Oak Park Township Updates – Effective December 22, 2020

Oak Park Township Updates - Effective December 22, 2020


Partnerships and Monitoring
We have worked diligently with our partners from the Villages of Oak Park and River Forest, local public health departments, AgeOptions, and the Illinois Department on Aging to ensure continuity of service during this time and offer additional information and supports when necessary.  We are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic locally and in our region and will respond as appropriate. We are following the guidance of the Village of Oak Park Public Health Department and the IDPH. We have taken necessary measures to allow us to open to the public when that is possible. At this point, we do not know when that will be.

As the state adjusts guidelines, the Township is keeping in mind the needs of the populations we serve and the guidance from the state and federal agencies, local authorities and our funders to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and clients. We will gradually allow the public to access services in-person.  To find a COVID-19 testing site near you, please visit https://www.test-illinois.com/.

Village of Oak Park website on COVID-19
The Village of Oak Park’s Department of Public Health has current information on COVID-19 guidelines, bulletins and resources.  Please visit https://www.oak-park.us/news/covid-19-coronavirus-resources for all communications or call 708-358-5480 Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Village Hall has limited hours for in-person services.

Services and Programs Continue; Transportation for Dialysis Available for Older Adults
Oak Park Township is currently still closed to the public, and most of our staff are working remotely.  Please call us at 708-383-8005 for telephone or telehealth appointments.  We continue to provide nutrition services for older adults with home delivery and drive-through meal pick-up.  Transportation to dialysis or medical appointments may be reserved by calling 708-383-4806.  Appointments for our Money Management Program and Adult Protective Services may be set up by calling Senior Services at 708-383-8060.

The Department on Aging has informational COVID-19 flyers in English, Hindi, Polish, simplified Chinese and Spanish.  Please see this website to view and download the .pdf files:  https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/coronavirus/Pages/Translated-Fact-Sheets.aspx

Taxi Coupons for 2020 are extended for 2021
Older adults and persons with disabilities may purchase a booklet of coupons to be used with Red Cab and Blue Cab companies.  Please call the Township office at 708-383-8005 to either pick up a booklet or request that one be mailed.  The cost is $6.00 for 10 coupons and proof of residency is required.  Residents may use the 2020 coupons throughout 2021 because the expiration deadline has been extended.

Telephone and Telehealth Appointments Available
Youth Services, Senior Services and General Assistance appointments are still available either virtually or over the phone.   For further assistance with Township services, please call the Administrative offices at 708-383-8005, Senior Services Center at 708-383-8060, Senior Services Transportation at 708-383-4806, Youth Services at 708-445-2727 or the Community Mental Health Board at 708-358-8855.

Home Delivered Meals, “Take Out” Meal Distribution and Medicare Counseling
Older adults who have requested meals are receiving them in the form of frozen nutritionally balanced meals.  We are also providing “take out” lunches to older adults to pick up at our Senior Services building on specific days.  We are limiting face-to-face contact with others out of health concerns for everyone. During January, meal distribution will be on the 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Suggested donation is $1.00 per meal.  We will also have a Medicare specialist available on Wednesdays and Fridays; please call 708-613-1112 to register.  For detailed guidelines, please see our Senior Services webpage at https://oakparktownship.org/senior-services/ or call 708-383-8060.

Limited In-Person Services
Limited services, like notarizing documents, RTA applications, and medical equipment lending are being done in our 105 S. Oak Park Avenue parking lot, with social distancing guidelines in place.  When the local levels of infection stabilize at a lower rate, we will issue Visitor Protocols.

Free “Conversation Cards” Available to Students and Families of Children in Middle School and
High School
Please stop by the 105 S. Oak Park Township office to pick up a free pack of “Conversation Cards” that include talking points on preventing alcohol and substance abuse.  Email astephans@oakparktownship.org if you’d like to schedule a free assessment.

Please visit the following websites for some talking tips and resources:


Township Offices closed for Training on January 6th
All Township staff will be participating in in-service training from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday January 6th.   We will not be available to the public either in person or on the phone during that time but we will return all messages once the training is over.

Holiday Gathering Guidance
The Illinois Department of Health has issued guidelines to help individuals and families plan safe gatherings during the holiday season.  Please visit https://allin.illinois.gov/ for “12 Ways to Holiday Safely”, tips on shopping locally, videos and other resources.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s website with information on planning safe holiday celebrations is at:  https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/holidayseason/.


Thank you for your patience and understanding.