Emergency funding will help Family Services of Glencoe continue free trauma counseling

In the immediate aftermath of the Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park, Family Services of Glencoe was one of the first community organizations to respond.

FSG’s Program Coordinator Emily Mysel was on-scene that day to provide mental-health assistance, and ever since, the local nonprofit has offered free services for anyone affected by the tragedy.

“We wanted to remove any barriers to trauma processing … so anyone could get the help they deserve,” Executive Director Kristina Phillips told the Village of Glencoe Board of Trustees Thursday, Aug. 18.

The work has put pressure on Family Services’ resources, causing the organization to seek additional funding. Family Services found at least a portion of that from the Village of Glencoe.

The Village Board approved $30,589 in emergency funding to Family Services of Glencoe. Phillips said the funds will support the continuation of free services for Glencoe residents through the remainder of 2022.

The Village of Glencoe is a top funder of Family Services of Glencoe, already providing the group with $50,000 in 2022 and more than $20,000 in each year since at least 2014, according to FSG’s annual reports.

In a memo to the board, Assistant to the Village Manager Jonathan Pape wrote that while emergency funding requests are rare, “funds are available in the General Fund.” Pape reiterated the Village’s positive financial position in 2022 during the board meeting.

Phillips told trustees that in the six weeks since July 4 FSG staff has served more than 100 individuals, which is about half the number served by FSG in 2021 (217) and 2019 (212).

With the influx of requests, Phillips said Family Services recently hired a new counselor whose schedule is already at capacity

“I looked through her calendar today and she has 15 children every week — all brand new clients,” said Phillips, who added that the FSG’s request to Glencoe is one of several it is making to funders.

Earlier in August, New Trier Township — another regular funder of Family Services of Glencoe — approved $35,000 in emergency funding for the organization.

In both English and Spanish, Family Services of Glencoe offers one-on-one counseling, support groups, drop-in services and work-place therapy. The group’s mental-health professionals have offered services at Village Hall, local schools and more.

To learn more about Family Services of Glencoe, visit the organization’s website. Those affected by the Highland Park shooting can call (847) 835-5111.

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