It can be hard to ask for help, especially when you’re going through a difficult personal situation. While library staff are not qualified to help in the way we'd like, we do care and want to see you get the help you need. Here are a few resources that can hopefully help if you or someone you care about are experiencing any of these situations.
- Suicide Prevention
- For Those Experiencing Domestic Abuse, Rape, Assault, & Harassment
- General Resources for Mental & Physical Health & Safety
- Immigration Resources & Support
- LGBTQ Alliances, Support & Resources
- For Those Experiencing Homelessness
- For Those Experiencing Hunger
- For Those Struggling with Addiction
- Resources for Seniors
- LGBTQ College Student Resource Guide
- Addiction Recovery During Higher Education
Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255
Text: text HOME to to the Crisis Text Line at 741741
Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Description: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Talking to Your Kids about Suicide
Website: https://socialworklicensemap.com/blog/talking-to-kids-about-suicide/
Description: Suicide prevention may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with children and adolescents. But much like sex and intimacy, domestic violence and substance misuse, the topic can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. View this page for information and talking points regarding suicide.
For Those Experiencing Domestic Abuse, Rape, Assault, & Harassment
Local Resources
Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network
Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline: 1.877.863.6338
Website: http://batteredwomensnetwork.org/
Description: The Network is a collaborative membership organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by domestic violence through education, public policy and advocacy, and the connection of community members to direct service providers.
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline: 1.877.863.6338
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233
Website: http://www.ilcadv.org/
Description: The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) is a not for profit, membership organization that works to eliminate domestic violence by promoting the eradication of domestic violence throughout Illinois; ensuring the safety of survivors, their access to services, and their freedom of choice; holding abusers accountable for the violence they perpetrate; and encouraging the development of victim-sensitive laws, policies and procedures across all systems that impact survivors.
Illinois Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Hotline
Hotline: 1.877.236.7703
Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sexualharassment/Pages/default.aspx
Description: You have a right to be free of sexual harassment in the workplace, housing, educational or business environment. Sexual harassment is unwanted, deliberate or repeated sexual behavior. Sexual harassment can include the display of sexually suggestive objects, signs, magazines, or pictures, or the sending sexually suggestive emails or text messages to persons who do not want this attention. Sexual harassment can also be a subtle or direct requirement that a sexual or social relationship is part of your job, your housing, or your educational performance. For example, making any part of your job (such as wages, promotions, references or working conditions), any part of your housing (such as your rent, your security deposit or lease renewal), or any part of your educational performance (such as grades, honors, course work, or scholarships) contingent on submission to the sexual behavior.
Resilience
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1.888.293.2080
Website: https://www.ourresilience.org/
Description: Founded in 1974, Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates) has been on the front lines of working with survivors of sexual violence. Although much has changed since 1974, the need for our services has not. In fact, it has increased, expanding the need and scope of the services we provide. We continue to work with survivors of sexual violence. However, our work now addresses the entire spectrum of sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, and prevention, with an additional focus on public education and institutional advocacy.
Sarah's Inn
Crisis Hotline: 708.386.4225
Text: 708.792.3120
Website: https://sarahsinn.org/
Description: 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.
Secretary of State (Illinois)
Child Abuse and Neglect: 1.800.252.2873
Website: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/home.html
National Resources
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)
Website: https://www.rainn.org/
Description: RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Hotline - Phone & Text: 1.800.422.4453
Website (including chat): https://childhelphotline.org/
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All contacts are confidential. Their site also includes resources about different types of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.
Child Sex Abuse Resources by Herman Law
Website: https://hermanlaw.com/child-sex-abuse/
Herman Law is a national (focused in California, Florida, & New York) law firm for victims of sexual abuse. Their site offers resources for victims and their families, including warning signs and symptoms, how to react and support your child, prevention, statistics, where to get help, and more.
General Resources for Mental & Physical Health & Safety
Illinois Attorney General
Website: http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/
Description: The Illinois Attorney General has a wide array of resources in regards to sexual assault, domestic violence, child safety, youth advocacy, knowing your legal rights, helping crime victims, and more.
Leyden Family Service & Mental Health Center
Crisis Line: 847.451.1100
Website: http://www.leydenfamilyservice.org/
Description: Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center is dedicated to excellence in providing counseling, mental health, substance abuse and social support services that strengthen individuals, families and communities. We Provide these services with integrity, a caring spirit and with respect to individual needs.
LiveAnotherDay.org
Phone: 866.720.1044
Website: https://liveanotherday.org/
Descriptions: While offering general mental health and substance abuse support, one of the core areas of focus for LiveAnotherDay.org is on curating mental health resources for/by the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Phone: 1.800.950.6264
Text: Text "NAMI" to 741741
Website: https://www.nami.org/
Description: NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/
Description: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
Highlight on Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/coping-tips
Smart Love Family Services
Website: https://www.smartlovefamily.org/
Description: Smart Love Family Services is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002. Their mission is to help children, adolescents, parents, couples and adults achieve greater inner well-being, sustain closer relationships and reach their full potentials in life. Their services are based on the Smart Love™ principles and include early childhood education, counseling services, parent coaching and education classes. They also provide training and consultation to agencies, schools and organizations, helping their childcare personnel positively influence children’s social and emotional outcomes.
Thrive Counseling Center
Crisis Hotline: 708.383.7500
Website: https://www.thrivecc.org/services/247-crisis-team/
Description: A mental health crisis is an intensive behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric response, typically triggered by a precipitating event, which causes one’s usual coping strategies or problem solving skills to be overwhelmed. The goal of crisis intervention is to ultimately stabilize the immediate situation, provide support and facilitate understanding. The crisis counselors at Thrive are all Master’s level clinicians and our team works closely with local law enforcement, allowing our crisis counselors to respond on site within the Oak Park and River Forest community.
Veteran's Crisis Line
Crisis Hotline: 1.800.273.8255 and Press 1
Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/hotline
Description: The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/women-infants-and-children-wic
Description: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
Immigration Resources & Support
ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights)
Hotline: 1.855.HELP.MY.FAMILY (1.855.435.7693)
Website: https://www.icirr.org/
Description: ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.
Immigration Advocates Network
Website: https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/
Description: The Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) is dedicated to expanding access to immigration legal resources and information through collaboration and technology. IAN was created in 2007 by leading immigrants' rights organizations, to increase access to justice for low-income immigrants and strengthen the capacity of organizations serving them. We create our own tools, build platforms for others, and work with partners to harness the power of technology and collective action to better support immigrants and their advocates.
Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) For Undocumented (Non-Visa Status) Individuals
Website: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/TVDL/tvdl.html
Description: Information about eligibility requirements and process for getting a Non-Visa Status TVDL in Illinois.
Car Ownership for DACA and Undocumented Citizens
Website article (English): https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/car-ownership-for-undocumented-citizens/
Website article (Español): https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/posesion-automovil-daca-y-indocumentadas/
Article with information about getting a driver's license, buying a car, and getting car insurance.
LGBTQ Alliances, Support, & Resources
Center on Halsted - Anti-Violence Project
LGBTQ Violence Resource Line: 773.871.CARE (2273)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.centeronhalsted.org/AVP.html
The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) at the Center on Halsted empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
Center on Halsted - HIV/HCV Testing
Phone: 773.661.0910
Text: 872.243.1004
Website: http://www.centeronhalsted.org/HIV.html
To schedule an HIV/HCV testing appointment, call 773.661.0910 or text 872.243.1004 for walk-in testing times. The Center on Halsted offers free rapid HIV testing Monday–Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The test takes 21 minutes to process. A trained Health Educator will administer your test and provide you with current and accurate medical information and emotional support.
LGBT National Help Center
Youth Talkline: 1.800.246.7743
National Hotline: 1.888.843.4564
Website: https://www.glbthotline.org/
Description: Serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people by providing free and confidential peer-support and local resources.
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians)
Phone: 708.386.3016
Website: https://pflag.org/
Description: Founded in 1973 after the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG has 400 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Trans Lifeline
Hotline: 1.877.565.8860
Website: https://www.translifeline.org/
Description: Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led organization dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. Our vision is to fight the epidemic of trans suicide and improve overall life-outcomes of trans people by facilitating justice-oriented, collective community aid.
The Trevor Project
Hotline: 1.866.488.7386
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Description: Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
For Those Experiencing Homelessness
Elmwood Park Warming & Cooling Centers
Website: https://elmwoodpark.org/residents/emergencies/
Warming and cooling centers have been established with the assistance of the Fire and Police Departments. Warming and cooling centers have been developed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the elderly, very young and those residents who are medically compromised during inclement weather.
The Village has designated two areas as warming/cooling centers:
- Primary warming/cooling center
Public Safety Building located at 7420 Fullerton Avenue, 708.453.2137. - Secondary warming/cooling center
Elmwood Park Parks and Recreation building located at 2 Conti Parkway, 708.452.3935.
To obtain further information, contact the Health and Human Services Department at 708-452-3907.
Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County
Phone: 708.236.3261
Website: http://www.suburbancook.org/
Description: The Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County coordinates the Cook County Continuum of Care (IL-511), which encompasses homeless assistance efforts throughout all of Cook County except for the city of Chicago. Contact us for if you need emergency shelter, mortgage, rent or utility assistance or you are a victim of domestic violence. We also have a small list of helpful links for people in a housing crisis.
Catholic Charities
Website: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Description: The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same.
Cook County Warming Centers:
Website: http://cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org/cook-county-warming-centers
Description: Residents, who do not have access to heat and want relief from the cold temperatures, are encouraged to utilize warming centers open throughout Cook County.
Housing Forward (formerly PADS)
Phone: Suburban Cook Call Center at 1.877.426.6515)
or the Support Center at 708.338.1724 (toll free 1.888.338.1744)
Website: https://www.housingforward.org/gethelp (for a list & schedule of shelters nearby)
Description: While Housing Forward provides overnight shelters that include dinner, breakfast and a sack lunch to go, the mission of Housing Forward is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. Housing Forward is the only social service agency in west Cook County with a comprehensive "housing + services" solution for transitioning individuals and families out of homelessness. Over the past 25 years, we have developed a unique, integrated approach that to date has transformed the lives of more than 15,000 people. Our solution is comprehensive and long-term, not just a quick fix, which benefits Housing Forward's clients and also the communities in which we operate.
National Runaway Safeline
Hotline: 1.800.786.2929
Website: https://www.1800runaway.org/
Description: The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) is here to listen whether you are thinking of running away or already have. Our services are confidential and nonjudgmental.
For Those Experiencing Hunger
Illinois Hunger Coalition (IHC)
Hunger Hotline: 1.800.359.2163
Website: https://www.ilhunger.org/
Description: The Illinois Hunger Coalition (IHC), founded in 1988, is the only statewide membership organization that works to end hunger and address the underlying causes by working for a deeper and more transformative approach to economic and racial justice. IHC's goal is to organize grassroots collaborative efforts across low-income communities to expand programs that reduce poverty, bring federal and state resources to low-income communities, and train less-advantaged individuals to become leaders.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Phone: 1.800.545.7892 (Illinois)
Website: https://www.isbe.net/nslp
Description: The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a voluntary program available to all public and private schools, and residential child care institutions which agree to operate a non-profit program offering lunches meeting federal requirements to all children in attendance. The NSLP also includes the School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, Seamless Summer Option, and Afterschool Care Program.
Beyond Hunger (formerly Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry)
Located in lower level of First United Church of Oak Park
848 Lake Street, Oak Park
Website: https://www.gobeyondhunger.org/
Description: We provide hunger-relief programing and services to 13 zip codes across Cook County, including Elmwood Park, portions of Chicago, and near-west Suburbs. Our service offerings seek to provide the food, resources, knowledge, and skills people need in order to live healthy, active lives.
Pantry's Food Distribution Hours:
Sat.: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 1st Wed. of Month: 7-8:30 p.m. | 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Wed.: 3:30-5 p.m.
St. Mother Guerin Food Pantry (formerly St. Celestine Alvernia Food Pantry)
Located at St. Celestine Catholic Church, 3020 N. 76th Ct., Elmwood Park
Website: https://stguerinparish.org/food-pantry/
Description: The Food Pantry is a ministry that provides food for families in the community who are experiencing a temporary need for assistance. Families or individuals may come once a month for food. The Food Pantry opens from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on three Thursdays of the month (check website for schedule).
USDA Food & Nutrition Service: Summer Meals
Phone: 1.866.3.HUNGRY
Text: Text "Food IL" or "Comidas IL" to 877877
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks
Description: Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger at many locations throughout the nation throughout the summer while school is out of session. Text or call to find a location near you.
USDA National Hunger Hotline
Hotline: 1.866.3.HUNGRY or 1.877.8.HAMBRE (for Spanish)
Website: https://www.hungerfreeamerica.org/about/our-work/usda-national-hunger-hotline
Description: The hotline is a resource for individuals and families seeking information on how to obtain food. The National Hunger Hotline staff connects callers with emergency food providers in their community, government assistance programs, and various social services.
For Those Struggling with Addiction
AddictionResource.net
For 24/7 Treatment Help call: 844.597.0006
Website: https://www.addictionresource.net/
Description: Addiction Resource is an informational content guide serving individuals and their families who struggle with addiction, substance use disorders, and mental health disorders.
Alcohol Rehab Guide
Hotline: 855.612.2528
Website: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/
Description: Alcohol Rehab Guide is an informational web source dedicated to supporting and helping anyone battling alcoholism or co-occurring behavioral and mental health disorders. All the information available on Alcohol Rehab Guide is developed by a team of researchers and journalists. Each published resource and article is selected with their audience’s best interest in mind. Alcohol Rehab Guide only references fact-based and relevant publications from trusted sources like government agencies and medical journals to ensure quality.
Alcohol Rehab Guide is partnered with nationally recognized treatment centers that offer counseling, rehab referrals, and consultations on treatment payment options for anyone needing help.
FreeRehabCenters.net
Hotline: 844.617.2040
Website: https://www.freerehabcenters.net/illinois/
Description: FreeRehabCenters.net offers a wealth of information about alcohol and drug treatment centers, alcohol and drug addiction, and treatment resources for those with substance use disorders and their loved ones. You will find an alcohol and drug rehab center directory, as well as treatment and substance abuse information. FreeRehabCenters.net aims to arm you and your family members and other support systems with the resources you need to help you begin addiction recovery.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/
Description: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
Highlight on Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/coping-tips
StartYourRecovery.org
Website: https://startyourrecovery.org/
Description: StartYourRecovery.org provides helpful information for people who are dealing with substance use issues — and their family members, friends, and co-workers, too. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges faced by those who misuse alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, or other substances, and we aim to break through the clutter to help people at any stage of recovery. Our goal is to offer people who are dealing with substance use issues a single source of reputable, objective information about signs, symptoms, conditions, treatment options, and resources — presented in a user-friendly format and in language that’s easy to understand.
Resources for Seniors
Grants for Seniors
Website: https://grantsforseniors.org/
Description: A volunteer organization working to provide seniors and retirees the relevant resources they need to get help, including: financial help, health care, housing assistance, food, daily life, and more.
Nursing Home Abuse Justice
Website: https://www.nursinghomeabuse.org/nursing-home-abuse/
Description: Nursing Home Abuse Justice was founded to shine a light on nursing home and elder abuse. Their team had one goal in mind: to bring light to the darkness caused by abuse inflicted upon our seniors in nursing homes. Their team helps educate seniors and their loved ones on the common causes, signs and preventions of nursing home abuse. They report on real-world studies and current events from respected news outlets to expose this national problem.
