Township Updates for May 12, 2020
Oak Park Township Updates - Effective May 12, 2020
Evaluation of Phased Reopening
As a result of Governor Pritzker’s extension of the Shelter in Place order until May 30th, the Oak Park Township Board of Trustees and staff leadership are evaluating processes for a phased reopening. We will be following the guidance of the Village of Oak Park Public Health Department as well as state and federal officials to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers and clients. Please continue to access our website and Facebook page for updates. For the Governor’s press release on the Shelter in Place order which includes details on modifications for businesses, please click here.
Townships Provide Essential Services During Pandemic
Oak Park Township, as well as several state Townships, was highlighted in the Township Officials of Illinois’ May Perspectives magazine for responses to COVID-19 and helping residents. In particular, our meal distribution to older adults, the monthly Memory Café, and the Community Resource Guide were recognized as helpful services. Please click here to see the entire article.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Older Americans Month
Together with Riveredge Hospital, National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) ,and Thrive Counseling Center, the Community Mental Health Board is spreading the word to all residents about Mental Health and Wellness resources. Please visit their websites and social media for information on telehealth, support groups, and more for individuals and families.
Oak Park and River Forest Townships Senior Services are providing meals, case management, transportation to medical appointments, LIHEAP application processing, and referrals specifically for older adults. We also have specialists trained in Adult Protective Services for those experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Please call 708-383-8060 for additional information on local help. The Illinois Department on Aging and Age Options are other regional agencies that offer assistance.
COVID-19 Community Resource Guide
The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township has created a resource guide available at this link: bit.ly/oprfguide. It lists social service agencies and organizations throughout the area accessible or via phone and text. The organizations listed are accepting clients and providing resources to all residents during this time. This guide is intended to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement to any particular group or service. This guide does not constitute legal or health advice and is subject to change without notice.
Home Delivered Meals and “Take Out” Meal Distribution
Older adults who have requested meals are receiving them every other week in the form of shelf stable and frozen nutritionally balanced meals. We are also providing “take out” lunches to older adults who are able to pick them up at our Senior Services building. With the help of staff and pre-screened volunteers, we are limiting face-to-face contact with others out of health concerns for everyone. During May, meals will be distributed on 5/15, 5/22, and 5/29. For detailed schedules and updates, please see our Senior Services webpage at https://oakparktownship.org/senior-services/.
General Assistance Phone Appointments
Financial assistance for residents meeting guidelines from the Illinois Department of Human Services is administered through Oak Park Township’s General Assistance Department. Residents without minor children, not receiving government-sponsored assistance, and meeting income requirements may visit https://oakparktownship.org/general-assistance/ to learn more about eligibility and to download an application. The phone number for additional information is 708-383-8005, ext. 123.
Mindful Middle-Schoolers Program in May and June
DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, will offer a series of VIRTUAL community talks in May and June to the Brooks/Julian community as part of The Mindful Middle-Schoolers Program. Registration is available at this link.
Other Township Services
Administrative staff, the Assessor’s Office, and General Assistance staff are providing information, assistance and referrals over the phone. Youth Services and Senior Services are in contact with the individuals and families with which they work, and are offering assistance to our community partners. Currently, a limited amount of Medical Equipment is available; however, we are not accepting donations at this time. Please call 708-383-8005 for more information.
If you or someone you know is in need of Township services, please call 708-383-8005 for Administrative Services, General Assistance or the Assessor’s Office, 708-383-8060 for Senior Services, 708-383-4806 for Transportation, or 708-445-2727 for Youth Services. Phones will be answered from 9am to 5pm weekdays. You may leave a message at other times and staff will get back to you the next business day.
Distribution of Cloth Face Masks
The Oak Park Police Department at Village Hall, 123 Madison, is distributing cloth face coverings to residents as supplies are available. The masks were provided by volunteers coordinated by the Park District of Oak Park. For information or to volunteer, contact Maureen McCarthy at Maureen.mccarthy@pdop.org or 708.725.2021. The Police Department will collect names and addresses of those in need of masks if supplies run out. The non-emergency phone number for the Police Department is 708-386-3800.