December 2015
NEWS & NOTES
A monthly e-newsletter for our donors, volunteers, and friends.
What's New
Today is Giving Tuesday!
Be a part of this world-wide day that supports giving and philanthropy. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, this annual event kicks-off the charitable season and encourages individuals and businesses to come together for one common purpose -- to celebrate generosity and give. Today is a great day to support TriCity Family Services!
  
  
  

TCFS Receives Grant
TCFS is pleased to announce that it has received a generous $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

These funds will enable the agency to purchase a new server and make renovations at its Geneva office. The server will enable TCFS to efficiently keep electronic medical records, and the renovations will make the office more comfortable and welcoming for clients.

Thank you to the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley for its support!
  
 
Christmas Baskets 
Once again, the Friends of TCFS will be providing Christmas baskets to client families in need. Last year we were able to assist eighty-four families.
 
If the thought of shopping for another entire family at Christmas overwhelms you, gift cards are a terrific way to support this cause.  Consider picking up a card or two from places like Target, Walmart, Kohl's, or Best Buy.  Other helpful gift cards include those for grocery stores or gas stations.  Gift cards are always graciously received when tucked in a gift basket, or allow volunteers to purchase gifts that have been specifically requested by recipients.  Also, donations of working computers are appreciated!
 
If you'd like more information, please email Joanne Spitz at joannespitz1@gmail.com.
 
 
Get Out Your Running Shoes!
The 7th Annual Snowflake Shuffle is being held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Mill Creek Clubhouse. Check-in begins at 7:00am, and the run begins at 9:00am.
 
New this year is the addition of a 10K, and a hot-chocolate bar after the race.  Hope to see you there!
 
Special thanks to the sponsors of this year's Snowflake Shuffle!
 
Gold Sponsors:  A Complete Remodeling Company; Creekwood Associates
 
Silver Sponsors:  MCC Tech; Dolly McCarthy; ALDI; Waddell & Reed; Gerald Auto Group; Linden Oaks; Shodeen; Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.; Geneva Family Dental
 
Bronze Sponsors:  Geiken Insurance; Prairie View Orthodontics; Flood Bros Disposal; Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine; John C. Koechley, DDS; St. Charles Dental; O'Brien Law LLC; Athletico Physical Therapy; Sidwell; Zimmerman Ford; RSA, Inc.; Smith and Richardson, Inc.; Sam's Club
 
Corporate Partners in Caring:  BMO Harris; FONA; Exelon; Comcast; Fox Valley Orthopedics; Dickens, Mason & Kissell, DDS; Producers Chemical; Nicor Energy Services; St. Charles Bank & Trust
 
 
Compassionate Friends Candle Lighting Ceremony
Another year has come and gone and it's again time for the annual Compassionate Friends Candle Lighting Ceremony.  For those of you not familiar with the process, please plan on lighting a candle at 7:00pm wherever you are on Sunday, December 13th. Compassionate Friends organizes this around the world so that over a 24-hour period candles are lit to honor all of the children we have lost around the globe. The process is one that brings some measure of comfort to those who have lost children.   For more information, visit the Compassionate Friends website.

  

 
Mark Your Calendars!
-- TCFS Annual Gala & Benefit - Saturday, April 16, 2016
Upcoming TCFS Programs
  
Mujeres Unidas/Women United Support Group -- NEW
2nd and 4th Mondays of each month
6:30-8:00pm
TCFS, 1120 Randall Court, Geneva  
  
For more information:
630-232-1070 or click here.
This new, ongoing group provides support to Latina women encountering everyday stressors associated with the numerous roles they encompass, while working to increase their sense of belonging. 
  
  
Eating Disorder Parent Group -- NEW
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month
7:00-8:30pm
TCFS, 1120 Randall Court, Geneva
 
For more information:
630-232-1070 or click here.
  
  
Support, skills-training, and empowerment for parents who care for a child with an eating disorder.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
Last Tuesday of each month
7:00-8:30pm
Please call 630-232-1070 for the meeting location.
This ongoing group provides support for dealing with the unique challenges associated with being primary caregivers to grandchildren.
  
  
Single Moms Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month
6:30-8:00pm
Please call 630-232-1070 for the meeting location. 
This ongoing group offers education and support to help single moms reduce stress, manage multiple demands, develop better coping skills, and provide effective guidance to their children.
  
  
  
Volunteer Opportunities

Join the Friends of TriCity Family Services 

We invite you to join us in our efforts to help TriCity Family Services provide its much-needed services to individuals and families in our community. 
  
For more information, call Jennifer Downing at 630-232-1070, or click here. 
To download a printable membership form, click here.
To join the Friends online, click here.
 
 
Help Plan Our 27th Annual Gala & Benefit!
Volunteers are needed to assist with all aspects of this spectacular TCFS fundraising event being held April 16, 2016. 
  
For more information, or to offer your time and talents, please contact Jim Di Ciaula at jdiciaula@sbcglobal.net 
  
 
  
Thank You!
Thank You to all the volunteers who gave their time to the TCFS Phone-A-Thon on November 9, 10, and 11;  and Thank You to all the donors who supported TCFS!
.  
Thank You to all of the sponsors of our annual Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Family program for their generosity, and Thank You to Dr. David Ginsberg for donating gift cards to purchase turkeys.  Because of you, 45 of our clients and their families had something extra to be thankful for this year! 
What Our Clients Are Saying...

"I am very grateful for all the time, energy, effort, and care that [a TCFS therapist] has invested to help my daughter."
Strengthening People -- Building Community
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1120 Randall Court, Geneva, Illinois 60134· 630.232.1070