News | American Indian Health Service of Chicago, Inc.

AIHSC Receives Cook County Grant for Domestic Violence

Kendra Chaplin — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:43:14 +0000

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are proud to announce that American Indian Health Service of Chicago has received a grant from Cook County. Under the Cook County Domestic Violence Intervention & Support Services Initiative, we will be able to better serve our community and save lives. #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #DVAM @CookCountyGov

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE: Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Grant Awards – YouTube

BELOW IS THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/news/president-preckwinkle-announces-5-million-grants-awarded-under-cook-county-domestic-violence

(COOK COUNTY, IL) Today, President Preckwinkle joined Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council and non-profit leaders to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and announce nearly $5 million in grants awarded under the Cook County Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative.

“Forms of gender-based violence including domestic violence have silently impacted our communities for generations,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are making an important investment in programs and services for survivors and their families. We are committed to supporting and empowering our residents impacted by gender-based violence and increasing access to the services that address the ongoing need in our communities.”

The Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative is an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) supported program designed in response to the increased levels of gender-based violence experienced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awards range from $132,000 to $1.5 million and are supporting provision of services through September 2025. Additional grant awards under the Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Servies are anticipated, pending availability of funding.

“Domestic violence is an issue that affects all of us – whether you are a direct survivor or not,” said Cook County Commissioner, Alma Anaya. “As a County, it is critical that we invest in programs and organizations that will provide lasting impact in the lives of those affected by abuse. Survivors need access to critical resources, including social, emotional, physical, and mental health resources. I’m grateful to the Justice Advisory Council for investing in programs that will help survivors, their families, and our communities. May we continue to place survivors at the forefront of our work.”

“The Domestic Violence Intervention & Support Services initiative is so needed and I’m proud to have voted to fund this important American Rescue Plan programming,” said Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller. “I have worked with several organizations in my district to uplift this critical work. I am happy to see providers in the south suburbs such as ANEW: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse receiving grant funding to provide domestic violence services because logistics matter, and making it easier to access these services is vital.”

The initiative is managed by the Justice Advisory Council (JAC). The JAC leads Cook County’s community safety policy and grant initiatives including investments in gun violence prevention and reentry services. The Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative supports community-based organizations providing a variety of services that support survivors of domestic violence and their families. Funded services include crisis hotline staffing, therapeutic and counseling services, case management and referrals, legal support and advocacy and housing supports including shelters and rapid re-housing. In response to reported need, an emphasis was placed on housing and related supportive services for survivors navigating challenges in their homes.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and relationships yet, 1 in 4 women in our country still experience physical intimate partner violence, said Avik Das, Executive Director of the JAC. “We are committed to addressing domestic and intimate partner violence with culturally responsive interventions and services. In designing this initiative, we listened to advocates and survivors and are investing in community-based programs and services that can help restore safety and break cycles of trauma that have impacted many members of our communities.”

In 2024, eight community-based organizations from across Cook County received a grant award under the initiative. The organizations that received grant funding are American Indian Health Service of Chicago, ANEW: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse, The Crisis Center for South Suburbia, KAN-WIN, Mujeres Latinas En Acción, The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence, Sarah’s Inn and WINGS Program, Inc.

“We know Domestic Violence to be a critical issue across all cultures, communities, and peoples, yet so many are unseen and afraid to speak,” said Dr. Albert Mensah, Director of the American Indian Health Service of Chicago (AIHSC). “Few recognize that there are in excess of 50,000 Native Americans in Chicagoland and more than 50 percent of Native households are subject to this life-threatening issue. At AIHSC, we not only believe in treatment, we are focusing on prevention. Giving voice to the afraid, building capacity for the paralyzed, and providing education to all is what this grant award will help us facilitate.”

“For 50 years, Mujeres has provided culturally specific, trauma informed services to communities in need in Chicago and surrounding western suburbs of Cook County,” says Linda X. Tortolero, President and CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “This year, the funding from the Cook County Justice Advisory Council will help build equitable access to mental health services that will aim to reduce and prevent the negative impacts of family violence, as we continue to support building healthier and safer communities for all.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first observed in the 1980s. October is now recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the national and local level. Throughout October, leaders, advocates, survivors and communities come together to educate and raise awareness as well as advocate for policies, practices and programs that address forms of gender-based violence including domestic and intimate partner violence.

To learn more about the Cook County Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative, visit CookCountyil.gov/JACGrants. More information on Domestic Violence is available from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence. The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is 877-863-6338.

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And you can even see coverage of the grant on the news!

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Back To School Clinic

Kendra Chaplin — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:33:38 +0000

BACK TO SCHOOL CLINIC

ALL MONTH OF AUGUST • 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
American Indian Health Service of Chicago • 4326 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641

No Cost/Low Cost School Physicals and Immunizations

It’s Back To School Time! And that means children are due for annual physicals, sports physicals, and immunizations! American Indian Health Service of Chicago will be offering No Cost or Low Cost physicals and immunizations for the entire month of August. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM. *FREE for qualifying families with tribal documentation. LOW COST for all families. Based on availability of services.

🎒 FREEBackpacks arelimited toqualifiedfamilies .

Call 773-883-9100 to Book Your Appointment!

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GONA Resiliency Empowerment Summit

Kendra Chaplin — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:50:40 +0000

GONA Resiliency Empowerment Summit

3 Days of Ceremony, Community & Connections • June 28th, 29th & 30th
Mathew Bieszcsat Volunteer Resource Center • 6100 N. Central Ave Chicago, IL 60646

About GONA

We offer presentations, workshops & ceremonies that provide a forum and experience for Native Americans to identify issues and connect with community in a spiritual and healing process.

A GONA is a culture-based planning process where community members gather to address community-identified issues. Using a personal interactive approach that empowers and supports AI/AN tribes, the GONA reflects AI/AN cultural values, traditions and spiritual practices.

June 28: Day 1 Belonging

9:00-10:00 Registration, Name tags, Pictures and Affirmation Boards
10:00 am Opening • Smudge, Drum & Song
Welcome:
Why are we here • Introductions of GONA Team • Icebreaker
Introductions of participants • Overview of GONA • Norms • Altar
• Gift Making • Icebreaker/ Movement • Develop small groups
12:00 pm Lunch
12:45 pm Session 1
Movement • Intro Belonging • Discuss strengths of family, Community, and Nations
Team Building • Name • Chant • Shield • Teach Back
2:00 pm Break
2:15 pm Session 2
Icebreaker • Storyteller – Creation Story • Belmont Process • Mini Teach • Small group discussion • Teach back
3:00 pm Closing for Day 1 • Smudge, Drum & Song

June 29: Day 2 Mastery

9:00 am Breakfast
Registration Table, Name tags, Pictures and Affirmation Boards
10:00 am Opening • Smudge, Drum & Song
Movement/ Energizer • Introduction Mastery • Storyteller • Belmont Process • Mini Teach • Small Group • Teach Back
12:00 pm Lunch
12:45 pm Session 3
Movement • Guided Activity: Trauma Tree • Teach Back
2:00 pm Break
2:15 pm Session 4
What does healing look like for young people in Chicago?
3:00 pm Closing for Day 2 • Smudge, Drum & Song

June 30: Day 3 Interdependence

9:00 am Breakfast
Registration Table, Name tags, Pictures and Affirmation Boards
10:00 am Opening • Smudge, Drum & Song
Movement • Role of Vison and Managing Complex Change
Guided Activity: Acorns that were collected with the Tree Activity
What can we do to enhance and enlarge their hope for the future
Teach Back
Session 5 • Movement • Introduction to Generosity • Storyteller • Belmont Process • Mini teach • Small group discussion • Teach back
11:15 am Break
Closing Ceremony • All staff available
Read wall of affirmations • Honor attendance
Selection of Gifts community, and nations
Team Building • Name • Chant • Shield • Teach Back
1:00 pm Event Closing Day 3 • All staff available
• Smudge, Drum & Song

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Summer Meals Program

Kendra Chaplin — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:52:22 +0000

A Summer Meals Program For Children

Free healthy and nutritious summer meals are available for children (18 and under) when school is out.

The Rise & Shine Illinois campaign is a partnership between Share Our Strength, the nation’s leading child anti-hunger organization and partner organizations throughout Illinois. The campaign aims to end childhood hunger by using proven strategies, including increasing access to federally-funded child nutrition programs including school breakfast and summer meal programs.

Find a summer meal site close to you by calling (800) 359-2163 or texting FoodIL to 877877. Visit summermealsillinois.org for more information.

summermealsillinois.org

The Summer Feeding Program is proudly sponsored by the following organizations in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Illinois State Board of Education:

FSP, Archdiocese of Chicago, Nutrition Services , Chicago Public Schools , Chicago Department of Family and Support Services , Chicago Housing Authority,  Eastern Illinois Food Bank,  Northern Illinois Food Bank, Greater Chicago Food Depository,  Illinois Coalition for Community Services,  Illinois Hunger Coalition,  St. Louis Area Food Bank

Summer Meals Video on YouTube

During the school year, many Illinois children receive at least two meals a day at school via the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs. The Summer Food Service Program is designed to ensure that children continue to receive these important meals during the summer.

Summer Meals YouTube Video

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Diabetes Prevention Program

Kendra Chaplin — Fri, 26 May 2023 15:13:46 +0000

Join A FREE Diabetes Prevention Class!

Visit aihschgo.org, to learn more or to enroll. Classes starting June 16, 2023.

The FREE Diabetes Prevention Program offers you:

• A year-long coach to guide and encourage you
• Skills and information to lose weight, be more active and manage stress
• Group support
• Online and in-person meetings

Are You At Risk?

You may have Pre-Diabetes if you:

• A year-long coach to guide and encourage you
• Are 45 or older
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes
• Have had Gestational Diabetes
• Are physically active less than 3 times a week

Visit chicagocaresdpp.org to take the free Pre-Diabetes risk test and learn more about the Diabetes
Prevention Program classes.

For more information, please contact:
Sarina DiMaso
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
773-883-9100 Ext. 1020 (Office) 872-801-1257 (Work Cell) sdimaso@aihschgo.org.

Avoid Type 2 Diabetes

With the FREE Chicago CARES Diabetes Prevention Program.

16% of Native adults have Pre-Diabetes without knowing it, you could be one of them.

Having Pre-Diabetes means your blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as Diabetes. However, Pre-Diabetes means more than just a point on a chart or graph. It raises your risk of:
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 Diabetes

You can live with Type 2 Diabetes – Taking pills and injecting needles – But do you really want to?

If you have pre-diabetes or other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, now is the time to take charge of your health and make a change. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. It’s not too late to do something about it. By making small changes like eating healthy, being more active, and losing weight, you can cut your risk of diabetes in half.

JOIN THE FREE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM to take meaningful steps to decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes with help from a trained lifestyle coach and group support – for an entire year!

Chicago CARES to Prevent Diabetes is an initiative of the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Public Health Institute, funded by a cooperative agreement from the CDC, NCCDPHP, Division of Diabetes Translation.

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Mental Health Awareness Month

Kendra Chaplin — Fri, 05 May 2023 20:54:46 +0000

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

When it comes to mental health, small actions equal big impact.

If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is. Talking about mental health helps promote acceptance and encourages people to seek help. Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help, or simply are there for someone when they need us, we instill hope and can help others to reach out when they need to most.

Embrace Authenticity

Be Your Authentic Self.

Being your authentic self is essential for good mental health. Let’s remind our LGBTQIA+ youth that they are never alone, and that help is available when they need it. If you are feeling distressed or overwhelmed, call, text, or chat 988 for judgment-free support 24/7. #988Lifeline #Together4MH #MHAM2023 #mentalhealthmatters

View Embrace Authenticity Video

Self-care is important for your mental health

It’s okay to take a break when you need it.

Despite life’s stressors, there are many things that you can do to maintain positive mental health, including self-care. Mental health is essential to your overall health and quality of life. When you take care of yourself, your physical and emotional health improve; you become more resilient and can find ways to manage stress in a healthy and positive way. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of your mental health. What does self-care look like to you?

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Dial 988 For Mental Health Emergency

Kendra Chaplin — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:51:07 +0000

Coming to Indian Country: 988 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Why do we need 988?

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native youth ages 10-24. Native communities experience the highest rates of suicide amongst all racial and ethnic groups in the Unites States, and suicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native communities rose by 118% between 1999 and 2017.
Suicide is preventable. 988 is one step in the direction of saving lives. This early intervention can reduce the burden on 911 and hospital services. 988 will move mental health and substance use services out of the shadows and into the mainstream; it will send a message that healing and getting help are normal and important parts of life.

What is 988?

988 is a direct three-digit line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis counselors that will go live July 16, 2022. With an easy to remember 3-digit number, the Lifeline hopes to reach many more people in emotional crisis. This service is provided free of charge to the caller. Any person of any age can call or text 988; services will be available 24/7, year round. They will include a text option, translation services for non-English speakers, accessible options for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and services for minors.

How will this affect my community?

The impact of 988 will vary from community to community. If your community has reliable phone and 911 services, it will now have access to 988 24/7. Community members will be able to receive confidential services during mental health emergencies with minimal involvement of police or hospitals. If you live in an area where connecting to 911 services is difficult, you may experience the same with 988. Please know that chatting via the suicidepreventionlifeline.org website, texting NATIVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or texting 988 when available may be the best ways to connect in these communities.

Lifeline Crisis Centers are Local and Effective

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, 24/7 confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress in the United States. The Lifeline is effective in reducing suicidal and emotional distress.

• The Lifeline has served over 10 million people since its inception
• Call centers in the Lifeline divert hundreds of thousands of calls from 911 every year
• Independent evaluations demonstrate that Lifeline centers are effective in reducing emotional distress and suicidality
The Lifeline is a network of over 180 local crisis call centers. Crisis centers are connected to local community
resources including community mental health, hospitals, social services, and first responders. The Lifeline’s
crisis call centers provide the specialized care of a local community with the support of a national network.
There are no Lifeline tribal crisis call centers—yet! Tribes may partner with regional non-profits to provide
coverage to tribal communities as well as open tribal crisis lines in their community.

To learn more about the capacities needed to open a crisis call center, review the SAMHSA National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care.

SAMSHA Health Crisis Care Guide

What happens when you call (or text) 988?

You will be connected with a trained crisis worker from a local crisis center. Wait times are anticipated to be under one minute. The caller can talk about any emotional crisis, not just suicide. The crisis worker will use
active listening to assess risk, determine if a person is in danger, and assist the person in feeling better and
accessing resources. If the crisis worker believes the caller is in danger, they will work with the caller to create a safety plan that does not require calling emergency services. Less than 3% of calls result in dispatching 911 services.
If you are calling about a friend or family member who is in distress, the person on the phone will walk you through how to help and provide resources.

How will this change be resourced and promoted?

With the passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, the federal government has set aside a 5% Mental Health Block Grant for crisis services and a single time Mental Health Block Grant of $1.5 Billion. States can also exercise their authority to implement a 988 fee, similar to the current 911 fee. In 2018, 911 fees generated $2.6 Billion. Tribes can contact the SAMHSA Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy to discuss possible funding to support 988 in their region, or reach out to the state closest to them to discuss funding partnerships.

In addition to federal efforts, non-profit agencies all over the nation will be disseminating information about 988. For tribal promotional materials or consultation in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, contact the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s THRIVE Suicide Prevention Project Coordinator at mnore@npaihb.org.

How can tribal communities partner with 988?

Tribes and Tribal communities can:

• Contact their state’s 988 Implementation Coalition to get involved in the rollout of 988.
• Partner with local crisis service centers to provide culturally appropriate services. To get connected or learn more about your local crisis service center,
Visit the Lifeline’s Network webpage.
• Establish tribally specific crisis service centers to become part of the Lifeline
• Develop culturally aware mobile crisis response teams for tribal communities.

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Special Education Rights Webinar

Kendra Chaplin — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 21:34:02 +0000

Join Us For A Special Education Rights Webinar

March 16th, 2pm (CST)

The webinar is entitled “Navigating the IEP and 504 Process – Special Education Rights Webinar”. The meeting is open to the community and the event is FREE! Space is limited.

Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) of the Chicago Metropolitan area is a Parent Training and Information Center, that helps parents learn how to prepare their children to lead a productive and independent adult life.

Organized in 1969 by parents, professionals, and volunteers who sought to improve service for all children with disabilities, FRCD has been a pioneer as a coalition that covers all disabilities. It has been the continued goal of FRCD to inform, empower and assist parents about their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Space is limited, please register here:

Webinar Registration

Zoom Meeting Information

Navigating the IEP and 504 Process: Special Education Rights Webinar

Date & Time: March 16, 2023 2pm CST
Meeting ID: 85880703304
Passcode: 859659

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android

If the button above does not work, paste this into your browser:

https://us06web.zoom.us/w/85880703304?tk=fX8nQApfCmR9BMWwwnms-8S5Lodl6biefdi_RkPOBvg.DQMAAAAT_uOJSBZnRkNnXzIwUlM4S19tWGpBdEl0TFJnAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA&pwd=K255Yk1EVWZXeFlNckEzZ2ZxWjQxdz09

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Four Direction Fitness

Kendra Chaplin — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 22:09:37 +0000

We’ve Got A New Look! How About You?

4D Fitness Is Closed This Week, Returning on Wednesdays 5:30pm-8:30pm and Sundays from 10am-3pm beginning April 23rd.

Sarina DiMaso leads workout training sessions. She has received certification as a personal fitness trainer with the Native American Fitness Council.

Training includes

• Circuit Training • Senior & Youth Wellness & Movement
• High & Low Impact Aerobics • Equipment Mechanics
• Kickboxing • Weight Training Programs • Goal Setting
• Weight Loss Program • All Exercise can be modified!

Equipment:

• Rowing Machine • Climber • DB Method Squat Machine
• Treadmill • Elliptical • Fusion CST Resistance

Learn more:

Contact Sarina DiMaso to learn more: 773.849.1663
or sdimaso@aihschgo.org.
Enter facility through Door 2. Parking available on-site!

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In Memoriam – Father Peter J. Powell

Kendra Chaplin — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 22:13:08 +0000

Fr. Peter J. Powell • July 2, 1928 – December 15, 2022

Beloved Father Peter J. Powell, who devoted his life to the service of Native American people, died peacefully in his home in Chicago on December 15, surrounded by his family. He was 94 years old.

A Beloved Spiritual Leader and Accomplished Scholar

Peter J. Powell was born on July 2, 1928, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to William and Helena (Teague) Powell. He attended his beloved Church Farm School and enrolled in Ripon College, and upon graduation entered seminary for the priesthood at Nashotah House in Oconomowoc, WI. After his ordination, he married his wife of 57 years, Virginia Lee Raisch, and moved to Chicago to begin his lifelong work serving the Native American community. In 1961, he founded St. Augustine’s Center, where, with deep spirituality and a wry sense of humor, he served Native American families in the city for the next 55 years. By its end, St. Augustine’s Center had served three generations and thousands of members of the Native American community.

Father Powell was an accomplished scholar of the Plains Indians. His first major work was Sweet Medicine. It was followed by the landmark People of the Sacred Mountain, which presents a history of the Northern Cheyenne chiefs and warrior societies, and won both the 1982 National Book Award in History and the Anisfield-Wolf Award in Race Relations. He began writing by kerosene lantern in Big Horn, WY, and finished both works at his scholarly home, the Newberry Library in Chicago. His most recent publication, In Sun’s Likeness and Power, received the Waldo F. Leland Prize, and his final study of Northern Cheyenne ledger art will be published posthumously.

Included amongst his many other distinctions were Guggenheim and Smithsonian fellowships, a National Endowment for the Humanities grant, and several honorary doctorates. Father Powell cherished the many deep friendships he maintained with his mentors, colleagues, and members of the communities about which he wrote. These personal connections were the foundation of his ground-breaking work, and a source of lifelong happiness.

Peter Powell’s dedication to God was deep and unending, and he brought the joy of God to all manner of perhaps unexpected situations: teaching his grandchildren to play raucous card games; driving his family across the country in a station wagon with holes in the floor; or mowing the lawn in a Batman T-shirt. In his time out West, he could be found in the saddle or visiting family and friends in tribal lands across Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. He loved to sing old Bible folk songs with his children, and his voice will be dearly missed.

Father Powell is predeceased by his wife Virginia and granddaughter Meghan, and is survived by his four children, Katherine (Michael), Christine (John), John (Genai), and Pasha, his grandchildren Rebecca (Jonathan), Sean (Maggie), Peter (Katy), Nathaniel (Tanner), Caitlin, Matthew, and Ian, and his great-grandchildren Thomas and Isa.

Memorial Service:

Tuesday, December 20th, 2022
03:30 PM – 07:00 PM

Beaven Hall of St. Benedict Church
2215 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60618

Visit Father Powell’s Tribute Site:
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/26669757/fr-peter-j-powell/highwood/illinois/symonds-funeral-home

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