New program for Aurora Township seniors

The Association for Individual Development, or AID, has launched the "Senior Sunshine Program," a service to assist seniors who struggle with depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.

The program provides free phones calls to seniors who need mental health support or assistance, medication reminders, referrals to community resources and linkage to in-home therapy services through the AID Behavioral Health Outpatient Community, or BHOC, program.

"Our mission with this program is to prevent isolation, homelessness and hospitalization for seniors with mental health struggles who often fall through our community safety net," said Ashley Costello, AID lead mental health professional for the Senior Sunshine Program. "I am confident that our outreach calls, coupled with making connections to the AID BHOC program and other resources throughout Aurora Township, will have a positive impact in the lives of many senior residents."

For more information about the "Senior Sunshine Program," or to refer a client, call Costello at (630) 966-4347 or email acostello@aidcares.org. The free service is made possible with the support of Aurora Township and Senior Services Associates, Inc.

The "Senior Sunshine Program" is an extension of the already established AID Fox Valley Crisis Line, a free service that provides assistance to people with a wide variety of needs and concerns including, depression, anxiety, loneliness and substance abuse. The AID Fox Valley Crisis Line can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dialing (630) 966-9393.

AID works with individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. Learn more about AID programs and services by visiting AIDcares.org.