PARK FOREST — With pandemic-related stress weighing heavily on many Illinoisans, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is encouraging residents to explore to the Illinois Department of Human Services’ new mental health programs.

“The additional stressors people are facing caused by the pandemic can be difficult to navigate with the uncertainty around us,” Joyce said. “Pandemic or not, we need to focus on people’s mental health, and these new programs will ensure there are resources available for those in need.”

IDHS introduced three new programs Monday to help Illinoisans struggling with mental health, developed in coordination with community mental health centers and nontraditional service providers across the state.

The first new program, the Living Room Program, is designed specifically for those in need of a crisis respite program to divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. It provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where people can calmly process a crisis event while learning how to avoid a future crisis.

The Transitional Living Centers Program is a housing resource for people with mental illnesses who are in need of a place to stay while they work to find permanent housing.

Additionally, the Transitional Community Care and Support Programs offer assistance to current patients of state-operated psychiatric hospitals who are preparing to be discharged. It will include funding for non-traditional supports, such as cell phones, food, clothing, transportation and other resources that are necessary for individuals to succeed as they transition back into communities.

Individuals seeking help from the Living Room Program may be referred by first responders or medical professionals. Participants of the other two programs will be referred by IDHS and other providers. Anyone who thinks they may benefit from these programs should talk to their mental health provider.

For more information and to find additional mental health resources, click here.

PARK FOREST – As many parents return to the office after months of working from home, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is encouraging child care providers to take advantage of the $270 million Child Care Restoration Grant program.

“Parents need to know their children are in a safe and healthy environment as more workplaces reopen,” Joyce said. “Child care providers have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and eligible providers should take advantage of this grant so they can safely reopen their doors.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services is distributing $270 million in available funding to assist child care providers across the state with reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensed child care providers that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for Child Care Restoration Grants.

To be eligible for the grant, child care providers must:

• Have a current license from the Department of Children and Family Services to care for children,
• Be open and caring for children at the time of application,
• Be able to demonstrate a “business interruption” from their pre-COVID capacity, and
• Submit a complete application with all required documents.

Applications are open until Aug. 14. To learn more and apply, child care providers should visit www.inccrra.org/.

PARK FOREST – Since the COVID-19 crisis has left many older adults alone and separated from their loved ones, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is seeking handwritten messages and cards to send to local long-term care facilities.

“During this pandemic, many older adults have been forced into isolation from their loved ones,” Joyce said. “There are strict guidelines in place at our long term care facilities to keep older adults safe but in this case staying healthy can also bring on extreme loneliness. Taking the time to send them a quick note or card will help brighten their day and make sure they know that someone is thinking about them.”

Joyce is encouraging residents to write cards, which can be homemade or purchased, with a few words of support for older adults. Send cards to Joyce’s office, and staff will distribute them to local long-term care facilities.

“I hope residents will take five minutes today to help provide some comfort to these folks,” Joyce said. “It is important to make sure our seniors know that we are thinking and care about them.”

Cards can be sent to:

State Senator Patrick Joyce
270 Main St.
Park Forest, IL 60466

If residents have any concerns or questions, Joyce urges them to call his office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

PARK FOREST – In an effort to combat pandemic-related scams, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is urging residents to look out for potential unemployment fraud.

Some Illinoisans have reported receiving a KeyBank debit card and an unemployment letter from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) despite never having applied for unemployment.

“If you get a notice of unemployment benefits in your name even though you haven’t filed, notify the authorities immediately,” Joyce said. “Your personal information could be at risk—if you believe you could be a victim of fraud, act now to spot and stop scammers.” 

IDES confirmed individuals who have not filed for benefits but received a debit card or unemployment letter could be the target of fraud. Anyone who has received a debit card without filing is encouraged to contact their local police department and report the incident with IDES.