Community Care Team News
March/April 2003

CCT Opportunities
If you have some extra time and energy this summer, we have several volunteer opportunities:
  • Calling agencies to request updated or additional brochures;
  • Putting together CCT notebooks for this fall's new member training;
  • Updating the agency resource list; confirming phone numbers and e-mail addresses;
  • Helping with the West Towns newsletter mailing; and
  • Compiling Resource Notebooks for area school counselors/social workers.
If you'd be willing to spend an hour or two helping out in one of the West Towns offices, please call Carol at 365-2880.

Festival Time!
Do you enjoy greeting friends and meeting new neighbors? We need you! The Conley Outreach/West Towns Booth travels to all of the local festivals during the summer and fall:
  • Day in the Park (Elburn)
  • Sugar Grove Corn Boil
  • Elburn Days
  • Maple Park Festival
  • Big Rock Plowing Match
We need volunteers to staff the booth during these events. No talent needed! We set up and dismantle the booth. Chairs and toys are provided to entice tired patrons to rest (and provide free activities for the kids). All you do is greet people and help them find information on the table if they need it. If you can work at any of these festivals for a 2-hour time slot, PLEASE call Carol Alfrey at 365-2880.

Kid Care
Do you know a family struggling to pay for health insurance or that has no insurance? Depending on income, they may be eligible for Kid Care Insurance. This low-cost (and in some cases free) insurance for children 18 years and younger, covers doctor visits and dental care, well-child visits, prenatal care, specialty medical services, mental health and substance abuse services, hospital care, emergency services and prescription drugs. Kid Care brochures are available at both West Towns offices. Applications are available from the Kane County Health Department (897-1124). The Health Department can also assist families in completing and filing the application. Appointments can be made at the same phone number. 		 
Other Free/Low Cost Clinics
Free and low cost clinics are available locally for individuals and families not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private health insurance and who are unable to pay for services.
Tri-City Health Partnership at 318 Walnut Street in St. Charles offers general medical services. Call 377-9277 for an appointment.
The New York Street Clinic through the Aurora Christian Health Services provides general medical services. Call 375-1472 for an appointment.
Aurora Wellness Clinic offers free treatment for chronic disease suffers. Must be 18 and older, Kane County residents and meet income eligibility. Open Wednesdays 12-3:30 p.m. Call 897-1124.
VNA Health Center, 49 E. Downer Place in Aurora provides affordable healthcare for the entire family including routine medical care, lab tests, immunizations, STD testing, linkage to other services, medication assistance, prenatal care and other family services. Call 892-4355 to make an appointment.

Support Services for Caregivers
Are you or someone you know caring for a loved one over the age of 60? It may be an aging parent, an ailing spouse or a neighbor you are helping out. If so, you may be interested in the support services available from the Elderday Center in Geneva.
  • Free Individual or Family Counseling to anyone providing care giving services to an older adult 60+.
  • The care giver does not have to be living with the older adult to qualify.
  • Family Caregiver Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings include an information segment as well as time to share. Open to all providing care to an adult 60+. Free.
  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 6-week educational program for caregivers. Topics include managing stress, communicating with healthcare and service providers, dealing with difficult feelings and making tough decisions. The cost is $30 and includes a manual.
Call Elderday for more information about these services: 262-1231.

Older Adult Day Programs
Many older adults cannot be left alone during the day while care givers are at work or running errands. There are several area adult day programs that provide a safe, stimulating environment for elderly loved ones.
  • Elderday Center located in the Geneva Lutheran Church (lower level) 301 S. Third Street in Geneva. 262-1231
  • Rachel's Place 411 Spring Street in Aurora. 896-9022
  • Oakcrest Residence 204 S. State Street in Elgin. 847/742-2255
  • Fox Valley Older Adult Services 1406 Suydam Road in Sandwich. 815/786-9404
  • Senior Service Center 330 Grove Street in DeKalb. 815/758-4718
Alzheimer's Seminar
Arden Courts in Geneva is offering a free seminar on Communication and Alzheimer's Diseases on June 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. To register call 262-3900.