Author Archive: interns

Domestic Violence Resources in Lake County (Townships: Benton, Deerfield, Libertyville, Moraine, Newport, Shields, Vernon, Warren, Waukegan, Zion)

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Courthouse 

Lake County Courthouse (847) 377-3600 

18 N County St, Waukegan, IL 60085 

In-House Domestic Violence Advocates: A Safe Place (847) 360-6471, 5th floor, Rm D-100 

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services 

A Safe Place (847) 249-4450 

Shelter, permanent housing, court advocacy, counseling, referrals. 

House of Peace (224) 430-4977 

The House of Peace Shelter, in partnership with Catholic Charities, provides a secure, temporary residence for Latina women and children suffering from domestic violence. 

Lake County Haven 847-680-5408 

Lake County Haven provides shelter and life-changing services so that homeless women and their children can achieve healthy, stable, independent living. 

Noah’s Rest (847) 764-6624 

Temporary shelter for pets of domestic violence survivors, available for transitional periods. 

Childcare 

YWCA Gurnee Child Care Assistance Program (847) 662-4247 

The YWCA administers the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program to help income-eligible parents pay for childcare while they work or go to school. 

Employment 

Catholic Charities Family Self-Sufficiency Program (847) 782-4233 

This program assists low-income, single parents with dependent children to break the cycle of welfare and poverty. Participants receive education, training, employment assistance, and case management for up to five years as they learn to achieve and maintain an independent, self-sufficient lifestyle that allows them to provide for their families’ basic needs. 

Lake County Job Center (847) 377-3450 

The Job Center cultivates and connects our employers and workforce to fuel economic growth and well-being in Lake County. The Job Center serves all members of the public. We have resources for job seekers who may have a barrier to employment or a specialized situation including veterans, youth, seniors, ex-offenders, and individuals with disabilities.
 

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (847) 201-1521 

Mano a Mano’s Education and Career Coach assists in resume and cover letters, scholarship search, job referrals, transfer credits, and volunteer programs.  

Food/Benefits 

Northern Illinois Food Bank (844) 600-7627 

The Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Outreach Team assists Lake County residents with SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and other public benefits programs. They can also link to various food pantries throughout the county. 

Mental Health 

Bradley Counseling Center 847-356-3322   

Bradley Counseling Center provides a range of outpatient therapy and psychological testing services. Locations include Lake Villa and Gurnee.  

Catholic Charities – Lake County Behavioral Health (847) 782-4049   

Provides professional mental health and substance abuse counseling services to families and individuals affected by one or more social problems. Individual and group counseling is offered in a safe and supportive atmosphere.  

Community Youth Network (CYN) Counseling Center 847-548-6000 

CYN Counseling Center is a non-profit comprehensive community-based counseling center that serves children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with a variety of mental health issues. CYN offers general and specialized counseling and psychotherapy, case management, crisis intervention, and community education. 

Family Service of Lake County 847-432-4981    

We provide counseling, education, and support services to strengthen individuals and families in need to succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and within our community. 

Gurnee Counseling Center 847-336-5621    

Gurnee Counseling Center offers a variety of mental health services including child, adolescent, couples, family, and geriatric counseling along with psychological testing and substance abuse assessment/treatment.  

Josselyn Center 847-441-5600  

Long-term, sustainable mental wellness programs with empathetic, culturally-aware, licensed therapists. For individuals, couples, young people, and families. 

Lake County Behavioral Health – Adults 847-377-8088, Child/Youth 847-377-8110   

Staff provide treatment, training and support services to persons experiencing problems related to emotional and mental illness, or drug and alcohol addiction. Individual and group therapy, case management, housing counseling, psychiatric medication, and emotional/cognitive skill-building methods of treatment are used. 

Youth and Family Counseling 847-367-5991    

Provides caring, confidential, personalized counseling in a private office environment. A staff of licensed psychotherapists works with children, teens, adults of all ages, couples, and families. 

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center – (847) 872-7799 (24-hr) 

Z-Center provides a place where survivors of sexual assault and abuse can heal, and works to mobilize the community toward action to end sexual violence. 

Housing 

Catholic Charities – Emergency Assistance Program (847) 782-4100 

Provides emergency food, shelter, rental and utility assistance, and crisis management services. Emergency food services help clients to meet short-term nutritional needs. Shelter services include emergency shelter for homeless women, children, and persons with medical needs that cannot be met by local shelters. Homeless prevention services include security deposit, rental and mortgage assistance to prevent homelessness. Other services that help a client stabilize include pharmaceutical assistance, transportation assistance, clothing vouchers, and case management services. 

Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAP Lake County) (847) 249-4330 

Community Action Partnership of Lake County serves Lake County, Illinois with programs that help local families find self-sufficiency. They accept applications for assistance via telephone, internet, and the use of dropbox service for: rent, mortgage, water/sewer bills, shelter, energy, and the curbside food pantry. 

Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) (847) 263-7478 

CPAH is a HUD-certified nonprofit organization that develops affordable housing and provides services that empower individuals and families to secure and retain quality housing. 

Great Lakes Credit Union (800) 982-7850 

Looking to make a purchase or in need of rental assistance? GLCU’s expert NCHEC and HUD-Certified counselors can walk you through every step of the process. Let GLCU guide you through the home buying or rental experience, taking advantage of every opportunity to help along the way. Schedule a screening at https://www.glcu.org/schedule-your-screening/ 

PADS Lake County (847) 689-4357 

PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support, resources, and shelter to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and a housing crisis. 

Township 

Illinois Townships 

We strongly advise reaching out to your Illinois township for a variety of assistance programs including emergency financial assistance, food pantries, access to state benefits, and other local resources. You can find your township by visiting https://prairie-research.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=16239dfab62f49e48e692bb93b495fd9. 

Utilities 

Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAP Lake County) 847-249-4330 

Community Action Partnership of Lake County serves Lake County, Illinois with programs that help local families find self-sufficiency. They accept applications for assistance via telephone, internet, and the use of drop box service for: rent, mortgage, water/sewer bills, shelter, energy, and the curbside food pantry. 

Domestic Violence Resources in Northwestern Cook County (Townships: Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, Wheeling)

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Courthouse 

Rolling Meadows Courthouse (847) 818-3000 

2121 Euclid Ave, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 

In-House Domestic Violence Advocates: Between Friends (847) 818-8900, Basement 

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services 

Apna Ghar (773) 334-4663 

Provides culturally-sensitive wraparound services including a 24-hour crisis line, shelter (emergency and transitional), case management, counseling, legal advocacy, and supervised visitation/exchange.  

Between Friends (800) 603-4357 

24-hour help line, counseling, legal assistance, resources  

KAN-WIN (847) 299-1392 

Additional resources available to survivors across immigrant, refugee, and marginalized communities. 24-hour help line, transitional housing, legal advocacy, case management, support group, children’s program 

WINGS Women’s Shelters (847) 519-7820 

Offering shelters across the Chicagoland area 

Noah’s Rest (847) 764-6624 

Temporary shelter for pets of domestic violence survivors, available for transitional periods. 

Childcare 

Illinois Action for Children (312) 823-1100 or https://www.actforchildren.org/home  

The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program makes it possible for families who qualify to receive financial assistance in paying for child care. Parents must meet the State of Illinois’ income and family size guidelines. 

Employment 

JCFS Career Services (855) 275-5237 

JCFS provides employment services including career exploration, job search strategies, and career workshops and groups. 

National Able Network (855) 994-8300 

National Able Network provides personalized career support that integrates career coaching, specialized training, and direct connections to the job market. 

Food/Benefits 

Greater Chicago Food Depository (773) 843-5416 

The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Outreach Team helps people in Cook County with SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and other public benefits programs. They can also link to various food pantries throughout the county. 

Housing 

JOURNEYS | The Road Home (847) 963-9163 ext: 117 

JOURNEYS | The Road Home is a non-profit agency that provides both shelter and social services to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in 37 towns in north/northwest suburban Cook County. 

Northwest Compass (847) 392-2344 

Northwest Compass provides comprehensive assessment, brief crisis intervention, counseling and assistance to people experiencing housing instability or homelessness by connecting them to housing options, resources and various supportive services. 

Suburban Cook Call Center (877) 426-6515 

The Suburban Cook Call Center is a coordinated entry point for resources to prevent homelessness throughout the county. Resources include rental assistance, shelter, and security deposit assistance.  

Mental Health 

Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (847) 885-0100 

CAC provides free, healing services to children who have experienced abuse, allowing them to process trauma and reclaim their childhoods. 

JCFS Counseling Services (855) 275-5237 

JCFS provides integrative counseling services and psychological testing to understand learning differences, cognitive, emotional and other mental health disorders. 

Kenneth Young Center (847) 524-8800 

Kenneth Young Center is a community-based non-profit, comprehensive provider of mental health and senior citizens’ support services. 

Life-Span (847) 824-0382 

Provides comprehensive services for women and children enabling them to stay together without violence, and/or to help women eliminate the abuse from their lives, build upon their strengths, and become self-sufficient. 

Northwest Center Against Sexual Abuse (NWCASA) (888) 802-8890 

NWCASA’s services include: individual, family, and group counseling for survivors and their loved ones; medical advocacy; legal advocacy; a crisis intervention telephone hotline; and professional training, sexual abuse prevention education, and community activism. 

OMNI Youth Services (847) 353-1500 

OMNI is a comprehensive behavioral health organization serving the needs of children, adolescents and adults throughout Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs. 

Township 

Illinois Townships 

We strongly advise reaching out to your Illinois township for a variety of assistance programs including emergency financial assistance, food pantries, access to state benefits, and other local resources. You can find your township by visiting https://prairie-research.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=16239dfab62f49e48e692bb93b495fd9 

Utilities 

Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA)  

CEDA offers a variety of services to low-income individuals including gas and electric assistance, furnace repair/replacement, and water assistance. For more information or to find an intake site near you, text “CEDA” to 313131. 

Domestic Violence Resources in Northeastern Cook County (Townships: Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield)

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Courthouse

Skokie Courthouse (847) 470-7200 

5600 Old Orchard Rd, Skokie, IL 60077  

In-House Domestic Violence Advocates: YWCA Evanston/North Shore (847) 470-5052, Rm 218 

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services 

Apna Ghar (773) 334-4663 

Provides culturally-sensitive wraparound services including a 24-hour crisis line, shelter (emergency and transitional), case management, counseling, legal advocacy, and supervised visitation/exchange.  

KAN-WIN (847) 299-1392 

Additional resources available to survivors across immigrant, refugee, and marginalized communities. 24-hour help line, transitional housing, legal advocacy, case management, support group, children’s program 

SHALVA (773) 583-4673 or https://shalvacares.org/ 

SHALVA supports Jewish women experiencing and healing from domestic abuse through counseling, supportive services, and community education. 

YWCA Evanston/North Shore (847) 864-8780 or (877) 718-1868 

24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter and longer-term housing, counseling, financial education, workforce training and employment assistance, affordable housing support, community education and training. 

Noah’s Rest (847) 764-6624 

Temporary shelter for pets of domestic violence survivors, available for transitional periods. 

 Childcare 

Illinois Action for Children (312) 823-1100 or https://www.actforchildren.org/home  

The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program makes it possible for families who qualify to receive financial assistance in paying for child care. Parents must meet the State of Illinois’ income and family size guidelines. 

Employment  

JCFS Career Services (855) 275-5237 

JCFS provides employment services including career exploration, job search strategies, and career workshops and groups. 

National Able Network (855) 994-8300 

National Able Network provides personalized career support that integrates career coaching, specialized training, and direct connections to the job market. 

Food/Benefits 

Greater Chicago Food Depository (773) 843-5416 

The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Outreach Team helps people in Cook County with SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and other public benefits programs. They can also link to various food pantries throughout the county.  

Housing 

Connections for the Homeless (847) 475-7070 

Connections for the Homeless works to prevent homelessness through financial assistance to households facing eviction, providing emergency shelter for people in crisis, securing permanent housing for individuals and families, and organizing the community through advocacy efforts. 

Suburban Cook Call Center (877) 426-6515 

The Suburban Cook Call Center is a coordinated entry point for resources to prevent homelessness throughout the county. Resources include rental assistance, shelter, and security deposit assistance. 

Mental Health 

Family Service Center (847) 251-7350 

FSC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) mental health agency serving the Illinois communities of Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, and Kenilworth. 

Haven Youth and Family Services (847) 251-6630 

Responds to the physical and emotional needs of youth and their families by providing emergency housing services, individual, group, and family therapy, 24-hour crisis intervention, daily outreach to area schools, psycho-educational workshops, youth leadership positions, and service-learning opportunities. 

JCFS Counseling Services (855) 275-5237 

JCFS provides integrative counseling services and psychological testing to understand learning differences, cognitive, emotional and other mental health disorders. 

Josselyn Center (847) 441-5600 

Long-term, sustainable mental wellness programs with empathetic, culturally-aware, licensed therapists. For individuals, couples, young people, and families. 

Womencare Counseling and Training Center (847) 475-7003 

Specializing in the relational treatment of trauma, Womencare Counseling and Training Center offers individual, relationship, and family counseling aimed at restoring life’s meaning and the capacity to form healthy relationships. 

Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook (847) 724-2620 

Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook offers various programs including counseling, crisis intervention and socialization groups. 

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center – Skokie (847) 872-7799 (24-hr) 

Z-Center provides a place where survivors of sexual assault and abuse can heal, and works to mobilize the community toward action to end sexual violence. 

Township 

Illinois Townships 

We strongly advise reaching out to your Illinois township for a variety of assistance programs including emergency financial assistance, food pantries, access to state benefits, and other local resources. You can look up your township by visiting https://prairie-research.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=16239dfab62f49e48e692bb93b495fd9 

Utilities  

Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA)  

CEDA offers a variety of services to low-income individuals including gas and electric assistance, furnace repair/replacement, and water assistance. For more information or to find an intake site near you, text “CEDA” to 313131. 

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Launches Financial Literacy Initiatives for Domestic Violence Survivors

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North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) announces a partnership with Heartland Alliance, a fellow grantee of the Chicago Foundation for Women, to help domestic violence survivors secure financial stability. Domestic violence survivors experience legal and financial obstacles to independence. Resources focused in these areas help domestic violence survivors eliminate such barriers to achieve safety, and live productive and secure lives.

The organizations created a series of short, informational videos to educate survivors on the basics of finances and building credit. They are also collaborating to refer survivors to Heartland Alliance’s financial coaching program and training NSLAC’s staff in financial coaching.

Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice Rebecca Weininger said, “We are always concerned about creating more issues for survivors by taking legal action without securing financial stability at the same time. The three initiatives that we have developed with Heartland Alliance will equip our staff to contribute to our clients’ financial security. We hope to expand this referral system to include our immigration and housing clients.”

Barbara L. Martinez, Manager in the Asset Building Programs at Heartland Alliance stated, “We are pleased to partner with NSLAC. Their mission and goals are closely aligned with ours. Reaching domestic survivors at the beginning of their journey means that we can help them achieve financial independence faster. Together, we are saving lives.”

Heartland Alliance has recorded a series of short, trauma-informed educational videos on the basics of financial literacy. These videos will be hosted on NSLAC’s successful Banana Bread website (www.bananabreadhelp.com)- a website that is disguised as a recipe blog- to provide a way for people to learn about domestic violence and resources for help without leaving an obvious digital trace. Topics include logistics for opening your own bank account, credit importance, and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

NSLAC now refers eligible clients (employed, safe, and ready to work toward a financial goal) to Heartland Alliance’s financial coaching program which includes monthly one-on-one financial coaching, online classes, and a stipend for completing the program. This coaching is designed for survivors who have already established some independence from their abuser.

Heartland Alliance is training the staff at NSLAC to educate our clients on financial information including credit building, why credit is important, how to obtain an ITIN, opening bank accounts, and what landlords look for in tenants.

NSLAC is staffed with domestic violence attorneys, a social worker, and advocates who provide confidential assistance. NSLAC works in conjunction with social service agencies and public safety officials who can help provide safety and resources. For more information, call 847-737-4042 or visit www.NSLegalaid.org.
Heartland Alliance, one of the world’s leading anti-poverty and human rights organizations, works in communities in the U.S. and abroad to serve people experiencing homelessness, living in poverty, or seeking safety. The organization provides a comprehensive array of services and advocates for policy change in the areas of safety and justice, health and healing, and economic opportunity.

Volunteer Spotlight: David Mason

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Dave has worked as a commercial finance lawyer in Chicago for 37 years, almost entirely at the law firm Goldberg Kohn Ltd.  Pro bono work, focusing on immigration matters, was a part of Dave’s practice for the last 10 years (albeit a small part).  Most of Dave’s pro bono projects involved assisting “Dreamers” who came to this country as children.  “I got great pleasure helping these hard-working young adults achieve their dream of remaining and creating lives for themselves in the United States.”  Dave always regretted that he did not find more time for more pro bono matters.  Having recently retired from practicing finance law, Dave promised himself that he would find a way to  do more pro bono work.    Dave was introduced to NSLAC by board member Laura Ulrich, a friend and spouse of one of Dave’s law partners.    “While I have been involved with the Clinic for only a short time, I have been impressed by the professionalism, passion and efficiency with which the Clinic represents its clients.  Residents of Chicago’s Northern suburbs (of which I have been one for almost all of my life) should be very proud of the work done by NSLAC.”  In retirement, Dave plans on spending more time with family (all of whom live in the Chicago area), traveling,  a handful of hobbies and pro bono legal projects.

 

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Adds Legal Staff

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The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Housing Law Practice Attorney Kevin Sheehan and Immigration Law Practice Law Clerk Belany Contreras.

Kevin Sheehan is a staff attorney driven by community-based advocacy and seeking the best possible results for low-income clients with our housing law practice. He brings not-for-profit legal aid experience in community outreach and as a housing staff attorney. Kevin has also worked as legal counsel to the Illinois Senate President and has experience advising and crafting policies focusing on racial equity and justice. He is dedicated to helping others. He has provided pro bono services to Equip for Equality and has served on the American Cancer Society Associate Board of Ambassadors.

Kevin received his J.D. from the DePaul College of Law and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Dayton.

Belany Contreras was born in Mexico and was one of the first in her family to come to the U.S. She has always been passionate about helping the community and individuals in need. Her own immigrant experience inspired her to study law to become an immigration lawyer. She has worked as an intern and volunteer at multiple non-profit organizations including the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic and Instituto del Progreso Latino. During law school, Belany worked as a student attorney at the Community Enterprise and Solidarity Economy Clinic. While working there, she worked with immigrant entrepreneurs.

Belany received her J.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law. She received her B.A. from Lake Forest College, where she majored in Latin American Studies and double-minored in Social Justice and Legal Studies.

“There continues to be an uptick in cases in our law practice areas. The addition of highly qualified attorneys and staff supports NSLAC’s mission of providing accessible, quality, free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration to give those in need of access to justice the opportunity to live productive and secure lives,” said Executive Director Susan Shulman. “Access to justice is a human right and these talented individuals deeply understand the work that we do to provide it.”

Volunteer Spotlight: Heidi Sachs

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Heidi Sachs is an attorney with Sullivan Wolf Kailus LLC where she focuses on commercial contracts. Heidi lives in Highland Park with her husband Rick Maletsky and their three children. Heidi is on the board of several local organizations including JUF Women’s Philanthropy and the PTO of her daughter’s school.

Heidi understands first-hand the importance of providing high quality legal services to those in need. When Heidi was a junior associate at a large law firm in New York City, she had the opportunity to spend 6 months working for the East Harlem Legal Aid Society. Thus, when board member and friend Leslie Katz asked her to get involved with the Clinic, Heidi was excited. Heidi has been extremely impressed with the professionalism and dedication of everyone at the Clinic and greatly enjoys serving on its Advocacy Committee.