Social Services

Social Services


Social Services in the Village of Wheeling are a coordinated effort with all departments working together including the Wheeling Police and Fire Departments as well as staff from the Community Development and Public Works Department, and the Senior Services.

Social Services provide information and support regarding basic needs including public benefits, community resources, and financial assistance. Other issues addressed by Social Service include:

Support Group in discussion
  • Child Abuse or Neglect
  • 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.

Assessments and Referrals and Crisis Intervention

Village of Wheeling residents are provided with access to information in many areas such as:

  • Caregiving resources
  • Financial assistance
  • Housing
  • Immigration
  • Legal services
  • Support organizations
  • Health care
  • Transportation
  • Utility assistance
  • Vital Records


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, 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 educational seminars and groups with a 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 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 of a confidential nature and the confidentiality of client records is respected in accordance with 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. Participants can choose to either dine in or pick up a meal. 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. Alternatively, if you're attending your first registered meal, please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the form.

 For new participants, please Click Here to fill out the Congregate Dining Registration Form.  
 
Click Here to fill out the Congregate Dining Registration Form in Spanish

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

Scheduling & Costs: 

Pick-up option: 

  •  Monday to Friday
  • 10:00 am - 11:30 am (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

Cost: 

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

Facebook page: 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.  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 can 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.

Registering 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 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. If you feel that you have been discriminated against, call (847)499-9090 or 1(800)699-9043.

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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 a 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 of 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 the information you need to make educated decisions about your insurance.

They can answer questions about:

  • Medicare 
  • Rights and Guarantees
  • Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, PPOs, 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

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