Youth Advocate Offers "Unwind," A Stress Management Group for Teens

United Way of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff awarded a significant grant to Family Service to hire the Youth Advocate last July. The outreach service is for youth ages 12 to 18 in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and is run by Jean Odwazny, a clinical therapist specializing in youth related issues who issues a strengths-based approach to build self-esteem. Jean began an ongoing stress support group for teens at Lake Forest High School in January. What began as a four-week pilot, quickly turned into a stress management group to teach students the theories and relaxation techniques to effectively manage personal stress. Students are gaining a greater understanding of the mind-body relationship as they adopt effective cognitive, coping and relaxation techniques. The group offers a stress-free activity each week that is chosen by its members. Topics include strategies, time management, exercise and nutrition. Relation techniques include diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, yoga, guided imagery, music therapy, massage and progressive muscle relaxation. The group meets every Thursday during all lunch periods in school. Call Jean for more information: 847-363-3665.

Support for Older Adults

Loss/Grief Support Group

Every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Lois Silverstein, Director of Senior Services, runs a support group for those seniors who have recently lost a loved one at the Highland Park Senior Center . The loss group is at capacity with 18 individuals. Lois helps these older adults talk though feelings of loss, waives of grief, frustration, helplessness and loneliness. Many coping with loss work through feelings of vulnerability and the sense of being unprotected. Lois and the support of other group members normalize these emotions, and a safe, nurturing environment has been created for group members. As a result, it serves as a springboard for attendees to form personal friendships outside the senior center, where they are helping one another start new lives. For more information, call Lois at Family Service at 847-432-4981.

Health themed group for older adults

Janet Fryer, our clinical specialist in senior counseling offers a monthly health support group/lecture series based on health issues of import for older adults. Some examples of of past workshops include: Pain/Oh My Aching Bones!, Memory Issues: Where Did I put that?, Exercise with Arthritis and more. Often, these one-time themed groups turn into an ongoing group when the need arises. For more information, call the Lake Forest Senior Center at 847-234-2209.