Illinois Department of Human Services

At IDHS, we’re here to lend a hand when it’s needed most. This is a season of gratitude and togetherness, but it can also be a challenging time for many. If you or someone you care about is struggling, remember you’re not alone. To connect with a compassionate, trained crisis counselor, available 24/7 for mental health, substance use, or emotional support:  📞 Dial 988   🖥️ Visit 988lifeline.org Let’s give thanks for the strength in asking for help and the power of connection. You matter, and there’s always someone ready to listen. #988 #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #HelpIsHere  

📊 1 in 12 kids will lose a parent or sibling by age 18. 📊 1 in 5 of these losses is due to substance use. These heartbreaking realities call for compassionate and informed support—and you can help.  Join Threads of Hope, a virtual two-day training designed for first responders, educators, service providers, and community advocates. Led by grief expert Jessica Porté, who will cover:  - Science-based strategies to support grieving children and families  - A family-centered approach for providing meaningful care 🗓️ When: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST  📍 Choose the date that works for you!  Spots are limited—register now: January 21 & 22: https://lnkd.in/e_4T3rKC February 6 & 7: https://lnkd.in/eC7rsEsz February 20 & 21: https://lnkd.in/eJSYGJEP March 6 & 7: https://lnkd.in/ekUdQ_2G March 26 & 27: https://lnkd.in/e3-khqts #GriefSupport

Welcome back to the weekly installment of our TGD Wellness campaign in partnership with Illinois Department of Human Services and Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago It can be challenging navigating the holidays but remember, you are never alone and there are people ready to listen and provide support. If you need an in-person connection, contact one of our Health and Wellness Navigators at hwn@youth-outlook.org or call (630) 201-4466 to set up a confidential appointment and help connect you with resources.

Free, online suicide prevention training and continuing education credits are available for anyone who supports or serves our military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.  Sign up to become a voice for those who serve: https://lnkd.in/gZaAPgQE 

988 is NOT 911. One of the goals of 988 is to reduce the necessity for police involvement when someone is in crisis. 988 call specialists are trained to listen and support you when you’re in distress, with a focus on de-escalation and coping skills. When you call 988 you will receive compassionate care aimed at meeting your specific needs. #988 #HelpisHere

A group home in Edwardsville just got a little bigger!     IDHS is proud to support the expansion of the Dogwood group home, part of the Residential Options and Challenge Unlimited network.      A grant from IDHS helped add 1,120 square feet of accessible space, including a large dining area, two new bedrooms, a new bathroom and a new patio to the home, making it ADA compliant.     We’re honored to partner with organizations like Challenge Unlimited and Residential Options, who are dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive communities. Together, we can make a difference!     Read more about the improvements: https://lnkd.in/gEMu5aeY  

Manage your benefits online with the updated Manage My Case portal. Setting up your account is easy:  -Visit ABE.Illinois.gov  -Click 'Manage My Case’  -Link your account to your benefit case and confirm your identity You can renew benefits, report changes, upload documents, receive notices, and handle appointments and appeals all in one place.  

Congratulations to our IDHS Office of Strategy, Equity and Inclusion!   Director Caronina Grimble and her team received the Health Equity Award from the Illinois Public Health Association for the Healing Illinois Initiative.   Healing Illinois is a racial healing initiative led by IDHS in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois. The program distributes grants to organizations across the state to begin or continue the work of racial healing through community building, storytelling, and education.   Congratulations to Zoe Magierek, Field Foundation grants administrator, for also receiving the award! Thank you to the Field Foundation for your partnership.   And sincere gratitude to the Illinois Public Health Association for honoring this impactful work with such meaningful recognition.

At IDHS, we’re dedicated to helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment, gain financial independence, and build successful careers.  To learn more about employment opportunities and programs, visit https://lnkd.in/e2wxk2ag 

Historical news today! The Dignity in Pay Act has passed the Illinois General Assembly and heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for his signature. Thank you to the sponsors of this act, HB 793, Rep. Theresa Mah, Ph.D. and Senator Cristina Castro, MBA, for championing this bill! And thank you to the many folks who have worked thoughtfully and carefully on providing input on this measure. Over the coming years, and in close consultation with those with lived expertise and advocates, the Dignity in Pay Act will end the practice of allowing employers to pay individuals with disabilities less than the minimum wage. Additionally, it will further provide pathways to support for providers, ensuring State agencies, including IDHS, work together to increase employment options for those with disabilities.