Community Services
COVID-19 Update
Due to COVID-19, Willow House will be conducting events and support groups both in-person and virtually. We continue to be available for schools and communities seeking support. We continue to be available for schools and communities seeking support. For more information, please contact us or learn more about our services during this challenging time. In-person services are subject to change and will follow all CDC guidelines and regulations.
Willow House strives to advocate for grieving children, teens and families by increasing awareness within a wide variety of community settings. We provide education and crisis intervention support to many schools, community groups, corporations and other local organizations. The goal for reaching our community is to educate and empower those who work with, care for and support grieving individuals. Unfortunately, it is inevitable that death will touch our community. Willow House is here to help you prepare for and respond to this challenging inevitability.
Consultation, Crisis Support and Grief Education
Willow House offers a full range of consulting services for those who seek more comprehensive information or support, including:
- Neighborhood and community gatherings in response to a death or impending death
- Educational consultation
- Program and policy development and facilitation
- In-services and workshops for professionals
- Provision of resources and educational materials
- Referrals to other mental health professionals when necessary
Willow House provides consultation and referrals to those supporting and caring for grieving children and families – in their home, workplace, or other community settings – as well as in the therapeutic setting. Our clinical staff maintains an updated referral file of mental health professionals throughout the Chicago area who are experienced working with grieving children, teens and families. The resources serve as referrals for Willow House group members, community members and professionals calling for assistance.
If there is a particular presentation or consultation opportunity you seek from Willow House, please click the button below to fill out a Request for Presentation. Please contact us with any questions or for additional information: (847) 236-9300 or [email protected].
Below are just a few of the community organizations Willow House has collaborated with:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Anshe Emet Synagogue
Barrington Area Community
Barrington Area Council on Aging
Bernie’s Book Bank
Beth Chaverim Humanistic Jewish Community
Boys and Girls Club of Lake County
Catholic Charities – Lake County
Catholic Community of Northbrook
CATS Aquatic Team
Chicago FBI Victim Specialist
Chicago Public Schools
Compass Health Center
Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club
Ela Township
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights
Gilda’s Club Chicago
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Troops
Goldman Funeral Group
Gymnastic Studios
Heartlight – Lurie Children’s Hospital
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Illinois Funeral Director’s Association
Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA)
Lake County Cares Foundation
Lake County Health Department
Lincolnshire Academy of Dance
Loyola University
Kids Above All
Mano A Mano Family Resource Center
McHenry County – Mental Health Board
National Alliance for Grieving Children
National Louis University
Northshore University HealthSystem
Port Clinton Art Festival
Rotary Clubs
Stevenson High School
Temple Chai
The Compassionate Friends
Trustmark
Univ. of Illinois – Jane Adams School of Social Work
Village of Northbrook
Village of Wilmette
Youthbuild Lake County
On behalf of the Health Education Department at Glenbrook South High School, thank you for your “marathon performance”. Your presentation on suicide helped our students understand the emotional complexities behind this problem. It also gave them the opportunity to ask questions and express their feelings in a safe environment. I look forward to many more opportunities in the future to work with you and Willow House in order to provide the best mental health education for our students. Again, many thanks for your time and dedication.
Workshops and Trainings
Special workshops are also offered with topics and activities of particular interest to those dealing with grief in the community. If you are a community organization and have a specific request, please email [email protected] or call (847) 236-9300.
Annually, Willow House hosts a comprehensive 20 hours training program for community members to become a volunteer facilitator at our evening peer support groups. The training program is generally offered 1-2 times a year. More information about the next training program will be provided to candidates who submit a volunteer application and indicate that they are interested in becoming a Volunteer Facilitator. Facilitators are also expected to attend additional in-services as presented. Click here to learn more about becoming a Volunteer Facilitator.