Checking In On Your Mental Health This Season | | |
As we enter the fall season and look ahead to the holidays, it’s especially important to check in with ourselves.
This time of year often brings opportunities to gather with family and friends—but it can also stir up stress, loss, or difficult emotions. Taking a moment to notice how you’re really feeling can help you recognize when you may need extra support. Ask yourself: Are you tending to your own needs? Are you spending time in ways that feel meaningful and restorative? Practicing self-care and reaching out for help when needed are essential steps in maintaining emotional well-being.
Checking in with yourself is the first step—reaching out for support is the next. Depression is a highly treatable condition, yet it can affect anyone at any time. A number of factors—environmental, genetic, psychological, and biological—can all play a role, and each person’s experience is unique. That’s why taking the next step to seek professional help and be screened is so important, whether for yourself or someone you care about.
If you’re feeling low, unsure, or simply want to explore whether therapy might help, Family Service of Glencoe offers confidential, free one-time consultations to help you decide your next steps—or to begin therapy. We take most insurance, and offer services on a sliding-scale. Cost is never a barrier to treatment with FSG.
To schedule a consultation or start therapy, call 847-835-5111 or visit fsgcares.org.
| | Therapy Groups Starting this Fall | | Registration Required - Insurance Accepted/Sliding Fee Available | | |
Parts of Me
Therapy Group for High School Girls
Beginning in November
Meets once every 2 weeks
Starting Date & Location TBD
Facilitated by FSG Staff Therapist Tara Bagnola, LCSW
This group is designed to help teen girls 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 Kids ages 9-12
Begins November 3rd
Meets once every 2 weeks
6 - 7:15 PM
Takiff Center - Glencoe Park Dist
999 Green Bay Road
Facilitated 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
| | | WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS | | |
FSG Receives Grant from North Shore Exchange
We are honored to be among the local nonprofits awarded funding at the North Shore Exchange Grant Awards Luncheon, held on Monday, October 6. This event celebrated the distribution of grants to organizations serving communities across the Chicago area.
North Shore Exchange, a nonprofit luxury consignment boutique, uses its proceeds to support charities that strengthen families and provide critical services to those in need. Family Service of Glencoe is deeply grateful for their generous investment in our mission and for recognizing the importance of accessible mental health care and community support.
Thank you, North Shore Exchange, for your partnership and commitment to making a difference.
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FSG at D35’s Hearts and Minds in Motion Event
Family Service of Glencoe was honored to be a recipient of funds raised at District 35’s Hearts and Minds in Motion event. The day brought together students, families, and community partners in celebration of wellness, movement, and giving back.
Lauren Smekov, FSG Board Member; Alex Ochoa, LCSW, FSG Staff Therapist; Karen Rogatz, FSG Board Member; and Amber Bond, LCPC, FSG Executive Director, represented FSG at our table, where children stopped by for a craft activity and parents learned more about our counseling and community services.
A heartfelt thank-you to District 35 for inviting us to participate and for naming Family Service of Glencoe as one of this year’s benefactors—alongside the American Heart Association and the Lymphoma Research Foundation. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with our community and for your continued support of our mission.
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Thank You to the Glencoe Community Garden!
As the growing season comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our friends at the Glencoe Community Garden for their incredible partnership this summer. Their weekly deliveries of fresh produce and flowers brought nourishment, color, and joy to many in our Senior Housing Program - Glencoe senior's served by Family Service of Glencoe.
One happy recipient shared, “Wanted to send along a couple pics that show how the work people do looks on the receiving end! Salad so beautiful and yummy. Flowers first day and second pic today! They are lasting a long time! Thank you to the pickers!”
We’re so grateful for this partnership that continues to grow kindness and connection throughout our community.
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Connecting Nature, Support, and Community at Dementia Friendly Day
FSG was thrilled to collaborate with the Chicago Botanic Garden for Dementia Friendly Day on September 30th. This event, set in the beautiful surroundings of the garden, offered visitors a range of resources and support for those living with or caring for people with Dementia. The garden's calm and scenic environment provided the perfect backdrop for guests to relax and enjoy nature. FSG partnered with Glencoe Public Safety Detective Fil Marino, who shared his expertise on senior scams and provided guidance on how to avoid them. Also present was Judy Altman from Guardian Home Health Care, who co-facilitates FSG's monthly dementia caregivers support group with Emily Mysel. We are pleased that the Chicago Botanic Gardens continues its efforts to make the garden dementia friendly.
To learn more about Dementia services offered by FSG please contact Emily Mysel, LCSW at emily@fsgcares.org.
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Shop for a Cause with VIN Chicago
Family Service of Glencoe is grateful to partner with VIN Chicago for a special fundraising opportunity! From November 7–9, VIN Chicago will donate 10% of all purchases back to FSG.Just mention Family Service of Glencoe at checkout!
This is a wonderful way to stock up for the holidays while supporting mental health and family wellness in our community. We’re so thankful to VIN Chicago for their generosity and partnership in helping us continue our mission of caring for Glencoe.
Please visit VINChicago.com for more details and locations to shop!
| | Upcoming and Ongoing Programs | | |
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 gathering until next spring!
Wednesday
October 29th
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:
November 13th
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, November 20th
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Glencoe Public Library - Hammond Room
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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Whether you choose to celebrate your family, honor a loved one, or highlight your commitment to mental health and community well-being, your leaf will stand as a visible reminder of the roots you’ve helped us grow.
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Family Service of Glencoe is excited to announce the opening of the Kiki Farley Counseling Center in Fall 2025!
You can be a part of our growth and honor your connection to FSG while helping us continue to strengthen and support our community for generations to come.
Donor Leaf Program
The Donor Leaf Program is a meaningful way to celebrate your support and honor those who make a difference.
Each engraved leaf will be placed on our beautiful Donor Tree, a permanent installation in the new Kiki Farley Counseling Center - a daily reminder of the generosity that sustains our mission.
CLICK HERE 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 | | | | |
