Township Updates for May 29, 2020
Oak Park Township Updates - Effective May 29, 2020
Board and Staff Planning Phased Reopening
Oak Park Township has been open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to offer services via telephone, telehealth appointments, and online groups. Please call the Administrative offices at 708-383-8005, Senior Services Center at 708-383-8060, Youth Services at 708-445-2727 or the Community Mental Health Board at 708-358-8855 for assistance. As the state enters Phase 3 towards reopening fully, our staff is 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 Phase 3 guidelines, please click here.
Senior Services Provides Meals, Counseling and Referrals
Oak Park and River Forest Townships Senior Services are providing meals, case management, transportation to medical appointments, 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.
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 June, meal distribution will be June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and 29th. 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 June
DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, will offer a series of VIRTUAL community talks on June 3rd and 10th to the Brooks/Julian community as part of The Mindful Middle-Schoolers Program. Registration is available at this link.
COVID-19 Community Resource Guide
The Community Mental Health Board (CMHB) 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. The CMHB may be reached at 708-358-8855.
Other Township Services - 708-383-8005
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. Taxi Coupon booklets ($6.00 for a book of 10) for adults 60+ and individuals 18+ with disabilities may be purchased; please mail in a check to Oak Park Township, 105 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. In addition, applications for CTA senior reduced farecards and disability placards may be picked up at the 105 S. Oak Park Avenue office.
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. 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.