A Promise of Support and Prayer, from the Church of St. Mary

We are writing to you this July, usually a time of relaxation, rest, and celebrations.  This year, we find ourselves in a time of shock, tragedy, and heart-wrenching pain for our neighbors in Highland Park and wherever violence is rampant, the unfortunate norm, claiming innocent lives.  Click here to read the whole letter.

Statement of Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago on the July 4 mass shooting in Highland Park.
Bishop Chairmen Call for Congressional Action to Address Gun Violence

Resources for those in Highland Park

• A Family Assistance Center (FAC) opened Wednesday, July 6. Support services and crisis assistance will be offered, including counseling and mental health services, spiritual care, and financial assistance, if needed. All info here. 

• District 113 113 Drop-in Counseling: (July 6 through July 8; 433 Vine Ave, Highland Park, IL) 
  Superintendent Bruce Law: “...the Highland Park Police Department, the American Red Cross, and the FBI Victim Services Response Team, with additional federal and state partners, will provide assistance to District 113 counselors to enable expanded counseling services to students, staff, and community members at Highland Park High School...No appointment is necessary, but only the Vine Street entrance will be open.”

• If you want to talk to someone but don't feel comfortable walking into the high school for services, people can also Call 211 for a referral. 211 is a service operated by United Way of Lake County, they can make referrals.  

• District 112 Drop-in Counseling: (Wed., July 6, and Thurs., July 7) District 112 will be providing drop-in counseling at Oak Terrace School and Ravinia School. Oak Terrace School is located at 240 Prairie Avenue in Highwood, and Ravinia School is located at 763 Dean Avenue in Highland Park. 

• Compass Health Center (Insta): Clinician-led virtual post-crisis support groups/webinars (July 6/7) - signups, flyers, and phone numbers here 

• The Highwood Public Library's Health Equity team will offer individual therapy and support groups. These services are available for both English and Spanish speakers. Visit https://highwoodlibrary.org/healing-after-trauma for additional resources available on our website. 

• The Zig Zag Institute (with the American Red Cross and American Psychological Association accordingly) has shared these two Documents:

• Managing Distress After A Community Shooting

• Managing Stress After A Community Shooting

Mental Health Resources

Articles

• Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting

• National Association of School Psychologists: Tips for Talking to Children About Violence

Local In-Person Resources

• Willow House, 1-847-236-9300, supports children of all ages, families, schools and communities

• Lake County Crisis Care Program, 1-847-377-8088, is available 24/7 by phone or in-person

• The Josselyn Center, 1-847-236-9300, supports children of all ages, families, schools and communities

• Compass Health Center, post-crisis support groups for all ages

Phone/Online Resources

• Lake County 2-1-1

• Lake County Text-a-Tip (Counselors on call 24/7)

• Disaster Distress Helpline

• The National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 for help coping with large traumatic events including mass shootings.

• If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal or in crisis, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

• Text ‘TALK’ or ‘HABLAR’ to 552020 to reach Call4Calm 24/7 - You'll be linked to mental health support in your area.

• NAMI HelpLine, 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) is open 9 am to 9 pm, Monday - Friday to speak with a trained volunteer.