Getting the word out about Naperville's service programs

Naperville is rich with social service programs and assistance organizations.

But the problem many of those organizations' and programs' leaders face is getting word out to people who need their services.

The Naperville Police Department has arranged a town hall meeting Tuesday night that will feature leaders of various programs and social service groups.

"There's no point in these being secret," Cmdr. Ken Parcel said. "We do anti-drug presentations and anti-gang presentations all the time, and we felt this was something we wanted to get out that these resources were available."

The department's social service programs will be highlighted as well as those offered by the county. Local and area service organizations also will be on hand to describe what they offer.

Cultural social service groups like Parivar International and the Asian American Suicide Prevention Initiative will have representatives present to discuss what services they offer.

"We tried to tailor the panel to meet all the things we see on a daily basis," Parcel said.

He said groups that specialize in dealing with cultural stress were invited to the gathering in an effort to highlight other outreach programs available other than emergency services, which is often a last resort of many people.

"There's definitely a stigma attached to reaching out to the police when you're in crisis," said NCO Youth and Family Services Executive Director Ron Hume. "I wish there was a universal crisis number other than 911 that people could use that would get them the referral information they need."

Parcel said the forum was timed to coincide with the start of the holiday season, which is often a trigger for stress.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at city hall, 400 S. Eagle St.