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SUPPORT / SELF-HELP GROUPS
Groups and services listed in this section provide primary and/or ancillary support regarding various areas of concern. While information is as current as possible, locations and telephone numbers may change periodically.
ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-459-8962
CONTACT PERSON(s): Judy GROUP GOALS: to help any person raised by an alcoholic parent to identify and learn to deal with current problems connected with having been raised in that environment. Meetings are held once a week and members are encouraged to attend on an on-going basis. POPULATION: At present we are servicing the adult population from the age of 17 and up. ELIGIBILITY: age 17 and up MEETINGS: call for information on current meetings FEES: no fees, donations requested MISC: There are 26 distinct characteristics that a person suffers from if they were raised in an alcoholic home. The group helps persons to identify if they have any of these and just how to work the suggested steps of A.A. to deal with them.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS PO Box 846 McHenry, Il 60051-0846 815-455-3311
(call for further information about meeting times and locations) GROUP GOALS: support and help for any person who has the desire to stop drinking POPULATION: anyone with a desire to stop drinking ELIGIBILITY: alcohol problem MEETINGS: call (815) 455-3311 regarding dates, times, and locations FEES: no fees
AL-ANON/ALATEEN P.O. Box 1527 Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1527 815-459-6190
CONTACT PERSON: Lauri M., District Representative (write to above address) GROUP GOALS: support group for relatives and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon and Alateen provide important information and help for the alcoholic's family, whether or not the alcoholic seeks help or even recognizes the existence of a drinking problem. POPULATION: families and friends of alcoholics FEES: no fees MEETINGS: SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. Barrington: Stillwaters Alano, Industrial Dr. Suite 22 MONDAY: 7:30 p.m. Richmond: St. Joseph's Church, Rts. 12 & 173 (3rd Monday of month participates in open AA meeting) 8:00 p.m. Crystal Lake: St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Tarpley House, 210 McHenry Ave. 8:30 p.m. McHenry: First Methodist Church, 3717 W. Main St. (last Monday of month participates in open AA meeting; close Al-Anon first step meeting available) 7:30 p.m. McHenry: Alateen First Methodist Church, 3717 W. Main St., NO SMOKING TUESDAY: 10:00 a.m. McHenry: Alano Club, 1257 N. Green St. 12:30 p.m. Crystal Lake: Babysitter, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave. 7:00 p.m. Algonquin St. JohnÕs Lutheran Church, School Library Washington & Jefferson Streets 7:00 p.m. Barrington: Alateen, Stillwaters , Industrial Dr., Suite 22 7:30 p.m. Marengo: United Methodist Church, 119 E. Washington St. 7:30 p.m. Woodstock Resurrection Center (lower level) Country Club Road, 1-1/2 miles north of Ridgefield WEDNESDAY: 6:30 p.m. Woodstock Alano Club, 545 South Street 8:30 p.m. McHenry Alano Club, 1257 N. Green Street THURSDAY: 9:30 a.m. Barringtion: St. Michael's Church, 647 Dundee Ave. 10:00 a.m. McHenry: Alano Club, 1257 N. Green St. 7:00 p.m. Barrington: Stillwaters Alano , Industrial Dr., Suite 22 7:00 p.m. McHenry Alateen, Alano Club, 1257 N. Green Street (8 years & up, no meetings June, July, Aug) 7:00 p.m. Harvard First Presbyterian Church, 309 N. Division 7:30 p.m. Crystal Lake St. Thomas Church Pastoral Center 272 King St., NO SMOKING 7:30 p.m. District 1B Meeting, 210 Grove Meeting is held only on the last Thursday of each month; All Al-Anon members welcome FRIDAY: 9:30 a.m. Cary: Babysitter, St. Barnabas Church, 8901 S. Cary Rd., NO SMOKING 10:30 a.m. Woodstock Cal Study Group, Woodstock Alano Club 545 W. South Street 8:00 p.m. Crystal Lake: Wanderers Group (meets at membersÕ homes. Call answering service, ask for Julie C. Or Carol J.) 8:00 p.m. Woodstock Woodstock Memorial Hospital First Step Ctr. 526 W. South Street, NO SMOKING 8:00 p.m. Crystal Lake Ambutal Meeting Room, 4800 S. Rt. 31 8:00 p.m. McHenry WomenÕs Wanderers Group (meets at membersÕ homes, call Kate 815-728-8107)
ALTERNATIVES TO ABUSE PROGRAM P. O. Box 723 Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-8081
CONTACT PERSON(s): Jo Anne Simonson, LSW GROUP GOALS: eliminate the abusive behavior, develop conflict resolution skills in response to escalation, address attitudes that perpetuate abuse POPULATION: men, women and adolescents, both court referred and voluntary, who have exhibitied abusive/controlling behavior MEETINGS: call for times FEES: negotiable
ALZHEIMER & RELATED DISORDERS 670 S. Eastwood Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-3590
CONTACT PERSON(s): Lynda Markut, Susan Hopman GROUP GOALS: to provide 1) education, 2) research update, 3) coping methods, 4) and the sharing of feelings, for families that have a member who has Alzheimer's and/or related disorders POPULATION: service to families throughout McHenry County ELIGIBILITY: families residing in McHenry County or surrounding area caring for a family member with dementia MEETINGS: 4th Wednesday of the month - 7pm - 9 pm FEES: no fees MISC: $10 to cover cost of mailing
BRANCHES 401 Country Club Rd. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-455-3363
CONTACT PERSON(s): Adolph Svec (815-568-6652), Ute Culver (815-344-4122) GROUP GOALS: we are a support group for single people, be they widows, widowers, divorced, separated, or never married. All are welcome. Though an outreach of FCC (First Congregational Church), members need not belong to an organized church to join. We try to help people discover that it is "O.K." to be single, and to meet others who found happiness in a single life style. POPULATION: not limited to a certain place of residence; most are from McHenry County area, but the door will be open to anyone who can get to us ELIGIBILITY: live a single life style MEETINGS: meets every Tuesday night at 8:00 pm at Lakeside Center. There also are various social activities on Friday and Saturday nights, and a brunch every Sunday. A newsletter outlines all activities for the month. FEES: $1 at the door for meetings, $12/year dues, but do not require either of these if person can't afford it HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: yes
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Northern Illinois Medical Center Northern Illinois Center For Cancer Care 4201 Medical Center Drive McHenry, IL 60050 815-344-8000
CONTACT PERSON(s): Mary GROUP GOALS: support group for persons with cancer MEETINGS: first and third Tuesday of every month, 12:00 - 1:30 pm FEES: none
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT 670 S. Eastwood Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-3590
DIRECTOR: Carol Louise CONTACT PERSON(s): Bonnie Beam SERVICES: caregivers support for families caring for a senior family member who is physically or mentally frail. The group consists of an educational as well as a sharing component. POPULATION: families residing in McHenry County or surrounding area presently caring for a senior HOURS: meets every third Monday, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm FEES: donation requested; $10/yr to cover mailing costs MISC: Anyone interested must call Bonnie Beam before attending for the first time
CHILDHOOD AND PARENTING ORGANIZATION P.O. Box 175 Crystal Lake, IL 60039
CONTACT PERSON(s): Lynn Hollowell, Lauren Prchal GROUP GOALS: basically a support group for parents of infants and young children. We have about a 150 family memberships, and there are several sub-groups in the organization, such as New Moms; Toddlin' Time; Playgroups; Babysitting Co-ops, etc; bi-monthly newsletter; children's holiday parties; lending library. There are phone numbers published for members to call for help or advice. POPULATION: all of McHenry County, persons accepted outside of county also ELIGIBILITY: no specific eligibility required MEETINGS: telephone for times and locations FEES: $15/year dues MISC: our "Baby and Me" group is for new mothers with infants up to a year old. Many of the women had been working full time, then made the decision to stay with their babies. The group helps to eal with isolation and parenting responsibilities. "Toddlin' Time" meets once a month to discuss toddler and sibling issues. "Playgroups" provide socialization opportunities for the children.
CLEFT PALATE INFORMATION 8411 Richmond Rd. Wonder Lake, IL 60097 815-728-0752
CONTACT PERSON(s): Anne L. Ripley GROUP GOALS: help answer questions asked by families of newborns with cleft lips and/or cleft palates; help them to make contacts with doctors specializing in cranial/facial plastic surgery MEETINGS: meets 1st Monday of every month 7pm - 9pm, 5400 W. Elm St. (Rt. 120), McHenry, IL, if 1st Mon. is a holiday, then group meets the 2nd Mon. of the month FEES: no fees, but contributions are accepted to cover expenses MISC: Meetings are closed, unless permission is given in advance. For a first time meeting a parent may feel the need to bring a close friend. This is understandable and allowable for the first time. However, we ask that friends not become regulars. Compassionate Friends is a self-help support group. Must be willing to help himself/herself or the concept will not work; and are free to attend as many or as few meetings as they so desire.
DOUBLE DILEMMA Mother-of-Twins Club P.O. Box 1522 Crystal Lake, IL 60039
SERVICES: Double Dilemma is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization, developed exclusively to join together mothers of multiples for the purpose of: exchanging information and support pertaining to the raising of multiple birth children; annual contribution and assistance to families and/or organizations with multiples; monthly play times with the family; educational information; annual contribution to charitable children's organizations or families with multiple in need of assistance. POPULATION: open to mothers of multiple birth children ELIGIBILITY: county resident primarily MEETINGS: 2nd Tuesday of each month - 7pm-10pm, Salvation Army building, 290 W. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. FEES: $25/yr. dues (includes a newsletter)
EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS CENTEGRA MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER 527 W. South Street Woodstock, Il 60098 815-363-8153
CONTACT PERSON: Ann at 815-363-8153 GROUP GOALS: To help people cope with stress in daily living. A 12 step Program. POPULATION: Persons desiring to reuce personal stress and improve coping. MEETINGS: Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. at above address FEES: None
FAMILIES ANONYMOUS 312-777-4442 (hotline) 815-385-4064
GROUP GOALS: Families Anonymous is a fellowship of relatives and friends of people involved in the abuse of mind-altering substances or exhibiting related behavioral problems such as runaways, delinquents, underachievers, etc. Any concerned person is encouraged to attend meetings, even if there is only a suspicion of a problem. POPULATION: nationwide ELIGIBILITY: drug, alcohol, behavioral problems MEETINGS: every Monday - 7:30 pm, Family Service, 5320 W. Elm St., McHenry FEES: no fees
FAMILY IDEAS NETWORK FOR DOWN SYNDROME (F.I.N.D.S) P.O. Box 14 41 Crystal Lake, Il. 60039-1441 815-338-3995
CONTACT PERSON(S): Michelle Reuter SERVICES: Offers support and information to parents, professionals and interested persons POPULATION: parents of children with Down Syndrome ELIGIBILITY: No specific eligibility required FEES: No fees
HEADWINDS 3941 Dayton St. McHenry, IL 60050 815-759-7013
CONTACT PERSONS: Mary Lou Philbin, MS,Group Facilitator GROUP GOALS: to offer emotional support, information, education and socialization to family members of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury POPULATION: individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their families ELIGIBILITY: Open to Community at large HOURS: meetings held second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at Pioneer Center Annex building. It is a wheelchair accessible building FEES: no fees MISC: This support group focuses on providing mutual support, education and information about brain injuries, access to resources and service providers, knowledge of legislative issues affecting brain injury services, and community action. Meetings may feature guest speakers and topics. Two social functions are scheduled each year. Monthly mailings provide information about meeting topics. Head Winds is a member of the National Brain Injury Association, Inc. and a local chapter of the Brain injury Association of Illinois.
HELPMATES 4206 W. Elm Street Zion Lutheran Church McHenry, IL 60050 815-385-0859
CONTACT PERSON: Pastor Acton GROUP GOALS: ongoing support group for divorced, separated, or widowed people of all faiths MEETINGS: Wednesday, 7pm - 9pm FEES: $2.00
H.U.G. (HUMAN UNDERSTANDING IN GRIEF) P.O. Box 37 Elgin, IL 60120 847-742-9800 (Sherman Hospital) CONTACT PERSON(s): ext. 8040 or 8044 (between 7am - 3:30pm daily) GROUP GOALS: addresses specific topics related to grief. The topic for each evening will be announced a few weeks prior to the meeting. POPULATION: all those feeling the loss of someone special ELIGIBILITY: no specific eligibility required MEETINGS: watch for news announcements or call for more information
I CAN COPE Memorial Medical Center Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-2500
CONTACT PERSON(s): Ruth Fosse 334-3147 (direct line) GROUP GOALS: Cancer Education Program offered twice each year - spring and fall for 6 weeks, one class each week. Topics covered include: definition of cancer; treatment; managing the side effects of disease and treatment; feelings regarding the disease and treatment; and available resources. POPULATION: people with the diagnosis of cancer, family members, friends ELIGIBILITY: no specific eligibility DAYS: Th 7pm - 9pm FEES: no fees
LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION UNITED CHAPTER P. O. Box 1414 Crystal Lake, IL 60039 815-455-2817 847-888-8848
DIRECTOR: Annabelle Rhoades CONTACT PERSON(s): Karen Scholl, Janet Thietje SERVICES: a non-profit organization to advance the education and general welfare of children and youth of normal or potentially normal intelligence who have learning disabilities of perceptual, conceptual, or "coordinative" nature; provide information to schools and teachers; group is supportive in structure; monthly newsletter; lending library POPULATION: McHenry and Kane County learning disability population MEETINGS: 3rd Monday of each month, 6pm - 7:30pm, Jacobs High School, Randall Road, Algonquin, IL FEES: $25/yr. membership, donation requested but not required, guests are welcome
MAKE TODAY COUNT Northern Illinois Medical Center 4201 Medical Center Drive McHenry, IL 60050 815-344-5000 ext. 34663
CONTACT PERSON(s): Mary Oliver, MSW GROUP GOALS: * support group for anyone facing life threatening illness * support group for family members or friends of anyone facing life threatening illness MEETINGS: 3rd Monday of the month - 7pm (both groups) FEES: no fees
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL P. O. Box 1391 Crystal Lake, IL 60039 847-516-9991
CONTACT PERSON(s):General information and family support Merna Drewno, 847-516-9991 AMI Support Group Facilitators: Cathy Dalton 815-344-0737, Kathy Schact 815-344-2597, Wanieta Genge 815-338-8352 AMI Parents of Children and Teens: Marilynn Hopkins 815-459-4182, Judy Lowe 815-338-0623 AMI Journey Of Hope Family Education in Mental Illness 847-516-9991 GROUP GOALS:to improve the quality of life for individuals who have a mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy Support: Groups for parents, spouses, brothers and sisters, adult children mentally ill parents, individuals who are recovering from a mental illness, and parents of children and teens who have either a mental lilliness or emotional disorder Advocacy: For improved care and services, health insurance parity, increased funding for services and research Education: Through monthly meetings, workshops, newsletters and resource library For Family caregivers: Journey of Hope 10 week course on understanding and coping with the challenges of mental illness. For class schedule call 847-516-9991. ELIGIBILITY:no specific eligibility required MEETINGS: Support and Education meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, 7pm at Memorial Medical Center, Meeting Room A, Doty Road, in Woodstock. AMI Journey of Hope Support group for families are held on the 3rd Monday of each monthy, 7:30pm at Northern Illinois Medical Center, Rt. 31 and Bull Valley Road, McHenry FEES:$30 Family, $5.00 recovering persons on limited income, $40.00 Associate MISC:AMI is a non profit organization administered by volunteers who are family members, individuals who are recovering from a mental illness and caring mental health professionals. AMI is affiliated with the National and Illinois State Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NEW PATHWAYS Northern Illinois Medical Center 4201 Medical Center Drive McHenry, IL 60050 815-344-5555 ext. 4848
CONTACT PERSON(s): Marge Rooney GROUP GOALS: to provide supportive interpersonal climate, useful information and professional guidance for adult persons who are experiencing grief as the result of the death of a loved adult person POPULATION: adults experiencing grief resulting from death of a loved adult person ELIGIBILITY: 18 and older MEETINGS: 4th Wednesday of each month, 2 pm - 4 pm FEES: no fees
NUTS AND BOLTS STROKE CLUB Northern Illinois Medical Center 4210 Medical Center Drive McHenry, IL 60050 815-344-5555 Ext. 4640
CONTACT PERSON: Kathryn Beernick POPULATION: for young (under retirement age) stroke survivors and families MEETINGS: 3rd Sunday of month/alternating homes at 4pm FEES: no fees MISC: dinner club once a month in addition to meeting
OPERATION SNOWBALL 501 W. South St. (Woodstock High School) Woodstock IL 60098 815-338-4370
CONTACT PERSON(s): McHenry: Michelle Cowles (385-1145) Woodstock: Mary Churchill (338-4370) GROUP GOALS: Operation Snowball is a peer-leadership support group for teenagers which, through education and emotional growth, addresses a broad range of adolescent concerns by promoting personal and social development. It is based on the belief that every person has the capacity to make responsible decisions when given adequate information. It is a prevention and health promotion program that emphasizes skills in communication, cooperation, trust and team building; provides positive alternatives to substance use and abuse. POPULATION: high school students ELIGIBILITY: primarily high school age MEETINGS: call for meeting dates and times FEES: no fees
PARENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF P.O. Box 11023 Chicago, IL 60611-0023 773-472-3079
CONTACT PERSON(s): Barbara Hansen GROUP GOALS: 3 goals (support, advocacy, and education) committed to helping other parents learn what we have learned; help to change attitudes; create an environment of understanding so that our gay and lesbian children can live wtih dignity and respect; 24 hour hotline answering service POPULATION: all families, friends, lesbians, gays. ELIGIBILITY: no specific eligibility FEES: no fees MISC: we are the local chapter of The National Federation PFLAG.At present there is no support group in McHenry County. We have a 24 hour hotline answering service and literature available to anyone who requests information.
RECOVERY, INC. First United Methodist Church 3717 W. Main St. McHenry, IL 60050 (meeting address) 815-338-5615 312-337-5661 (Chicago)
CONTACT PERSON(s): Bob Coleman GROUP GOALS: the Recovery method of self-help after care techniques is a system that was developed by the late Dr. Abraham Low. One will learn the Recovery method by 1) studying Dr. Low's literature, 2) attending Recovery meetings regularly, and 3) practicing the Recovery principles in his/her daily life. The object of Recovery, Inc. is to help prevent relapses in former mental patients and to forestall chronicity in nervous individuals. POPULATION: McHenry County resident, as well as any former mental patients or nervous people ELIGIBILITY: open to the public MEETINGS: Tu: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm FEES: donation requested, purchase of text recommended - $18.49, annual membership dues are $15 (suggested but not mandatory) MISC: Recovery, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, is country-wide, having group meeting in cities and towns all over the United States as well as in many other countries. There are many groups in the Chicago area. A full directory is available by writing to the Recovery, Inc. headquarters.
T.H.E.O.S. c/o Mae Stinespring 3329 N. Bayview Lane McHenry, IL 60050 815-385-1894
CONTACT PERSON(s): Mae Stinespring GROUP GOALS: "support" for a person recently widowed POPULATION: anyone from McHenry County area or from any area if T.H.E.O.S can help ELIGIBILITY: could be a divorced or single person if a need is answered MEETINGS: 3rd M of each month FEES: no fees MISC: this group is very flexible and emphasizes the help to be available for others who have had similar experiences. We hope to help the grieving ones learn "to smile" again.
TOUGHLOVE 1-800-926-KIDS
GROUP GOALS: self-help, support group for parents or adults troubled by teenage behavior POPULATION: parents or adults dealing with troubled teenagers MEETINGS: call for information regarding meetings FEES: donation accepted
UNITED OSTOMY ASSOCIATION-ELGIN CHAPTER 934 Street Elgin, IL 60120 847-742-9800
CONTACT PERSON: Carol (630) 893 1242 GROUP GOALS: education and support for those who have had ostomy surgery, and for family and friends ELIGIBILITY: no specific eligibility requirements MEETINGS: Elgin Chapter meets at Sherman Hospital 3rd Monday of the month - 7:30 pm, September through May FEES: no fees to attend meetings, national organization available for those wishing to join MISC: Woodstock satellite meets every 2nd Tuesday, 7pm - 9pm; Memorial Hospital dining room; contact person is Barb Pafie 338-2500.
WINGSPAN STROKE CLUB 4201 Medical Center Drive McHenry, IL 60050 815-759-4640
CONTACT PERSON:Julie Heckmann GROUP GOALS:education, socialization, and support of stroke survivors and their families POPULATION:stroke survivors and their families MEETINGS:2nd Wednesday of month, 1 pm - 3 pm FEES:no fee
WOMEN'S SUPPORT GROUP St. Mary's Episcopal Church 210 S. McHenry Ave. Crystal Lake, Il 60014 815-459-1009 815-459-8408
CONTACT PERSON(s): The Rev. Wm. Hoelzel, The Rev. Jan Walker GROUP GOALS: to provide a place where Christian women can come on a weekly basis to meet with others to share joys and sorrows, faith and doubts, in a mutually supportive and caring group GROUP GOALS: support group to for women with breast cancer MEETINGS: 1st Tuesday of each month, 7 pm FEES: no fees
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (Y.E.S.) Prevention Program for the McHenry County YSB 101 S. Jefferson Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-7360
CONTACT PERSON(s): Candy Spasojevich GROUP GOALS: to provide education and information on mental health topics such as the prevention of teen pregnancy, self esteem, goal setting, etc. Small group facilitation is available to schools in McHenry Copunty. Programs for pregnant and parenting teens is also available. POPULATION: McHenry County residents FEES: donations appreciated HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: yes MISC: call for more information
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