New military support group meets in Elk Grove Village
Children’s Home + Aid is opening a new support group for military families that will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 1, at Alexian Brothers’ Roncoli Center, 600 Alexian Way, Elk Grove Village. An informational meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25.
The Military Parents and Caregivers Parents Care + Share Support Group is offered through a partnership between Children’s Home and Alexian Brothers Vet Center to address the stresses of military service on parents and children.
“The challenges and stress encountered by our nation’s military families can be intense,” said Nancy B. Ronquillo, CEO of Children’s Home + Aid. “Long and repeated deployments, physical and emotional injuries and uncertain futures can put even the strongest families in crisis.”
The group is a much-needed resource, said Russ Hopkins, founder of Chicagoland Military Families and a collaborator in the development of the group.
“Our military parents and caregivers need this opportunity to meet conveniently on a weekly basis to share their parenting experiences and knowledge and establish personal relationships with neighbors who share a common bond — raising a military child.”
This support group is free for anyone parenting a military child, including civilian spouses and caregivers. Group meetings are open to parents and caregivers affiliated with all service branches, including the National Guard, reserves, veterans and those currently in active duty status.
The group offers a free children’s program led by trained Children’s Program Specialists, who will provide fun activities for the children while their parents and caregivers are in group. Dinner is provided free for everyone each week as part of the program.
“Parents and caregivers don’t have to worry about trying to find child care or fix dinner,” said Earl Kloppmann, program manager for the program.
The information meeting Jan. 25 will include free child care and a meal catered by Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Restaurant. For details or to make reservations, call Carolyn Dixon at (312) 513-9650. Information on Children’s Home + Aid is at childrenshomeandaid.org.