultations.
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FSG at APSS Chief’s Appreciation Luncheon
Emily Mysel, LCSW, FSG’s Senior Program Manager and Crisis Specialist, attended the Association of Police Social Services (APSS) Chief’s Appreciation Luncheon on September 12. Emily is a member of APSS, an organization that has played a key role in the history and evolution of police-based social service programs in Illinois. The luncheon welcomed and recognized chiefs and designees from member departments for their service and dedication to the field. Speakers from the 100 Club of Illinois also shared insights on fostering a culture of wellness within first responders. Representing Glencoe Public Safety was Lt. Michael Talend.
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| Upcoming and Ongoing Programs | | |
Recognizing and Shifting Generational Parenting Patterns
Friday, October 10th
12 - 1 pm
Online
Presented by FSG Staff Therapist Ana Balthazar, MFT
Community members of all ages are invited to join FSG Staff Therapist, Ana Balthazar, MFT, for a single-session workshop designed to support caregivers of all kinds—parents, grandparents, legal guardians, and more.
Read more and RSVP
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Parts of Me
Therapy Group for High School Girls
Beginning in October - Biweekly Meetings & Location TBD
Presented by FSG Staff Therapist Tara Bagnola, LCSW
This group is designed to help teens develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, interpersonal insight, and compassionate self-leadership by exploring their inner system of “parts”.
Read more and RSVP
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The Connection Club
Therapy Group for Children ages 9-12
Beginning on October 23rd, Location TBD
Presented by FSG Staff Therapist Alex Ochoa, LCSW
A skills based group for children ages 9-12 focusing on communication and social skills to help them build stronger and more positive relationships.
Read more and RSVP
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FREE EVENT
Donations from this event will benefit FSG, Lymphoma Research Foundation, and American Heart Association.
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D35 invites you to
Hearts & Minds in Motion
A community celebration in honor of World Heart Day.
Saturday, September 27
Central School Outdoor Field
9:00–11:00 a.m.
This event is open to everyone and will feature:
- Live music
- A walk-a-thon
- Raffle prizes
- Fun games
- Healthy snacks & activities for all ages
There’s no cost to attend—your presence makes it special!
We’d love for you, your family, and friends to join us as we move, connect, and celebrate wellness together.
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Dementia Friendly Day
Join Chicago Botanic Garden and Family Service Glencoe on September 30th for Dementia Friendly Day—a day created to support individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
Offered in observance of World Alzheimer’s Month, staff from Family Service Glencoe and Glencoe Public Safety will be on hand to answer questions and share resources. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee while visiting the Dementia Friendly Day tables.
Dementia Friendly Day takes place on one of the Garden’s Free Admission Days for Illinois residents. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Emily Mysel, LCSW, Senior Program Manager at emily@fsgcares.org for more information.
Dementia Friendly Day
Tuesday, September 30th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Chicago Botanic Garden
Regenstein Center – Krehbiel Gallery
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Join FSG and Glencoe Public Safety to learn more about services provided throughout our community. Coffee will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
Last Wednesday of each month,
next:
September 24th
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Hometown Coffee & Juice
700 Vernon Ave. in Glencoe
| | Dementia Caregiver Support Group | |
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. The group offers ongoing guidance, encouragement, and resources.
Facilitated by:
Emily Mysel, LCSW,
FSG Senior Program Manager
and
Judy Altman, LCSW,
Guardian Home Health Care
Monthly Meetings, 2nd Thursday of each month, next:
October 9th
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Takiff Center - Glencoe Park District
999 Green Bay Rd, Glencoe
| 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, October 16th
SPECIAL TIME and LOCATION
12:00 - 3:00 PM
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Vibrant Living Senior Discussion Group is excited to announce a special mini-retreat at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Wednesday, October 16, from 12:00–3:00 PM. Participants will gather in the bright and welcoming Linnaeus Room at the Regenstein Center, with wraparound natural views and nearby spaces to walk and reflect. Together, the group will explore how nature can inspire and support us through the seasons ahead—and enjoy a unique “treasure hunt” experience designed to spark connection and inspiration.
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.
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We’re excited to welcome Alexa Jaffe as a Master of Social Work intern with our team this year! Alexa grew up in Highland Park and graduated from Miami University of Ohio, where she studied Primary Education. While student teaching, she realized her true passion was supporting children outside of the classroom—helping them and their families navigate challenges at home and in their personal lives.
Alexa comes to FSG with plenty of hands-on experience working with kids, including the Takiff Center’s early childhood program. As she works alongside FSG Staff Therapist, Tara Bagnola, LCSW, Alexa is especially eager to learn more about therapy in action, from building client relationships to supporting children and teens facing today’s biggest challenges—like the impact of technology and social media.
We’re delighted to welcome Alexa and look forward to the positive impact she’ll make during her time at FSG.
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Family Service of Glencoe is excited to welcome Katie Laabs, a first-year Master of Social Work student at Loyola University Chicago completing 400 internship hours with our clinical team. Working alongside Emily Mysel, LCSW, Senior Program Manager/Crisis Specialist, Katie is eager to contribute to FSG’s Senior Services. In just her first week, she has already participated in home visits and dementia support groups.
Before pursuing social work, Katie graduated from UW–Madison and spent nearly 15 years in media buying and placement for TV and radio. She later stepped away from her career to raise her three children before returning to school to pursue more personally fulfilling work, with a special interest in supporting the aging population. Once she completes her program at Loyola, she looks forward to building a career centered on helping others.
We’re grateful to have Katie’s compassion and dedication guiding her work with the FSG community.
| | | A New Home for FSG's Clinical Services! | | |
Family Service of Glencoe is excited to announce the opening of the Kiki Farley Counseling Center in Fall 2025!
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With the rising demand for counseling, our current space can no longer keep up. The new center will provide private offices for all full-time therapists, ensuring every client has a comfortable and confidential setting for in-person sessions. It will also feature a dedicated play therapy room designed to better serve children and those who communicate through creativity and play.
This expansion allows us to strengthen our services and deepen support for the community. We are grateful for the donors who have already pledged to make this vision a reality and invite others to join us. Opportunities remain to leave a lasting impact through special naming gifts or by adding your name to our FSG Donor Tree.
To learn more about the 320 Tudor Court Capital Campaign, scan the QR code or visit fsgcares.org.
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You can make an impact in your community today!
If you prioritize affordable and accessible mental health and social services for everyone in your community, then we deeply appreciate your support.
| | Family Service of Glencoe | 847-835-5111 | info@familyserviceofglencoe.org | | | | |
