A Special E-News Message from Village President Catherine M. Adduci

February, 16, 2021

A Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine M. Adduci

February 16, 2021

Dear River Forest Residents,

Non Profit Services Available

Thrive Counseling Center

Good mental health is as important as good physical health, and I want to encourage people to seek help to deal with isolation and depression, especially in challenging times like these. Thrive Counseling Center welcomes an environment where asking for help is not stigmatized and provides services that our community needs by acknowledging the dignity and worth of each individual. Their services have been essential during the pandemic, and this past year Thrive successfully raised more than 150% of its individual contribution goal, ensuring that services can continue to be expanded in 2021 and beyond. Symptoms of mental health issues may show up years later after the recovery from the COVID19 pandemic. Thrive offers clinic services, Pandemic Check In’s, and suicide prevention/awareness programs with the River Forest Police and Fire departments and High School District 200. Please click here for more information on the types of services Thrive offers.

The River Forest Police Department also relies on Thrive Counseling Center for 24/7 access to professional counselors to assist with the mediation of such mental health crises as domestic crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the River Forest Police Department and the individuals in crisis have been able to communicate with Thrive therapists by phone or video chat. Police Chief James O’Shea stated, “Mental health calls for service are among the most complex and can be time-consuming for officers. Thrive allows officers to be safer, reduce repeat calls for service, minimize the strain on agency resources, and connect people with mental illnesses to services.”

Township Services

For additional mental health resources, please refer to the River Forest Township Mental Health Services webpage, which offers a listing of community-based outpatient services, and www.healthconnectionhub.org for local mental health providers.

If you are an older adult, a family member of an older adult, or a caregiver of an older adult in River Forest or Oak Park and have any questions about care or services or just do not know where to start - call Oak Park and River Forest Township Senior Services at 708-383-8060. If you are concerned about an older adult outside of the immediate area or in another state, you can call 800-677-1116 or visit www.healthconnectionhub.org to get contact information about the local senior services in that person’s area.

Oak-Leyden Developmental Services

The caring community of Oak-Leyden Developmental Services has been serving over 500 individuals and families in our community for over 60 years. They are dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities achieve their highest potential through programs that support dignity, choice, and inclusion, as well as working to provide resources and support to families and caretakers. You can support these essential services by donating or purchasing a ticket to the Mighty Oak Gala for a chance to win raffle prizes!

Sarah’s Inn

Sarah’s Inn was founded in 1981 by a group of concerned women in River Forest and Oak Park, to address a lack of services for victims of domestic violence and their families. The agency has since grown to become one of the largest and most comprehensive domestic violence agencies serving Chicago and 22 surrounding West Cook County suburban communities. They provide comprehensive services for families affected by domestic violence so that they get the support they need to find safety, rebuild their lives, and heal. Visit their website to find help or to get involved.

Refuse Reminders

Due to the snowfall accumulation, refuse collection (garbage, recycling, and compost) has been delayed one day this week. Tuesday collection will take place Wednesday, Wednesday collection will be delayed to Thursday. If your collection day is Monday and your refuse was not picked up, Roy Strom will be collecting your refuse tomorrow, Wednesday, February 17.
Please assist Roy Strom refuse collectors by making sure your containers are accessible from the snow.

Snow Safety Reminders

During inclement weather, Nicor Gas offers these safety tips:
- Check that outdoor vent openings and air intakes are not obstructed by snow and ice to ensure the safe, proper operation of natural gas appliances, such as a furnace or water heater, and to prevent the potentially hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide within your home or business.
- Exercise caution removing snow or ice from your natural gas meter assembly. Use your hands or a broom, not a shovel, to brush away snow or ice from your meter and regulator. Never kick or hit your gas meter or its piping with a hammer or other hard object to break away built-up snow or ice.
Please view the Village’s guide to snow removal for more information regarding Village regulations and safety tips. For regular updates on statewide road conditions, visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com.
The issuance of overnight parking passes will resume this evening.

Sincerely,