- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Police Department
- Divisions / Units
- Social Services Division
Social Services
The Village of Wheeling Social Services Division works within the Police Department but coordinates with all Village departments, to address the needs of our community. Social Services staff are available to provide information and support regarding basic needs including public benefits, community resources, and financial assistance. Other issues in which we assist include (but are not limited to):
- Crime Abuse or Neglect
- Domestic Violence
- Crime Victim Advocacy
- Family Problems( including Juvenile issues and Marital Conflicts)
- Homelessness
- Mental Illness
- Older Adult Issues (including self-neglect, housing, case management, transitions, etc.)
- Substance Abuse
How Can We Help?
Social Services are available by phone at 847-459-2606, by appointment, or by email. Social workers are available for consultation for all residents of the Village of Wheeling. Our Office is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Assessments and Referrals and Crisis Intervention
Case Management for Victims of Crime
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 crises involving violent attack, death, sexual assault, 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.
Short Term Counseling
Our social workers provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling in an attempt to help residents understand issues that 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 confidential and the confidentiality of client records is respected under the law.
Social Services for Seniors
Lunch @ the Center is designed for adults aged 60 and above. This program offers more than just lunch, participants will enjoy a well-balanced meal while socializing with peers. Lunch @ the Center also hosts special events, including musical performances and educational programs. Please note that registration is required to participate in this program, and all participants are asked to fill out our registration forms before signing up for any meals. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Registration Forms
If you prefer to fill out a paper form, you can visit Room 107 at the Wheeling Park District between 8 am– 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, if you're attending your first registered meal, please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the form.
Dine-In participants, please Click here to fill out the Congregate Dining Registration Form.
Location:
Wheeling Park District
100 Community Boulevard Room 107
Wheeling, IL 60090
Scheduling & Costs
Congregate Dine-in option:
- Monday to Friday
- 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- No walk-ins will be accepted.
Cost
The actual cost to provide each meal is $12.00. 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 lunch is to register at the check-in station or by calling 847-650-0650. You must make a reservation to dine in person. If you do not have a reservation, you may need to wait until the end to see if any extra meals are available.
Menus are available with information regarding the programs offered during and after the meals as well.
Register online via myactivecenter.com
Cancellations
If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 847-650-0650 and let us know as early as possible. We will 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/part) for this publication/program were provided through an award/contract from AgeOptions under the Older Americans Act Title III, Federal Administration on Aging, and through the Illinois Department on Aging.
Other information
A congregate meal may be purchased for a homebound spouse or 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 $ 12.00 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. If you feel that you have been discriminated against, call (847) 499-9090 or 1(800) 699-9043.
Medical Lending
Medical equipment is available for Village of Wheeling residents only. Medical Equipment is available for a loan of 60 days of use. Please call Social Services at 847-459-2606 with your needs.
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 and it is not an insurance plan.
- SHIP trains volunteer counselors throughout the State of Illinois to provide one-on-one help with insurance. They provide you with the information you need to make educated decisions about your insurance.
- They can answer questions about Medicare Rights and Guarantees & Medicare Claims and Appeals
- Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, PPOs, PFFS) & Prescription Drug Coverage through Medicare and other sources
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.
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 each morning to make sure the Senior is doing well. To register for this helpful program, please call 847-459-2606 and ask to speak with a social worker.
Social Services Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Lunch at the Center program. We love our volunteers and they love us! Please consider lending us a hand once or twice a week. Volunteers are needed in all areas of our program. No amount of time is too little.
Check out the Volunteer Application here.
Volunteer Application Form (PDF)