Northwest Side Mental Health Resource Fair

 ► DATE:  Thursday, December 8, 2022  •  TIME:  3pm to 6pm

 ► Informational Sessions every 30 minutes

 ► Copernicus Center:  5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago

 ► Free Event & Free Parking

Join us to learn about the various mental health and wellness services that are available on the northwest side, as well as practical guidance on how to approach mental health issues. The event will include both informational tables from local organizations, as well as five 20-minute informational sessions on how to approach mental health issues and maintain healthy practices. See schedule of informational sessions below.

Please note, this event is designed to accommodate drop ins so please join us for any amount of time. Refreshments will be provided.

This event is organized by: State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, State Sen. Robert Martwick in collaboration with fellow state legislators, Sen. Pacione-Zayas, Rep. Andrade, Rep. Mike Kelly, Rep. Guzzardi, Rep. Dina-Delgado, Rep. Stephens, Sen. Villivalam as well as local service providers and support from Clarendale Six Corners.

Expected service providers: Envision Unlimited, Lutheran Services of Illinois, NAMI Chicago, The Kedzie Center, YMCA, Galter LifeCenter, Swedish Hospital, Chicago Park District, CTS Health, Healthcare Alternative Systems, Meditation Center of Chicago, &Rise, Trilogy, Pace Bus, and Rincon Family Services.

Informational Session Schedule of the Mental Health Resource Fair:

• 3:15pm | Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Well-Being | The Kedzie Center

In this session, you’ll learn about child development, supporting your child’s social and emotional competence, supporting strong social connections and being mindful that your own physical, mental and emotional needs are met.

The Kedzie Center provides individual, family and group therapy, psychiatric consultation, and guidance in identifying and accessing community resources. Their service area includes parts of Albany Park, North Park, Irving Park, and Sauganash.

• 3:45pm | Intro to Meditation | Meditation Center of Chicago

A Buddhist monk and meditation expert will explain and introduce meditation, its benefits, and how it is practiced. Then, they will lead a brief introductory meditation session. There will be time allotted for Q&A.

The Meditation Center of Chicago was founded by members of the Thai Buddhist community whose goals are to spread the many benefits of mindfulness meditation, offer information on Buddhist tradition, and provide an environment for anyone interested in exploring the richness of Thai culture.

• 4:15pm | How to Find Support When In Need | NAMI

If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health, who should you call? This session will explore how to use
NAMI Chicago’s Helpline, a local resource available 7 days a week for help finding the right mental health resources. The session will also share information about nationwide crisis lines like 988.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) brings the needs of persons with mental illness and their families to the attention of legislators, service providers, medical staff, and the general public.

• 4:45pm | Getting Connected to LSSI | LSSI

LSSI will share tips for maintaining mental wellness during the winter holidays, the range of services available in the community, and when and how to reach out for help. The expanded behavioral health services available at our Byron Street location in Portage Park will also be covered, including both virtual and in-person services and how to access them.

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is one of the largest statewide social service providers. LSSI welcomes all people and provides a wide array of services including mental health.

• 5:15pm | Trauma Informed Care | Envision Unlimited

Envision will describe what trauma is and how it impacts people. Trauma does not discriminate and can affect anyone from any socioeconomic status. Some highlights of trauma-informed care include changing language of blame to that of understanding/compassion. Family, friends, and professionals can make small changes to their language to gain a better understanding of those experiencing trauma. Trauma is something that happened to someone, not who they are.

Envision Unlimited provides day programs, community living services, employment services, a foster care program, and mental health services.

For questions about this Mental Health Resource Fair, or to learn more about this event, please call
773-647-1174 or email [email protected].

Public Transportation to the Copernicus Center

Public transportation to the Copernicus Center, walk to Copernicus Center from Jefferson Park terminal, Copernicus Center ChicagoClick for larger view
The Copernicus Center is easily accessible by public transportation. The Blue Line, METRA (Union Pacific/Northwest Line), CTA Bus routes, and PACE all stop at the Jefferson Park Transit Center.

A very short 1 1/2 block (5-minute walk) down N. Lipps Avenue takes you directly to the Center (cut through our parking lot entrance).

Click here to get directions on Google Maps – 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60630

Copernicus Center Event Patrons:
“An inherent risk of exposure to COVID exists in any place where people gather. COVID is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. You assume all risks, hazards, and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the risk of contracting COVID or any other communicable disease or illness, or a virus, bacteria, or other pathogen capable of causing a communicable disease or illness, while attending the event or otherwise utilizing Copernicus Foundation’s services and/or entering onto its premises, whether occurring before, during, or after the event. You further voluntarily release and waive all claims and potential claims against etix, Copernicus Foundation and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, successors and assigns and their respective officers, employees, contractors, consultants and agents, Event Organizers, the Venue, the Presenter, the Event, the Event Producers, and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, successors and assigns and their respective officers, employees, contractors, consultants and agents, in connection with exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID or another communicable disease or illness, bacteria, virus, or pathogen related to your attendance at the event and/or utilization of Copernicus Foundation’s services and premises. We reserve the right to unilaterally make changes to health protocols according to updated public health guidance and law. By continuing, you agree to these terms.”

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