LISTINGS FOR CHICAGOLAND PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
OF BABIES, TOTS AND PRESCHOOLERS
BIRTH TO FIVE YEARS 0 - 5

Social and Emotional Well-being
of Parents and Children

Join a support group focusing on your particular situation or simply find someone to talk to when your ability to manage all the demands on you is stressed.

Unfortunately, support groups have a habit of not letting us know when they disband, so some of these support groups may not be in existence any more - you will need to call and check. Please alert us via email if you find ones that are no longer in existence.

PSYCHOTHERAPY AND SUPPORT

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Kim Richardson, M.A., LCPC offers psychotherapy, counseling, education and support to men and women preparing for and adjusting to pregnancy, birth, adoption, and parenthood. Support is offered to mothers at risk for or who are experiencing pre- and postpartum depression, anxiety, loss and adjustment difficulties. 
Web: www.radiantmother.com

Also visit these websites for up to date resources in IL:

www.ppdil.org/ppdhelp.htm (Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois)

http://www.postpartum.net/ (Postpartum Support International)

Prentice Women's Hospital & Maternity Center
Postpartum Depression Crisis Line: 312.926.8100

Evanston Hospital
2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Postpartum Depression Crisis Line: 866-ENH-MOMS (866-364-6667).

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO WOMEN'S DIVISION Offers therapy and groups. http://www.psych.uic.edu/news/w_division.htm  Call 312-996-2200 for info and appointment. Have the following things ready: Name, address, phone #, Social Security #, birthdate, insurance cards, employer address & phone if insurance is through employer or otherwise guarantor information including name address and Social Security#.

Family Focus (312)421-5200   310 S. Peoria St., Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60607-3534

Family Resource Coalition (312)341-0900
200 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1520
Chicago, IL 60604

Mother Matters- Regional Center for Mother & Child Care at Memorial Hospital
615 N. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46601 (219)284-7396 Jeanette O'Dell, RNC, MS or (219)284-3465 Sheila Halsaver -  support group for new moms- includes support for PPD- referrals, education.

Postpartum Support Group - Alexian Brothers Medical center, 800 Biesterfield Rd, Elk Grove Village. Open to all women in the Northwestern Suburbs who are suffering from Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. Call Leslie Stoutenberg, RN, MS at 847-437-5500 etc 3594

Postpartum Depression Information Line, Downers Grove.
At Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. Provides referrals to support groups and counseling. Callers may leave messages which are picked up Monday through Friday. Tel: 630-275-4436

Postpartum Counseling Center, Northbrook.
Specializes in providing individual and group counseling to women experiencing pregnancy and postpartum depression anxiety and emotional difficulties related to a traumatic birth experience, miscarriage and  infertility issues. Contact Sarah Allen, PhD, at 847-791-7722

Postpartum Support International
Volunteer network provides information and support to women experiencing emotional difficulty, anxiety and depression during pregnancy, and postpartum issues. Contact Sarah Allen, PhD, Illinois Coordinator, at 847-562-9352.

Depression After Delivery (800) 944-4PPD
National organization that provides information and referrals for moms and families experiencing difficulty with depression and anxiety before and after pregnancy.

LOSS AND GRIEF

The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 
1314 Bedford Avenue, Suite 210
Baltimore, Maryland 21208
(800) 221-7437 (SIDS)
http://www.sidsalliance.org/
The SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Alliance is a national, non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to the support of SIDS families, education and research. Provides (SIDS) information to parents.

SHARE - Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland ave, Downers Grove, Il 60515.    Tel: 630-275-1520. "Bringing hope and healing to families experiencing grief, loss and challenges during and after pregnancy. Share provides intervention at all stages of crisis and bring healing to the entire family.

Share - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc.
(800) 821-6819
Offers support programs and also publishes a newsletter.

CENTER FOR GRIEF RECOVERY AND SIBLING LOSS - 1263 W. Loyola, Chicago, IL 60626-5101, Tel: 773-274-4600. Non-profit agency providing individual family and group counseling, weekend residential intensives, training and consultation for professionals and resource materials.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center
(612) 473-9372
Provides information on local support groups for women or couples recovering from a miscarriage or the loss of an infant.

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR MOMS

NEW PARENTS

Transitions to Motherhood Series - NMH
This six-week series provides information and group discussion for new mothers adjusting to motherhood. Moms are encouraged to bring their babies with them to class.
To register for this class please call 1.877.926.4NMH (4664)

MOMents 1028 West Monroe
(312) 850-3597MOMents is a networking group for new parents. Members meet for lunch every week in the Loop and discuss various parenting topics including balancing work with family demands, multiple siblings and positive discipline techniques.

Northside Parents Network 1218 West Addison
(312) 409-2233 A volunteer network that offers a new mother's group, various seminars with guest lecturers, occasional events, a babysitting co-op and a monthly newsletter.

PACES (630) 916-3190 PACES, or the Parent and Child Education Society is a not-for-profit organization that has been serving Chicago families since 1972. Offers lecture series, parenting seminars, babysitting co-ops, mother and baby outings and a monthly newsletter. Members receive discount tickets to events and lectures as well as coupons for local parenting resources.

Family Network Inc. 330 Laurel Avenue, (847) 433-0377
At the Drop In Center, find educational programs, social activities and regular parenting speakers. Payment is accepted on a sliding scale.

Community Counseling Center of Chicago holds free parenting skills classes in English and Spanish for parents of children from birth to age 12 CTA passes, refreshments and free childcare provided. 773/549-2322.

Dolton/South Holland MOMs invites at-home moms and dads to join for discussions, speakers, play dates and more. 708/201-0012.

The Early Years Program of Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center, Skokie provides support, education, playgroups and more to families with children to age 4. Call Norma at 847/933-0051, ext. 444.

The Family Circle of Youth and Family Counseling offers ongoing support and parent education for families with children under age 6. Also, a Drop-In Playtime meets Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Libertyville. 847/367-5991.

Family Network provides a parent-child drop-in center Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Speakers and Parent-Child classes, including dinnertime programs for working parents, are offered. 330 Laurel Ave., Highland Park. 847/433-0377.

Healthy Families Illinois at the Will County Health Department provides support and education to Will Co. teen parents. Call Kelli. 815/727-8501.

Learning Together Parent Education Center offers a Saturday morning Parent-Infant class and other parenting classes. Sliding scale fee. Christ Lutheran Church, Palatine. 847/540-5004.

MOMS Club, is a daytime support group featuring playgroups, speakers, outings and more for at-home caregivers and their children. Call Melinda at 708/201-0012.

MOM-2-MOM mothers support group, meets in the Fox Valley area. 847/458-2089, ext. 2; e-mail: m2mclub@aol.com.

MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) groups meet throughout the Chicago area. Speakers are also featured. www.mops.org; 800/929-1287.

Mothers First support group offers educational programs held on the second and fourth Fridays of the month at Christ Community Church, 37W100 Bolcum Rd., St. Charles. Various other programs are also offered. 630/208-3999.

NAMC (North Aurora Mothers Club) meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. at the North Aurora Activity Center. Call Shar. 630/406-6079.

North Shore Family Drop-In, for parents of children from birth to age 5, meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at North Shore United Methodist Church, Glencoe. $5 non-speaker session/$10 with speaker. 847/835-5111.

The Northside Parents Network hosts a drop-in playtime for parents and children Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicago. $2, $3 non-member family. 312/409-2233.

PACES (Parent and Child Education Society) has local chapters offering monthly meetings, playgroups, parenting seminars, mom and tot outings, babysitting co-ops and more. 630/916-3190. http://members.core.com/~paces/

Parents Care & Share of Illinois offers mutual self-help groups in the Chicago area. Children and parents' programs are offered concurrently. Call Susie. 630/837-6445.

The Parent Circle, for families with young children, presents programs, lectures, playgroups and more. www.theparentcircle.com; 847/604-0989.

Parents Support Network of Hyde Park meets weekly for playgroups for children ages birth to 3. La Leche meetings offered monthly. Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago. $25 annual dues. 773/363-6063.

Rice Community Counseling Services in Evanston hosts a Positive Parenting group at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Free childcare. Call Barbara. 847/424-5170

St. Charles Mother's Club meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Hosanna Lutheran Church. Call Darice, 630/587-8499. Weekly playgroup meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 1 p.m. Tuesdays. Call Mary Beth. 630/587-6591.

Governors State University--Smart Start offers parent/child programs for families with children ages birth to 5. 1500 Sangamon, Crete. 708/672-1790.

Step by Step Early Childhood PTA provides education and activities for families with young children. Call Lynn at 630/736-2642. Call Ranee about DuPage Step by Step at 630/588-8509.

YWCA of Lake County offers free parenting workshops. Childcare provided. 847/746-4174 or 847/662-4247.

Jewish Family and Community Service offers parenting support and educational programs throughout the Chicago area. 312/357-4800.

Ukrainian Village Children's Center in Chicago offers classes for children and parents, weekly playgroups and after-school programs. 773/342-7415.

STEP-PARENTS

The Stepfamily Association of America  
Illinois Chapter Brenda Nemeth Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-255-6736 or 815-455-6736 icsaa1@ameritech.net
Quincy Christian Families  Andra Fekete Quincy, IL 62301 217-221-9883 brentfekete@cs.com
DuPage Support Group Donna Bredrup Wheaton, IL 60187 630-207-3033 bredrup@attbi.com

SINGLE PARENTS

Single Mothers by Choice for women who are contemplating or have chosen single motherhood, meets the second Sunday of the month at 3:30 p.m. $15 annual dues; first meeting free. Child care. 312/409-2229.

Single Mothers By Choice (212) 988-0993 Single Mothers By Choice is a national non-profit organization founded in 1981 whose primary purpose is to provide support and information to single women who have chosen or who are considering single motherhood.  

Single Moms and Single Dads support group meets the fourth Monday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Village Church, La Grange Park. Call Rose Ann 708/579-1278.

Single Moms Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Care & Counseling Center, Downers Grove. Meal and babysitting. 630/960-1060.

Young Single Parents Northwest chapter meets Fridays at the Arlington Park Hilton, Arlington Heights. 847/622-3800.

Young Single Parents, Inc. (YSP)
www.youngsingleparents.org Social support group for divorced, separated, widowed or never-married parents ages 21-50 (custody is not a factor). Weekly club nights and various family and adult events throughout the month. Guests always welcome.

Northwest Chapter: 847-622-3800
Meets: Thurs at 7:30pm
at The Ball Park in Roselle

South Chapter: 708-802-0204
Meets: Wed at 8:30pm
at Centennial Lanes in Tinley Park

Parents Without Partners (312) 409-8114 Chicago
(630) 932-1615 Addison Local chapters throughout Chicagoland. Also affiliated with the Helpmaids Divorce Group. Call for more info.

ADOPTION SUPPORT

For adoptive family support groups, go to www.chicagoTOTS.net/adoption.htm

PARENTS OF TWINS AND MULTIPLES SUPPORT

Double Take Mothers of Twins Club (NW Suburbs)
Email: kimlee22@comcast.net web: www.doubletakemotc.org
Our primary purpose is to inform, encourage and support our members in the sometimes difficult but rewarding task of raising multiple birth children. Meets 1st Wed at 7:30pm.

DuPage Doubles Mothers of Multiples Group (DuPage)
Tel: 630-585-3745, web: www.dupagedoubles.com
Support group for mothers, or soon-to-be-mothers, of twins, triplets or more. Educational and social exchanges pertaining to the growth and development of multiples. Monthly meetings, special event parties and clothing sales. 3rd Tues. 7:30pm

Moms of Multiples (North Shore)
info@momsofmultiples.org www.momsofmultiples.org
Support and resources for mothers of twins, triplets and more. Monthly meetings, social gatherings, philanthropic efforts and community events.

Multiple Choice Mothers of Multiples Group (NW suburbs)
Tel: 847-487-0907 (Jenny), web: www.multiplechoicetwinsclub.com
Offers mothers the chance to share the joys and challenges of raising multiples. Club benefits include educational resources, social events, lifelong friendships, financial incentives (resale), community spirit and support and information. Meets 2nd Wed at 7pm.

One Plus One Mothers of Multiples (Schaumberg)
Tel: 630-415-1433 Socialize and receive support and information from those who have experienced life with multiples. Meets the 2nd Monday of each month at the Community Barn in Schaumburg.

Center for the Study of Multiple Birth
333 E. Superior St.,   Suite 464 Chicago,  IL 60611
312-266-9093 - sponsors research, books, etc. on multiple births

National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.
(615) 595-0936 or (877) 540-2200 http://www.nomotc.org/
Provides information on local twin, triplet, and quadruplet (or more) support groups.

Multiplicity
Groups for couples with triplets in the northwest suburbs. Once a month on the 3rd Friday of every month.  Moms and Dads welcome.
Contact: Patti Calabrese
630.529.6351

West Suburban Mothers of Multiples
Meets from 7:15 - 9:00 PM, the second Wednesday of each month in the Oak Park Arms, Marco Polo Room, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. For more information, call 708.405.3370 or visit www.wsmoms.org.

Mothers of Multiples (MOMS)
Draws members from all over the North Shore and Rogers Park Area: Evanston, Wilmette, and north to Lake Forest as well as west to Buffalo Grove.  Meets 1^st Wednesday of month.
Contact: Barb Hinch - 773.478.4627,barbara_kitzes@rush.edu

Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs -
Contact Executive office for more info - 630-375-7465
Email: IOMOTC@aol.com, web: http://www.geocities.com/iomotc/

Special Delivery MOMS
(847) 604-0657
Support network for moms with or expecting multiples. Meets in Mundelein at St. Andrew's Church.

Center for the Study of Multiple Birth - mail-order publications, medical referrals. 333 E. Superior St., 476 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 266-9093

Clusters Moms of Multiples, serving the South Chicago area meets the second Wednesday of the month in Oak Forest. Call Shannon at 708/747-1413.

Double Blessings Mothers of Twins Club meets the fourth Thursday from 7 pm - 10 pm, Glen Oaks Hospital, Glendale Heights. 630/268-1877 or 630/293-4120.

Double Dilemma Mothers of Twins Club, meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Salvation Army Building, Crystal Lake. Call Patty at 847/516-9676.

Double Love M.O.T.C. a support group for moms of multiples, meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Sherman Hospital, Elgin. Call Jody. 630/483-1868.

Gemini Mothers of Twins club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Mt. Prospect. 847/299-8680.

One Plus One Mothers of Multiples meets the second Monday of the month at the Community Barn, Schaumburg. 630/415-1433.

Mothers of Multiples (MOMs) meets the first Wednesday of the month. Call Paula. 847/869-2766.

Multiple Choice Mothers of Multiples Club meets the second Wednesday of the month in the North and Northwest suburbs. 847/541-3454.

Multiple Eggsplosions for mothers of multiples meets the second Monday of the month in the western suburbs. Call Karen. 630/993-0904.

Multiple Miracles--This group is no longer active. Sorry...

Special Delivery MOMS, for mothers of multiples, meets the second Thursday of the month at St. Andrew's Church, Mundelein. Call Patricia. 847/604-0657.

Take Two Parents Club, a parents' group for families with multiple births, meets every other month. Call Anjie. 708/862-8149.

Twinsight, the North Shore Mothers of Twins Club meets the second Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park area. 847/291-8289.

West Suburban Mothers of Multiples meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:15 at West Suburban Hospital Medical Center, Oak Park. 708/383-5750.

Will County Mothers of Twins Club meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Firestation #4, Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook. www.wcmotc.freeservers.com; 815/773-9561.

MOST (Mothers Of Super Twins)
(516) 859-1110 A support group for parents of triplets, quadruplets, or quintuplets.

The Triplet Connection http://www.tripletconnection.org/
This web site provides vital information to families who are expecting triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets or more, as well as encouragement, resources, and networking opportunities for families who are parents of larger multiples.

PARENTS OF PRE-TERM BABIES

Parent to Parent of Evanston Hospital 847.236.1997
This organization provides information, support, and contact with other families who have had a baby in ISCU.

Perinatal Family Support Center 847.570.2880
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare - Evanston Hospital. Support and resources for families with babies in ISCU.

Preemie-L mentoring program http://www.preemie-l.org/mentors.html The Mentors Program aims to match new families with mentors who have similar experience but whose children are now older. The mentors will provide one-to-one support to families who request this, via email, for as long as the need is there. Parents with babies born at less than 34 weeks gestational age, and under 12 months old can apply for one-to-one support by writing to Raquel Schnitzer. You will receive a response within a week. Volunteer mentors need to have a long and proven association with Preemie-L and will undergo a training program. If you would like to volunteer as a mentor, please contact Raquel at email:  mentorpreemie@yahoo.com

TEEN PARENTS

Greater DuPage MYM (Meld's Young Moms; Young Dads) in Glen Ellyn provides training and support for teenage mothers and fathers. 630/790-8433.

For Teen Moms Only - P.O. Box 962, Frankfort, IL 60423-0962. (815) 464-5465.

New Moms (773) 252-3253
For single teen mothers ages 21 and younger. Services include at-home visitation and help with independent living.

Teen Parent Connection
Tel: 630-790-8433 x310 www.teenparentconnection.org
Provides parenting support programs for adolescent parents ages 13-25. Individual & group programs are available throughout the county on a weekly basis.

WORKING MOTHERS

Mothers & More (Formerly FEMALE) is a not for profit organization for women who have altered their careers to care for their children at home. www.mothersandmore.org; 630/941-3553.

WORK-AT-HOME-MOMS - An internet community of work at home moms (WAHMs) includes a e-magazine, finding a work at home job, support for other work at home moms, ideas for starting work at home businesses etc: http://www.wahm.com/index1.html , Email lists for WAHMS: http://www.wahm.com/lists/sub.html ALSO: WORK AT

FEMALE P.O. Box 31, Elmhurst, Chicago 60126
FEMALE, or Formerly Employed Mothers at the Leading Edge, is a non-profit organization that can be joined for a yearly membership fee. The organization is open to new moms (regardless of their work status) and includes evening discussion groups on various child-rearing issues, "Mom and Tot" daytime get-together playgroups, a book club, a monthly "Mom's Night Out," and a newsletter.

SUPPORT FOR FATHERS

Boot camp for New Dads http://www.newdads.com/ If you are a first-time dad, this website is for you!  It is filled with practical and sound advice on starting a new family from an elite core of experts - our Boot Camp Veterans. This website covers issues from Immediate Concerns such as Forming a New Family and The Challenges New Moms Present to Hands on Tips on how to care for yourself, mom and the baby

Father's Rights Hotline (US)- (800)435-7323

Full-Time Dads, PO Box 577, Cumberland, ME 04021
$26/year; published bi-monthly

Dad-to-Dad (770) 643-5964, National organization; contact to start or join an at-home-dad's club

At- Home Dad, 61 Brightwood Ave, North Andover, MA 01845-1702
$12/year; published quarterly, National Fatherhood Initiative (800)790-3237
10 ways to become a better father & make your community more father friendly

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS

The Autism Society of America
(773) 233-4210
Support group for families of children with autism and other related disorders. Meets 7 PM to 9 PM the second Monday of each month at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Oak Park.

Biracial Family Network
(773) 288-3644
Organization for biological and adoptive multiracial/multiethnic families.

The Center for Enriched Living
(847) 948-7001
Parenting club for mothers with developmental disabilities and their children.

The Center for Speech and Language Disorders
(630) 530-8551
West suburban support group meets the third Monday of each month in Elmhurst. Contact Marjie.

Chai Lifeline Chicago
(847) 763-1818
Connects Jewish parents of children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses.

COPE (Children of Physical Exception)
(708) 430-4220
Parents of physically challenged children meet the third Thursday of each month in Orland Park.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
(800) FIGHTCF (Information Hotline)
http://www.cff.org/
Offers general information, news on the latest research and clinical trials, and hospital referrals for families of children with Cystic Fibrosis.

Epilepsy Parent and Family Network
(847) 956-1766 Arlington Heights
(708) 442-5493 Berwyn/Oak Park
(630) 653-5039 Carol Stream
(312) 939-8622 Chicago North
(815) 648-4913 Elmhurst
(847) 843-0822 Schaumburg
(708) 672-3266 South Suburban
Monthly support groups held throughout Chicagoland. Free.

Family Village
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/
This web site provides a guide to many different types of resources for families with disabled children around the globe. Also features a web discussion group where you can chat with other families who are coping with a disabled child.

The Fathers Network
http://www.fathersnetwork.org/
Offers support for fathers and families raising children with special needs and developmental disabilities.

Hadley School for the Blind
(800) 207-7752
Free courses available for parents or grandparents of blind or visually impaired children. Courses are held in own home.

March of Dimes
http://www.modimes.org/
Offers information on birth defects, how to have a healthy pregnancy, newborn feeding and vaccinations, and allows users to email in specific questions.

National Down Syndrome Society
666 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
(800) 221-4602
http://www.ndss.org/
This not-for-profit organization has become the largest non-governmental supporter of Down syndrome research in the United States. NDSS works to increase public awareness about Down syndrome and discover its underlying causes through research, education and advocacy. In addition, NDSS provides the latest medical information on Down Syndrome as well as information on how to care for children affected by it.

The National Information Center for Children and Youth
(800) 695-0285
http://www.nichcy.org/
NICHCY is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators and other professionals with a special emphasis on children. Offers several publications, referrals to a wide-range of disability organizations and access to their library and databases. Materials are available in English and Spanish as well as on disk.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
(800) FIGHTMS
Chicagoland support group held at various locations. Call for meetings and program times.

National Parent Network on Disabilities
130 17th Street North West, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-2299
http://www.npnd.org/
The National Parent Network on Disabilities is a national advocacy group concerned with federal legislative matters that affect children and families with special needs.

Parents of Children with Special Needs
(847) 318-0842
Park Ridge meeting held monthly on Wednesday. Contact Joene for more information.

Spina Bifida Association of America
4590 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Suite 250
(800) 621-3141
http://www.sbaa.org/
Offers information, referral services, and publications.