Links

These organizations work with us to overcome the stigma associated with mental illness.

ADVOCATE HEALTH CARE – CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIPS

Advocate Health Care is a health system of eight hospitals, three medical groups, a home health and hospice service, two counseling centers, and numerous health centers. We are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Church of Christ. We understand faith communities to be vital partners with us in our mission of serving the health needs of individuals, families and communities and work to build faith-based partnerships through our Congregational Health Partnerships and Parish Nursing programs. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove has worked closely with ten congregations to build their capacity to care for people with mental illness and their families.

Answers for Special Kids (A.S.K.)

A.S.K. is a non-profit organization that provides resources and a support network for families and caretakers of children with special needs in Evanston and neighboring communities, whether they attend public, private or home school. A.S.K. publishes a quarterly newsletter and maintains a website that provides information about special education laws, disability resources and a parent-to-parent link. A.S.K. also holds monthly meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 7:30pm at the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. To be placed on the A.S.K. mailing or e-mail list, please call or e-mail answersforspecialkids@comcast.net.

ART OF LIVING FOUNDATION

The Art of Living Foundation is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. We do this by offering programs that eliminate stress; create a sense of belonging; restore human values; and encourage people from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions to come together in celebration and service. More than 20 million adults, teens and children in over 150 countries have enjoyed our programs, learning how to manage the mind and handle negative emotions. Six independent research studies have shown the positive effects of Art of Living breathing techniques on remitting depression.

As a non-governmental organization (NGO), the Art of Living Foundation works in special consultative status with the Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, participating in a variety of committees and activities relating to health and conflict resolution. With our sister organization, the International Association for Human Values, we also provide trauma relief to victims of natural disaster, war and other calamities.

CENTER FOR CONTEXTUAL CHANGE (CCC)

Celebrating the resiliency of the human spirit and a commitment to helping others, CCC was created in 1993 to provide hope and positive change. Dedicated to assisting individuals, couples and families enhance their strengths, develop new coping strategies and heal emotional wounds, the Center utilizes a strength-based contextual therapy to empower positive transformation and restore emotional balance. We have three locations serving Chicago and suburbs.

We are a group of nationally recognized, highly trained psychotherapists specializing in trauma, domestic and family violence, child and adult sexual abuse, addiction, compulsion, self-injurious behavior, and severe emotional and behavioral disorders. We work with couples, children, families and communities, and through school, church and professional referrals, DCFS and non-profits, and court appointed treatment.

The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago

The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago is a non-profit center utilizing the principles of Analytical Psychology. Its purpose is to provide educational programs, clinical services and cultural resources to individuals and communities throughout the Midwest who seek meaning, consciousness and wholeness.

The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago is approved as a continuing education sponsor by the State of Illinois for Licensed/Clinical Professional Counselors, Licensed/Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists; and by the Illinois State Board of Education for teachers seeking units toward maintaining certification.

Those who share a belief in our mission may contribute to it in a variety of ways. In addition to volunteering time or making cash contributions, individuals may support the Institute through gifts of real property, gifts-in-kind for program needs, bequests, trusts, life insurance, securities, and memorial gifts. Inquiries should be directed to the Executive Director or to the Assistant for Development. Your feedback assists in continually refining and developing our resources and program offerings to meet your needs. Your very presence in the community validates the importance of our work and energizes us all.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (CSOPP)

With more than 1,000 students, The Chicago School is the nation's largest graduate school dedicated to the advancement of professional psychology education. The school is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized The Chicago School for its distinguished service and outstanding contribution to cultural diversity and advocacy.

 

The Chicago School's Business Psychology and APA-accredited Clinical Psychology doctoral (Psy.D.) programs, along with its Ed.S. in School Psychology and M.A. programs in Industrial/Organizational, Forensic, and Clinical Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis and Counseling specializations) offer excellent practitioner-oriented education for students looking to apply psychology in the arenas of health care, education, the legal system, and business.

CHILD & ADOLESCENT BIPOLAR FOUNDATION (CABF)

CABF is a national, not-for-profit, web-based membership organization whose mission is to educate families, professionals and the public about pediatric bipolar disorder; connect families with resources and support; advocate for and empower affected families; and support research on pediatric bipolar disorder and its cure.

Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE)

The mission of CNE is to ensure that every Evanston child, regardless of family income, has access to high quality care and early education and arrives at kindergarten ready to learn.

Since 1967, CNE has been an advocate for low-income families needing financial assistance for child care. CNE is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to coordinate, develop and support child care services in Evanston by mobilizing resources and public support for high-quality child care. CNE supports families with resource and referrals for child care and financial assistance and also serves Evanston's child care community as fiscal agent for federal, state and local funds. CNE provides leadership, support and consultation to childcare providers directed toward the following: 1) improving quality in childcare settings, 2) increasing the availability of childcare options, and 3) providing access to social services for high quality childcare.

Community & Residential Services Authority (CRSA)

CRSA serves individuals with behavior disorders or severe emotional disturbance and their families by reducing barriers to receiving service(s); providing technical assistance to parents, service consumer, providers, and member agency personnel to appropriately access needed services; assisting local communities, upon request, to develop or strengthen collaborative interagency networking; planning for a more responsive, efficient and coordinated service delivery system; and resolving multiple agency disagreements about residential placement or funding of placement and services.

The Counseling Center of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

For over 30 years the Center has provided high quality, faith-based psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, couples and families. The Counseling Center offers these services through our Park Ridge Center on the hospital's main campus. In partnership with congregations, these services are also offered in Arlington Heights, Deerfield and Libertyville. Two characteristics distinguish the Center's staff. First, our therapists are thoroughly trained, fully licensed clinicians whose competence is maintained through continuing education and consultation. Second, they are selected as staff because they are knowledgeable of and sensitive to the faith and values dimensions which help people heal and reorder their lives and relationships.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Greater Chicago offers peer-led support group for people with mood disorders and their families on the 4th Monday of the month and educational programs on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. (call for topic). The Maintaining Mood Stability workshop meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at 7:00 p.m. (call for topic). All programs are held in the lower level conference room at Devon Bank, 6445 N. Western Ave. (one block north of Devon Ave.). Free parking south of the bank.

ERIKA'S LIGHTHOUSE

Erika's Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression is a grassroots educational organization dedicated to raising awareness of adolescent depression and mental health for young people. Through the Red Flags Program we provide a comprehensive curriculum on Adolescent Depression for middle school students, training for school personnel to implement the program, an all staff awareness workshop, and seminars for parents and communities. Our Teen Board and Teen Panel are active in fighting stigma by providing outreach and educational presentations to students, teachers, and mental health staff.

Evanston Community Defender Office, Inc.

The Evanston Community Defender Office provides legal defense, school advocacy and social work services to low-income Evanston residents age 21 and younger. We also provide legal defense services for Evanston residents who are referred (and being treated) by a mental health agency for significant mental health issues. We accept self-referrals as well as referrals from schools, probation and other social service organizations. Our legal representation is limited to cases appearing in the Skokie Courthouse. Walk-ins are welcome.

Evanston Northwestern Healthcare (ENH)

ENH's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences offers a full range of mental health services for adolescents and children. Treatment occurs along a continuum of care including individual, group and family outpatient services; intensive outpatient and day hospital programs; and inpatient centers. Programs specifically aimed at children and adolescents include the Adolescent Day School located in Glenview; the Bridges Program at Evanston Hospital; and the Eating Disorders Unit and Adolescent and Young Adult Inpatient Unit, both located at Highland Park Hospital.

Evanston Township High School Pupil Personnel Services

EVANSTON/SKOKIE VALLEY SENIOR SERVICES

Evanston/Skokie Valley Senior Services, operated by the North Shore Senior Center, provides a wide range of social services to older adults age 60 or more in Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, and part of Niles. Services are confidential, voluntary and have little or no cost to the client. Professional case managers and counselors see individuals in their homes or our office. Services and programs include information and assistance; Community Care Program; case management; counseling; home delivered meals; respite; chore housekeeping; nursing home prescreens; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Low Vision support groups; wellness education; Medicare volunteers; and escorted transportation service.

FAMILY FOCUS EVANSTON

Since 1976, Family Focus Evanston has been promoting the well being of children and their families. It is our mission to promote the well being of children from birth by supporting and strengthening their families in and with their communities. Family Focus offers innovative, community-based programs that help parents gain confidence and competence as the primary educators of their children. We offer programs that empower families to be the best they can be. Programs include our Teen Parent/Pregnancy Program; Primary Prevention/After-School Program; 21st Century After-School Program; Foster Family Support; and our Grandparents Program.

Because of the generosity of many individuals in our community, we are able to provide food, clothing and furniture to those less fortunate, on a regular basis. Through our collaborations with other organizations and agencies, we can provide referrals to the vast network that Evanston and the surrounding communities have to offer. We have become the safe-haven and readily accessible resource for families and their children.

THE FAMILY INSTITUTE AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

The Family Institute at Northwestern University is a leading center for marital and family therapy, education and research, giving our clients access to some of the most experienced and highly-qualified experts in the field. In addition to providing psychotherapy services, The Institute also operates nationally-renowned graduate programs in marital and family therapy and counseling psychology at Northwestern University and conducts important research that leads to better understanding and improved treatment of mental health issues. The Family Institute is an independent not-for-profit organization affiliated with Northwestern University.

Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago

The Center for Whole Health, a program of Chicago Lights, provides health and wellness education and services for participants of Chicago Lights and Fourth Presbyterian Church. The Center engages in teaching, counseling and spiritual care and also supports the training and mentoring of Care Teams. Working in tandem with community health care organizations, universities and hospitals, the Center attends to people at Cabrini-Green and North Loop locations, providing critical preventative health care services for at-risk adults and children.

In 2000 the Session of Fourth Presbyterian Church instructed the Serious Mental Illness Task Force (now the Mental Illness Committee) to help foster a supportive and inclusive environment for the mentally ill and their families as mandated in "The Church and Serious Mental Illness," a report and resolution from the 200th General Assembly(1988), Presbyterian Church (USA):

The task of the church community is to create and sustain a supportive environment which encourages the growth and development of people and programs promoting consumers' ability to make choices for themselves in a realistic setting and to freely express their human potential... There is a need to move from a mentality of "charity" to one of mutuality (or solidarity).

Jewish Child & Family Services

Jewish Child & Family Services combines the compassion and expertise of Jewish Children’s Bureau and Jewish Family and Community Service and provides a range of comprehensive programs designed to enable individuals and families to develop positively throughout their lives. With expertise in therapeutic, education and preventive programs, our expert staff helps countless children, families and older adults gain the skills they need to navigate through difficult life events. We provide necessary services to those in need regardless of religion or heritage.

JCFS offers reliable, quality services in many Chicago locations. Our programs include Counseling, Assessment and Psychological Services, Family Life Education, Holocaust Community Services, Refugee Resettlement, Speech, Occupational and Developmental Therapies, Residential, Foster Care and Childcare Services, Community Respite Support, Gay and Lesbian Services, Therapeutic Education and Referral and Information Services.

Jewish Healing Network of Chicago (JHNC)

JHNC is a collaborative effort of Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS), Council for Jewish Elderly (CJE), Chicago Board of Rabbis and Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. We ensure that information about social service, health and spiritual resources is available to people facing issues of illness and loss. We provide referrals to existing services in the Chicago area and create new services where needed. Through JHNC, social service agencies, synagogues and community agencies are working together to ensure that no Jew is alone in times of illness and loss.

The Josselyn Center

The Josselyn Center is a community mental health agency, providing outpatient mental health services on a sliding fee scale to people who live, work and attend school in 15 north suburban Chicago communities. Located in Northfield, Illinois, our clinical staff is comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and certified addictions counselors. Each mental health professional brings their own area of expertise to The Josselyn Center allowing us to provide a wide range of programs and services, including the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Program; the Adult Outpatient Program; the Sustaining Care and Management Program; the Mental Illness/Substance Abuse Program; Social Skills Groups; Psycho-social and Treatment Groups; Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services; and a Community Education/Speakers Bureau. For services or further information please call Larry Greenberg at ext. 141 or June Aimen at ext. 142.

Kendall College - Human Services Program

Kendall College is a small four-year career-oriented college presently located in Evanston. In the fall of 2004 it will move to its Riverworks campus at 900 N. Branch in Chicago.

The Human Services program offers Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Arts and certificates in Substance Abuse, Gerontology, Psychology, and Crime, Justice and Rehabilitation. For students working toward B.A. degrees, this interdisciplinary program blends coursework in psychology, sociology and human services with practical experiences through four internships. Each student chooses an area of concentration in one of the following: Substance Abuse, Gerontology, Psychology, and Crime, Justice and Rehabilitation; the student then completes at least two of the four internships in a related social agency.

The content of the curriculum reflects the guidelines of the National Organization of Human Services Educators and the Substance Abuse Treatment concentration is approved by IAODAPCA as a Preparatory Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program.

THE LILAC TREE: WOMEN IN TRANSITION, INC.

The Lilac Tree provides information, referrals and support to women who are contemplating, in the process of divorce or post-decree. We offer private, confidential sessions with an LCSW to learn what your rights are and what you may expect, as well as free referrals to experienced family law attorneys, financial planners, therapists, and more. Our workshops feature legal, financial and emotional topics. At Divorce University, our semi-annual, day-long program, presenters include judges, attorneys, mediators, family planners, and other professionals. We also provide short-term support groups led by experienced therapists. Partial scholarships are available for all Lilac Tree programs.

THE LOSS PROGRAM OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES

The LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Program is a support group for those grieving a death by suicide of a family member or close friend. LOSS is a non-denominational program offered by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. LOSS seeks to offer a learning environment in which people become aware of the major steps involved in grieving and where they may establish confidence in order to resume and re-enter life. We provide a safe environment in which survivors can tell their stories, talk about their feelings, express sadness, ask questions, and receive support and acceptance from others who have made the same journey. It is our hope that by being with other survivors who have dealt with and are dealing with the same kind of loss, members will find hope, feel a sense of comfort, and experience less isolation and aloneness.

Maine Center

Maine Center is a community behavioral health organization located in Park Ridge, providing counseling and therapy for mental illness(es) and/or addictions. Established in 1966, Maine Center provides services for children, adolescents and adults in group and individual situations.

Maine Center brings the pieces together to change lives. The 24/7 emergency phone number is 847-696-1576.

Mental Health Association of the North Shore (MHANS)

The primary purposes of MHANS are to achieve public awareness of the nature of mental illnesses and their warning signs, to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons with mental illness and to obtain equitable mental health insurance for all persons. The quality of life for people with mental illnesses as well as the mental health of the general public must be improved to ensure dignity and non-discriminatory practices.

MHANS, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1965. Its education and advocacy programs are volunteer-directed with limited office support.

METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES

For nearly 150 years, Metropolitan Family Services has been at the heart of Chicago and its suburbs-encouraging family strengths and investing in a comprehensive range of programs and services that help families through difficult times. Each year, more than 55,000 families and individuals receive counseling and other supportive services and hundreds of thousands more benefit from Metropolitan's community development and social policy efforts.

Child and Youth Development, School-Based Services and Violence Prevention help to strengthen the capacities of children and their families to achieve developmental milestones and to obtain the skills needed to make positive choices. Programs promote healthy growth and development, increase problem-solving abilities, promote student achievement and decrease high-risk behaviors. Counseling and Mental Health Services offer counseling and case management services to families and individuals of all ages. Services build on individual and family strengths and capacity for change and growth, while addressing behavioral problems and developmental needs.

MIDWEST PALLIATIVE & HOSPICE CARECENTER

Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter (formerly Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of the North Shore) is a nonprofit, community-based organization offering compassionate and innovative care to those facing serious and chronic illnesses or the end of life. No matter where you call “home,” our whole-person approach to caring for patients and families can improve quality of life and alleviate pain. Services include home healthcare, physical and occupational therapies, intermittent and skilled care, hospice care (including Jewish Care Services and Music Services), palliative care consults, primary healthcare at home, grief support, and personal assistance.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Cook County North Suburban (NAMI-CCNS)

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons and their families affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, support, and research.

NAMI-CCNS is an affiliate chapter representing several communities in the northern portion of Cook County.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) of Greater Chicago

The Chicago chapter of NAMI is a not-for-profit organization made up of family members, patients and professionals concerned about mental illness. Our mission is to provide information, referrals, advocacy, and hope for Chicago area persons dealing with mental illness. We have an extensive database of resources to assist callers and publish informational literature on all topics related to mental illnesses that are also available on our website. NAMI of Greater Chicago provides support groups for patients and family members as well as educational programs for patients, family members, the general public, and the Chicago Police Department.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

The worldwide fellowship of Al-Anon Family Groups (including Alateen) offers help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon believes alcoholism is a family illness, and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon members practice the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service; welcome and give comfort to families and friends of alcoholics; and give understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. There are no dues for membership. Voluntary contributions support local groups, area service structures and the Al-Anon World Service Office in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Al-Anon and Alateen groups now meet in 131 countries.

North Shore Magazine

North Shore is the affluent lifestyle monthly serving the residents of Chicago's North and Northwest suburbs. It presents articles on home and shelter, fashion, family and social trends, travel and finance, as well as comprehensive coverage of the local dining, entertainment and cultural scene, in an attractive oversized format. The readers of North Shore represent the "top of the pyramid" of the Chicago market by virtue of their education level, professional employment, affluence, and social and charitable involvement.

Open Studio Project (OSP)

OSP is a non-profit arts and social service organization. We provide stimulating and powerful programming combining visual arts and writing, with a special emphasis on using the creative arts to inspire personal growth, interpersonal understanding and social changes. We serve both the general public and the diverse community of underserved local residents. Our mission is to utilize and bring the creative process to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and to empower people to turn to art for personal growth.

Pathways to Promise

Pathways was created in 1988 to promote full inclusion of people who have a mental illness and their families, empowering them for mutual and interactive participation in their faith communities. Pathways has the goal of being a catalyst for action in the faith community that enhances the quality of life for those challenged by mental illness.

Pathways to Promise is a resource and coordinating center offering liturgical and educational materials; program models; networking information; and assistance to clergy and laity interested in educating themselves about working with the faith community.

PEER SERVICES, INC.

PEER Services’ Healing Connections Older Adult Program is a comprehensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program for older adults and their families. Our services include alcohol/other drug evaluations; individual counseling in the client’s residence when appropriate; couples and family counseling; and reduced fees for those who are unable to pay the full fee for our services. We also provide educational programs for older adults and their families as well as education, training, consultation, and support services to older adult service providers. PEER Services, Inc. is a private not-for-profit agency providing substance abuse prevention and treatment services since 1975.

Pioneer Press - A timeless voice in your community

Our earliest titles began publishing over 100 years ago. Today Pioneer Press has 51 local newspapers serving Suburban neighborhoods and suburbs – continuing to bring the best local coverage from one generation to the next. Some things just get better with time. Call 847-486-9300 to subscribe today.

Recovery, Inc.

Recovery, Inc., founded in Chicago in 1937, is a non-profit, community-based organization managed by volunteers who practice a form of self-help that supports mental health. In weekly meetings participants learn the Recovery method, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy led by trained volunteers. Weekly training reinforces simple yet effective techniques for acquiring self-leadership; overcoming fears, anger and symptoms of nervous origin; and strengthening self-confidence. This program helps people who are suffering from stress and tension, anxiety or panic, depression, fatigue, sleeplessness, fears, and all forms of mental illness. Recovery, Inc. received the 2000 Van Ameringen Award from the American Psychiatric Association Award from the American Psychiatric Association for excellence in rehabilitation services.

Response Center

Response Center is a non-profit social service program of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago that serves adolescents (12-21) and their families. The organization operates two service locations, one in Skokie and the other in Prairie View (Buffalo Grove). Response Center provides the following services:

  • Counseling: Masters level therapists and social workers offer Individual, Family and Group counseling. Current groups include Alternatives to Violence; Curfew Violation; Shoplifting Prevention; The Strength Within/Healthy Relationships (for high school age girls); and a support group for lesbian and gay teens.
  • Outreach/Prevention: The outreach/prevention department provides interactive workshops related to substance abuse prevention; adolescent sexuality; violence and suicide prevention; conflict resolution; and team building. In addition, outreach operated two youth leadership groups that provide teens opportunities for social action and peer education.
  • Medical Unit: The medical unit is a prevention-based program that provides medical services sensitive to the special needs of teen with concerns about birth control, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
  • Russian Teen Program: This program provides culturally sensitive bilingual counseling for teens and families from the former Soviet Union. There is also a soccer program for these teens.

THE SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER

The Samaritan Counseling Center provides psychotherapy and educational programs for adults, children and adolescents. Our mission is to integrate mind, body, spirit, and community in the services we provide, and staff members are respectful and mindful of each individual’s faith perspective in our interfaith community. We also offer educational programs that are available to individuals or can be arranged for community organizations; sample workshop offerings can be found on our website. Our offices are located in Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, and Lake Forest. A sliding fee scale is available.

St. Francis Hospital/Resurrection Behavioral Health

Resurrection Behavioral Health provides individual, couple and family therapy to identified clients and their families. Issues may include depression, phobia, behavioral problems, family problems, single-parent issues, and support for persons with developmental disabilities. Group therapy is available to a variety of clients regarding anger management, chronic pain, self-esteem, and the like.

Resurrection Behavioral Health also has a full spectrum of services for people struggling with chemical dependency issues. Assessment, treatment and education are provided to all whom are affected.

A Partial Hospitalization Program offers services for adults who experience personality disorders, anxiety or depression in lieu of inpatient services. Aftercare services are provided for individuals who have been hospitalized to assist in their readjustment to the community and to provide medication when necessary. Spanish speaking referrals are welcome.

THRESHOLDS PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION CENTERS

Thresholds assists and inspires people with severe mental illnesses to reclaim their lives by providing the supports, skills and respectful encouragement they need to achieve hopeful and successful futures. As Illinois' oldest and largest psychiatric rehabilitation center, the agency manages 30 service locations and more than 75 housing facilities in the Chicagoland area and serves more than 6,000 people each year. The agency provides a comprehensive program of mental health services, including psychiatric rehabilitation, outreach programs, housing, employment services, educational advancement, and wellness management and recovery.

TREATMENT & RESEARCH ADVANCEMENTS ASSOCIATION FOR PERSONALITY DISORDER (TARA-APD))

The mission of TARA-APD, a 501(c)(3) organization, is to foster education and research in the field of personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder; to support research into the causes, psychobiology and treatment of personality disorders; to support educational programs targeting mental health professionals, consumers, families, and the community at large in order to reduce stigma and increase awareness of personality disorders; to disseminate available information on etiology and treatment; and to lawfully advocate for accomplishment of these goals. The TARA Chicago chapter holds monthly family educational/support group meetings.

Trilogy, Inc.

Since its founding in 1971 as a vocational workshop program, Trilogy has evolved into a comprehensive community mental health organization serving nearly 600 seriously mentally ill adults annually and, through a contractual relationship with Counseling Center of Lakeview, provides child and adolescent assessment, case management and psychiatric services for the Rogers Park community. In the past 30 years, Trilogy has supported thousands of individuals with psychiatric disabilities by responding to their need for treatment, programs and services. It is the mission of Trilogy to empower those individuals to meet their full potential. Trilogy services are tailored to meet individual needs. Through programs of psychosocial rehabilitation; vocational rehabilitation; case management; emergency mental health services; and residential support Trilogy clients learn about their mental illness; the importance of medication compliance; psychotherapy; the value of safe, affordable housing; and keeping active.

Wilpower

WilPower offers psychiatric rehabilitation, employment assistance and supported residential services to adults with serious mental illness who live in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago. We support recovery efforts through skills instruction, problem solving, supportive counseling, and providing an environment for mutual aid.

Youth Organizations Umbrella (Y.O.U.)

Y.O.U is a youth services agency providing young people age 10-18 and their families with a continuum of services including school-based, after-school programs; individual and family counseling; and street outreach.

Since 1971. Y.O.U. has responded to the changing needs of youth, adapting and expanding programs and, when necessary, relocating to serve the youth most at-risk. Our programs are based on a core belief that young people will grow into healthy, creative, compassionate adults by having opportunities to explore new talents, skills and ideas; being assured of their physical and emotional safety; and being in relationships with caring, trusted adults.

What I Wish You Knew

The site includes an invitation for teens around the world to share some of their thoughts, ideas and opinions. It offers an opportunity for parents and other adults to know more about teens, to really get to know what is on their minds and in their hearts. The background of this project and names of both professional and youth advisors to this website are on the About Us page. More information about the advisors can be found on the Advisory Board page.

Whatiwishyouknew.com is not a blog. It is intended to be an educational site for parents and other adults around the world. It is our hope that, together, teens from many countries can create a voice that adults throughout the world will really hear. Anonymity is respected. Names are not used without permission, nor is anything posted that identifies the writer without written permission. The purpose of the site is simply to try to educate adults about what it’s like growing up these days.

WILLOW HOUSE

Willow House is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing supportive services for children, teens, and their families, as well as communities dealing with death and dying through direct support services, crisis intervention and community outreach and education. The Willow House Survivors of Suicide Support Program provides support groups, resources and advocacy for families with children and communities grieving the death of a loved one by suicide.