PERCEPTIONS 
Monthly e-newsletter with information for our
donors, volunteers and friends.
November (Vol. 5, Issue 5) 
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tcfs agency
TriCity Family Services
1120 Randall Ct.  
Geneva, IL 60134
630-232-1070 phone
630-232-1471 fax
  
Agency Links


 
About Us
  

TriCity Family Services is a trusted partner for counseling and other mental health services for children and teens, their families and community members across all life stages. Regardless of income level, members of the TriCity community have access to our full spectrum of services. Our unique family-centered approach seeks to involve all members of the family in treatment, and we are a local leader in engaging children and teens in early intervention and prevention programs. Through our services and support environments, our multi-dimensional approach seeks to strengthen the entire TriCity community by promoting lifelong mental health.

 

We are a certified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that annually serves over 3,000 residents of the central Kane County townships of St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Kaneville, Blackberry, Virgil and Campton. 
 
We accept insurance, Medicaid/Kid Care, Medicare, and offer a sliding fee scale for counseling services. We also offer scholarships for our group programs. No one is ever denied services at TriCity Family Services based on an inability to pay.
 

 

 
Upcoming Events
  
   

5th Annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K Run/Walk

Sat., Dec. 7th

 

 

Geneva History Center Giving Tree Program

 

Vote for our TCFS Christmas Tree!Voting Dates:

In Person

Nov.26-Dec.28

Online

Nov. 26-Jan. 2

 

The Geneva Giving Trees program is an initiative designed to call attention to local nonprofits that benefit the community. Local charities have elected to decorate a Christmas tree to reflect their mission and area of service. The public is invited to vote for their favorite tree with their dollars, either online or by visiting the Geneva History Center.

 

The winning organization will keep 100% of the funds pledged to support their tree. The remaining organizations will split their winnings with the Geneva History Center. 

 

A picture of our tree and a link to online voting will be on our website soon!

 

  
Thank You to Our Snowflake Shuffle Company Sponsors!
  
$2,500 Platinum Sponsor:
Comcast
  
$1,000 Gold Sponsors:
A Complete Remodeling Company, Inc., BMO Harris Bank, Exelon Generation, Kane County Chronicle, The Dolly McCarthy Show, and The Elburn Herald.
  
$500 Silver Sponsors:
Cadence Health, Delnor Glen Senior Living, Dickens, Mason, & Kissell, DDS., Ltd., Fox Valley Orthopedics, Shodeen Residential, St. Charles Bank & Trust, and Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 
$250 Bronze Sponsors:
Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers, BFC Integrated Print Management, Carlson's Flooring, Dr. Charles Kallstrom, D.D.S., Euclid Beverage, Everest College, Geiken Insurance Agencies, Geneva Eye Clinic, Gerald Nissan Subaru Hyundai, Linden Oaks Hospital at Edwards, K. Hollis Jewelers, Rejoice Lutheran Church, and Zimmerman Ford.
  
$100: Friends of the Race:
AMG Physical Rehabilitation, Brad Carlson & Associates, Ltd., DePaw University K9 Campus, Epic Air, E&T Glass & Mirror, Illini Landscaping, LLC., Kolinski and Crosby, Ltd., Prairie View Orthodontics, Tri-Cities Surgery Center, Ltd., and RSA, Inc.
Staff in the Spotlight
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our colleague Terry Ann Smout, as she begins a new chapter of her life in Ohio.  Terry Ann served as our agency Medical Assistant and Secretary for 16 years.  Terry Ann always kept our courtyard beautiful, and her humor and wit was known by all.  She will be truly missed by all of the staff at the agency and we wish her the best in her new phase of life.
  
  
In This Issue
Fall into Programs
Upcoming Events
Shuffle Sponsor Thank You
Staff in the Spotlight
Featured Photo
It's Shuffle Time!
Nov. Trivia Night Winners & Recap
Fred Norris, 2013 Barth Award Recipient
Board Updates
Community Connections
Additional Agency Headlines & Happenings


Christmas songs are on the radio, Thanksgiving meals and family get-togethers are being planned, and the first snow of the season announced that winter is on its way.
  
We, at TriCity Family Services, are getting ready for the holidays as well, and we have so much to be grateful for. 
  
Here is a list of a few things that make us glow with gratitude this holiday season:
  
1 Christmas Tree is currently being decorated at the Geneva History Center to reflect the mission of the agency for their upcoming Giving Tree program.
  
20 teams attended Trivia Night at the Batavia Moose on Saturday, Nov. 16th.
  
56 client families in need will be provided with a Thanksgiving meal complete with non-perishable food items and seasonal décor through our Adopt-a-Family program.  This marks our largest Thanksgiving program to date!
  
252 participants have registered for our 5th Annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K Run/Walk on Sat., Dec. 7th, and we are expecting over 800 participants come race day!
  
$1,345 has been raised through our "Sponsor Jim Campaign" for the Snowflake Shuffle.
  
4,080 individuals were provided mental health and counseling services at the agency in FY '13.
    
All of our programs and services are made possible by you, our amazingly generous donors, supporters and friends.   We hope that your heart is also filled with the glow of gratitude this holiday season.
  
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!  Please enjoy our November e-newsletter.

 

 Strengthening People, Building Community

 

   

Featured Photo of the Month

 

This picture was taken at the most recent Teen Girl's Retreat in October.  The girls retreat to Covenant Harbor, Lake Geneva for a weekend of emotional self-awareness and esteem building. 

 

This weekend of skill building was designed to increase girls' ability to engage in values-based positive behaviors, even when experiencing difficult thought, emotions and sensations. Throughout the retreat, blocks of time were allotted for meals, free time and five group breakout sessions.  The girls also enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking walks, sitting by the lake and journaling. Breakout sessions were discussion-oriented, providing the girls with a supportive environment where they could give feedback, provide insight and promote emotional care for one another.

 
It's Shuffle Time!
Don't miss your chance to
pre-register!

 

Please join us on

Saturday, Dec. 7th

for our

5th Annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K Walk/Run!

Holiday inspired, family friendly!

Santa Claus will be in attendance!

 

Pre-registration fees in effect through November 27th

$25 Adults (Age 18+)

$15 Children and Teens (Ages 6-17)

Free for Children (Age 5 and under)

 

Youth Mile: $10 Children (Ages 14 and under)

 

Registration fees after Nov. 27th are $5 more

and shirts are not guaranteed.

 

Location:
Mill Creek Clubhouse and Subdivision, Geneva
7 a.m. Check In/Registration
8:30 a.m. Youth Mile
9 a.m. Snowflake Shuffle 5K Run/Walk
  Rain, snow or sunshine!
  
Have race questions?  Contact Hallie Hudson, Development Associate by email at hhudson@tricityfamilyservices.org.
  
Click here for our 2013 Course Map
Compliments of:
  
  
    
 Make a gift for the "Sponsor Jim Otepka Campaign" 
    
  
"Charge of the Trivia Brigade" Wins TriCity Family Services Trivia Night
  

On Saturday, November 16th, the Batavia Moose was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as TriCity Family Services hosted their fall Trivia Night.   TriCity Family Services thanks the Batavia Moose for once again graciously donating their facility to be used for this event. Over 150 participants registered for this fun and informal event, with a number of guests being first time Trivia participants.  Over $2,700 was netted from the event, and all proceeds raised directly benefit the agency.

   

Out of 20 competing teams, "Charge of the Trivia Brigade" became the new reigning trivia champions. Pat and Dave Heun (Team Captains) and their team look forward to planning the next Trivia Night tentatively scheduled for February 2014.

 

TriCity Family Services thanks the former reigning Trivia champions (a team called "Jump the Sharknado") for their creativity and commitment to preparing for and hosting the event. 

 

Thank you to our Trivia Night Sponsor:

 

new exelon

Fred Norris Recieves the 2013 William D. Barth Award
  
Several former William D. Barth Award Recipients pose together at TriCity Family Services 2013 William D. Barth Award Dinner (From Left to Right), Melinda Hinners-Waldie (2002), Cris Anderson (2006), Fred Norris (2013 Barth Award Recipient), Dr. Vernon Guynn (1995), Pat Mann (2008), Carolyn Sprawka (2012), and James Kintz (2010).

TriCity Family Services presented the 29th annual William D. Barth Award on October 24, 2013 to Fred Norris of St. Charles.  The award was presented at their Annual Meeting and Barth Award Dinner at the Riverside Receptions and Conference Center in Geneva.

 

Truly a community leader with a significant, positive impact on the TriCity area, Fred T.L. Norris, has been both a visionary public official and a dedicated volunteer working for the good of dozens of local causes in the community over his lifetime. 

Mr. Norris is a life-long resident of St. Charles who joined his family as the third generation in the family's funeral business.  Later, when his brother joined the business, he transitioned successfully into a financial and management career with Fortune 100 Companies, General Motors, Brunswick Corporation and the Glidden Company, from which he retired in 1992, after 23 years.  He served as a St. Charles Alderman and Chair of the Finance, Public Health and Safety Committees.  Most notably in our community, Fred served as Mayor of St. Charles for 20 years, having been elected for 5 terms, and leaving the office in 1997.

 

Click here to continue reading the full press release.
Board Updates 

 

We are excited to welcome Cheryl Johnson, of Geneva and Abby Szklarek, of Batavia to our Board of Directors.  Both Abby and Cheryl were voted into office at a recent board meeting.

 

Introduction of Cheryl Johnson:

 

Cheryl has an extensive professional background in mental and public health.  She is the former Executive Director/Public Health Administrator for the Kendall County Health Department, from which she has since retired.

 

Throughout her career, Cheryl has served in numerous volunteer roles, including serving as the President for the Northern Illinois Public Health Cosortium (2009-2012).  In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for TriCity Family Services, Cheryl is currently on the NAMI DKK Board,  the Geneva Community Mental Health Board and the Fox Valley United Way Board.

 

She is an advocate for holistic mental and physical health, and for people serving their community.  Cheryl would like to use her professional experience to recruit volunteers, promote the agency through public speaking, and assist in the agency's fundraising efforts.

 

Introduction of Abby Szklarek:

 

Abby has 10 years of experience in public relations and marketing.  She has been very involved with the community, and has volunteered with the Junior League of South Bend (2006-2008), Little Hearts, Inc. (ongoing), and Christopher House (2004-2006).

 

Abby grew up in the Tri-city community and is the daughter of Roger and Jane Harris, long-time supporters of the agency.  As a mother, Abby understands the importance and value of programs and therapies for young children.

 

She looks forward to utilizing her skills in marketing, public relations and social media expertise to help raise awareness for the agency. 

Community Connections
  
Michelle Clark, TCFS Coordinator of Community Services Delivers "Feelings and Choices" Presentation to over 350 Students

On October 24th, Michelle Clark, M.S.Ed., LCPC, NCC showed her support of Red Ribbon Week by presenting "Feelings and Choices" to the students of St. Patrick School.  Michelle spent a full day presenting to individual classrooms.  In total, Michelle presented to over 350 students and 13 teachers.

 

Ginsberg Chiropractic is at the Heart of TCFS Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family Program

Dr. David Ginsberg of Ginsberg Chiropractic recently donated over fifty $20 gift cards to TriCity Family Services' Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family Program.

 

This is the 19th year that Ginsberg Chiropractic has donated gift cards for turkeys through the "Dr. with a Heart Promotion" and TriCity Family Services thanks Dr. Ginsberg and his staff for their continued partnership, generosity and support.

 

To date, Ginsberg Chiropractic has generously provided turkeys to over 400 TriCity Family Services client families, ensuring them a better Thanksgiving and holiday season.

  

Dr. David Ginsberg (left) and Dr. Vito Spadafino (right).
Thank you to Christ Community Church
In October, a team of hard-working volunteers from Christ Community Church spent their day of service refreshing our agency offices with a fresh coat of paint. Our offices look great!
  
  
  
Corporate Partners in Caring Renew Support

We are delighted to recognize the following companies for their recent financial commitment to our Corporate Partners in Caring Program.

 

TriCity Family Services thanks the companies below for joining the agency in our commitment to protect and preserve local families by improving the quality of life for those in need of mental health and counseling services.

 

  • Comcast, joined the agency at the $10,000 level as a new Corporate Leader in Caring.
  • BMO Harris Bank, renewed their support at the $5,000 level as a Corporate Pacesetter in Caring.
  • Dickens, Mason, and Kissell, DDS., Ltd., renewed their support at the $2,500 level as a Corporate Supporter in Caring
  • Dr. Charles Kallstrom, DDS., renewed their support at the $1,000 level as a Corporate Friend in Caring.

 

All companies will be recognized as sponsors at the agency's fundraising events and receive a year of philanthropic benefits in celebration of their gifts.

 

Click here for more information on the Corporate Partners in Caring Program. 

 

Additional Agency Headlines & Happenings

  
Thank You Fox Valley Marathon Participants!
The following runners participated in the 2013 Fox Valley Marathon in September, taking advantage of the marathon's Charity Partner Program.   Each participant below donated $100 to TriCity Family Services.
  •  Joseph Bagnasco
  • William Faber
  • Julie Hipp
  • Sue Klinkhamer
  • Christie Mason
  •  Joe Pedone
  • Brian Post
  • Anne Porter
  • Christopher Tebeau

 


Thank You to Our Corporate Leaders and Pacesetters in Caring
            New BMO Harris Logo  FONA logo   
TriCity Family Services, 1120 Randall Ct.  Geneva, IL 60134, 630-232-1070 phone, 630-232-1471 fax
 
United Way Logo Geneva Community Chest Logo