Case Management

The program is committed to providing free and confidential services to survivors of violent crime, including information, opportunities, advocacy, and support, especially in the civil and criminal justice system processes. We aspire to empower and assist survivors of crime in their recovery. On behalf of victims, we act as liaisons between victims and a variety of justice system departments and personnel. We advocate for victims' needs and wishes within the system and help victims determine which courses of action are best for them. We recognize the impact crime has had on victims, and support the important role victims play in criminal justice processes. We work to ensure victims are treated fairly and respectfully and provide services that lessen the impact of the crime and restore victims' losses.

Crisis Intervention

Response to crisis situations involving violent attack, death, sexual assault, and /or emotional trauma. Services are provided on-scene when engaged by Police or EMS and provided to all Wheeling residents and those involved in the crisis in the Village of Wheeling.

Psycho-educational Groups

The Social Service Division, from time to time throughout the year, will hold education seminars and groups with the focus on community needs. These programs strive to educate the Wheeling residents on important topics facing the community.

Short Term Crisis Counseling

 Our social workers provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling in an attempt to help residents understand issues which affect their lives. The Professionals within the Social Services Division work closely with other professionals to provide the best services available. The local social services network includes:

• Agencies
• Community mental health centers
• Courts
• Physicians
• Schools
• Townships

Counseling is of a confidential nature and confidentiality of client records is respected in accordance with the law.

Social Services for Seniors

The Lunch at the Center program will follow the Illinois Department of Public Health, Cook County Department of Health, and the Illinois Department of Aging COVID guidelines for congregate settings to make sure our pariticipants are safe and healthy.  The program will remain in a hybrid format which will allow seniors who do not wish to dine in-person yet will continue to receive nutritious meals and friendly  conversation to drive-through and pick up their meals.  This hybrid format will continue until further notice.  Meal pick-up will be from 10:00am to 1:00pm and in-person lunch service will be from 10:30am to 12:30pm, Monday through Friday. Reservations are required.

New participants please Click Here to fill out the Congregate Dining Form.  
 
Click Here to fill out the Congregate Dining Form in Spanish

Location: 

Wheeling Park District 
100 Community Boulevard Room 107
Wheeling, IL 60090

Scheduling & Costs: 

Pick up option: 

•  Monday to Friday
• 10:00am - 1:00pm (times are subject to change, please check the current menu for accurate times) 

Congregate Dine in option:

•  Monday to Friday  
• 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
•  No walk-ins will be accepted

The actual cost to provide each meal is $8.00. Each participant is asked to contribute part of the cost of their meal. The suggested donation/contribution is $5 per meal. All contributions are voluntary and confidential. No one will be denied service for inability to pay.

For Lunch Menus and Active Adult Newsletter 

 - Click here

Reservations

We ask that you reserve your spot for lunch by Wednesday at noon, the week before you plan to eat.  The best way to ensure you have a lunch is to register at the check-in station.  Currently, following IDOA regulations, you must make a reservation to dine in person.  If you do not have a reservation and come to the dining room, you will not be able to join the lunch but you will be able to take a lunch to go if extras are available.  Menus are available with information regarding the programs offered during and after the meals as well.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 847-650-0650 and let us know as early as possible.  We eill be able to fill your spot many times.  If you find yourself wanting to join us for lunch but you are not registered, please give us a call as we may have openings as well.

Funding

Funds in whole or part for this program are provided through an award/contract from Age Options under the Older American Act Title III, Federal Administration on Aging, through the Illinois Department of Aging.

Other information

A congregate meal may be purchased for a homebound spouse or for the weekend as long as it does not deprive another older person of a meal.  These meals should be ordered ahead of time, preferably when making reservations for your meal.  These meals cost $ 8.00 each.

The Village of Wheeling does not discriminate in admission to programs or activities or treatment of employment in compliance with appropriate State and Federal statutes.  Demographic information may be collected initially at registration in order to better serve participants and to provide a vehicle to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.  We ask for your cooperation.

Illinois Benefits Access Application (Circuit Breaker Application)

In order to participate in the Senior Ride Free program you will have to apply through the Benefits Access Application. Wheeling residents may call the Social Services Division at 847-459-2606 for an appointment to fill out the application. 

After the approval of the state application, applicants will need to go to their nearest Ride Free and Reduced Fair application site.

Click here for list of sites

For more information please visit the Illinois Department of Aging. 

Medical Lending

Medical equipment is available for Wheeling residents only. Medical Equipment is available for a loan of 60 days use and 30 days for wheelchairs. Please call Social Services at 847-459-2606 with your needs.

Memory Screenings (Appointments Only - 30 Minutes)

Memory Screening makes sense for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia, whose family and friends have noticed changes in them, or a related illness. Screenings also are appropriate for anyone who does not have a concern right now, but who wants to establish a baseline score for comparison in the future. For more information please call 847-459-2606.

Senior Health Insurance Program Assistance (Ship)

SHIP is a free counseling service provided by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Insurance. 

• SHIP does not sell or solicit insurance.
• SHIP is not an insurance plan.
• SHIP trains volunteer counselors throughout the State of Illinois to provide one-on-one help with insurance. 
• SHIP Volunteer
• counselors provide you with information you need to make educated decsions about your insurance.

They can answer questions about:

• Medicare 
• Rights and Guarantees
• Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO's, PPO's , PFFS)
• Prescription Drug Coverage thru Medicare and other sources
• Long-term Care Insurance
• Medicare Claims and Appeals

For more information on SHIP please call 1- 800-548-9034 or visit their website : https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/ship/Pages/default.aspx

Wheeling residents may call the Social Services Division at 847-459-2606 for an appointment during Medicare open enrollment. 

Subsidized Taxi Program for Wheeling Residents

Discount for Wheeling seniors. $2 per ride/8 rides per month. Pre-registration is necessary. 

View the Taxi Discount Program Application Form  

Telephone Reassurance

We care about our seniors well being; a staff member will call Monday through Friday around 9 a.m.each morning to make sure the Senior is doing well.

Social Services Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Application Form (PDF)

Opportunities are available to volunteer for:  Lunch servers