New Programs at Client Service Center

New Programs at Client Service Center

This fall, DuPagePads Client Service Center is introducing new programs to support families and individuals who are homeless.

Client Service Center

Open Monday through Friday, DuPagePads Client Service Center is one of the only day sites in the county where those who are homeless can shower, do laundry, take shelter from the weather and have lunch.

In addition to these basic needs, the Client Service Center also offers lockers for those working with a case manager to store items and reduce the amount of personal belongings they need to carry. Located at 703 West Liberty in Wheaton, last fiscal year the center served more than 1,000 people.

One of the most transformative aspects of the Client Service Center is the one-on-one case management that occurs during the day. DuPagePads case managers assist families and individuals in addressing their individual hurdles to housing and develop goal plans with targeted completion dates.

Knowledgeable of all eligible benefits and community programs, case managers assist participants on identifying beneficial support services, completing mainstream benefit applications and referring those ready for employment to the agency’s Career Employment Solutions program, located in a building right next door to the Client Service Center.

All of these activities are personalized for each individual and focused on assisting the participant in obtaining stable housing and steady income.

New Programs and Groups

In addition to gaining support from their case manager, the Client Service Center also facilitates a number of programs in a workshop setting that teach valuable skills and allows for individuals to share their experiences. This fall, the Client Service Center will host a number of new programs including:

• New – Financial Fitness Program – Starting mid-September, this three-week program facilitated by DuPage Homeownership Center will explore the fundamentals of creating a personal budget and understanding credit.
• New – Women’s Wellness Group – Facilitated in conjunction with Family Shelter Service, this women’s group will provide a safe location to discuss women’s issues and coping strategies. Topics include:  self-esteem, self-care, dealing with trauma and stress, managing emotions and healthy relationships. In addition to these topics, the group will also feature art therapy.
• New – Healthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.) – Facilitated by H.A.S. representatives, this educational group will meet twice a month and discuss resources for treating substance abuse.
• New – Midwestern University Occupational Therapy – Midwestern University student interns will run on-going weekly groups on a variety of topics from computer skills to nutrition and healthy eating.
• Returning – Harmony, Hope & Healing – Back by popular demand from this spring, Harmony, Hope & Healing offers music therapy as a way for participants to relieve stress and anxiety by singing, playing musical instruments and listening to inspirational songs. Click here to read more about our partnership and feedback from participants.