Empowerment Workshops
Housing Workshop – This program assists clients in understanding the housing opportunities available to them in DuPage County, the housing assessment they will complete, and options for rental assistance.
Transportation Workshop – This workshop assists clients in understanding the basic public transportation system in DuPage County, understanding how to access Medicaid transport services, and how to apply for RTA free ride cards.
Health and Wellness Workshop – This program assists clients in understanding general health information related to chronic health conditions, medication management, health resources in the community, and resources for dental and vision needs.
Musical Self Care – Research has proven that music can increase heart health, improve mood, reduce stress, relieve symptoms of depression, stimulate memories, and manage pain. The goal of the Musical Self Care Group is to encourage self-care through listening to different types of music and explore how we use music to improve our mood and comfort so we can take better care of ourselves.
HOME DuPage – This workshop provides budget and credit sessions to clients. This program empowers families and individuals to become financially literate and successful through every stage of life. H.O.M.E. DuPage regularly offers the Personal Budget and the Understanding the Credit Report workshops at different locations in DuPage County. Once you attend one of these two workshops, you are eligible for one-on-one financial coaching and the other listed workshops
HAS – Healthcare Alternative Systems
- Coping Skills Group – This group discusses various healthy coping skills that clients can learn as opposed to those that may not be healthy, including substance use.
- Client assessments can be done to determine need for outpatient or inpatient services.
Sip N Learn – Every week, new clients are welcome to join this group for coffee, where they can meet other new clients and gain insights into case management, as well as the various groups and services available at the Empowerment Center.
Employment Workshops
Biweekly Employment Group – This group provides a range of services to create sustainable futures. The Employment Workshop focuses on:
- Career Compatibility
- Employment/Career Search
- Career Development and Placement
- Career Retention Services
Biweekly Money Smart Workshop -DuPagePads partners with Wheaton Bank and Trust to offer a workshop to build financial knowledge.
On-Site Hiring Events – DuPagePads partners with hiring managers and other key stakeholders in the community to meet with potential job seekers who are current DuPagePads clients and therefore outside the typical interviewing and hiring process. Community partners include:
- Wheaton Park District
- Elmhurst Park District
- Pace Bus Services
- Illinois Tollway
- ASG Staffing
- Morton Arboretum
- Parts Town
- AMC Yorktown
- Pride Industries
- Many more!
Transforming Impossible Into Possible, TIP – This program helps clients transform their lives and lead them to self-success through small, informative, and supportive group discussions and workshops. This self-empowerment workshop guides clients through reflection and action on specific topics including identity, forgiveness, goal setting, barriers, gratitude, and more.
Adult Computer Class – DuPagePads partners with Compudopt to offer clients a six week computer course that consists of eight modules, including Computer Basics, Email, Internet Use & Safety, and Technology for Business and Life.
Education Programs
Parent Advisory Council – This goal of this group is to serve as an open forum for the sharing of ideas and discussion of school-related issues. The Parent Advisory Council encourage parental participation, and supports and enhances the educational process for DuPagePads students.
Tutoring – Volunteer DuPage County teachers assist school-aged children with improving their math and reading skills through consistent reading and tutoring sessions.
Monthly Interactive Children Activities
- Wonder Club Out of School Learning – STEAM programs for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, focusing on social-emotional activities, teambuilding, and problem solving.
- Art Days
- Holiday Parties
- Story Telling with the Downers Grove Library
- Teen Survey Council
- Many more!
Programs and services are limited to DuPagePads program participants only.
