Pillars Community Health

07/13/2026

People with disabilities experience domestic violence at disproportionately higher rates, yet they often face additional barriers when seeking safety and support.

Join Pillars Community Health for a free professional learning opportunity exploring the intersection of disability and domestic violence. Together, we'll examine how disability can increase vulnerability to abuse, identify barriers survivors may encounter, and discuss practical strategies for providing accessible, trauma-informed, survivor-centered care.

📅 Wednesday, August 26
🕐 1:00–4:00 p.m.
📍 Pillars Community Health – Hickory Hills
💲 Free with registration

This training is ideal for service providers, healthcare professionals, advocates, social workers, behavioral health professionals, students, PCH staff, and community members who want to better support survivors.

07/10/2026

Whole-person care starts with access.

Finding the right care shouldn't be confusing.

Whether you need help finding a provider, understanding your options, or applying for benefits, our team is here to help connect you with the services that fit your needs.

Because getting help should be the easiest part.

Learn more at PillarsCommunityHealth.org

07/07/2026

Transparency builds trust.

We're proud to once again earn Candid's 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency—the highest level of recognition for nonprofit openness and accountability.

When you support Pillars Community Health, you deserve to know how your generosity is making a difference. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship and compassionate, whole-person care.

Learn more: https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/pillars-community-health-receives-2026-platinum-seal-of-transparency-from-candid/

07/06/2026

Please join us in welcoming Shunita L. Rhodes, CPA, MBA, as the new Chief Financial Officer at Pillars Community Health.

Shunita brings extensive executive finance leadership experience across nonprofit healthcare, behavioral health, education, and human services. As a member of our executive leadership team, she will help guide our financial strategy and support our mission of providing compassionate, whole-person care to the communities we serve.

Welcome to the team, Shunita!

Learn more: https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/pillars-community-health-appoints-shunita-l-rhodes-as-chief-financial-officer/

07/06/2026

For 50 years, Pillars Community Health has been there for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Today, we're proud to continue that legacy by expanding our Mobile Crisis Response service area across suburban Cook County and introducing a new, easy-to-remember crisis line:

📞 708-6-CRISIS (708-627-4747)

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, our trained behavioral health professionals provide crisis assessment, de-escalation, support, and connections to ongoing care for children, adolescents, adults, and families.

As our service area grows, more communities will now be served by Pillars Community Health's Mobile Crisis Response team—building on five decades of compassionate, community-based behavioral health care.

Learn more: https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/pillars-community-health-celebrates-50-years-of-crisis-intervention-and-expands-mobile-crisis-response/

If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, call 708-6-CRISIS (708-627-4747) or call or text 988.

Pillars Community Health celebrates 50 years of Crisis Intervention Services by expanding Mobile Crisis Response and launching 708-6-CRISIS for 24/7 behavioral health support.

07/01/2026

Holiday Hours Notice

In observance of Independence Day, Pillars Community Health offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4.

Please note: Our Hickory Hills Behavioral Health Center will close early at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 2.

Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 6.

If you or someone you know needs support while our offices are closed, help is available 24/7:

🧠 Mental Health Crisis Support: 708-6-CRISIS (708-627-4747) or 988
💜 Domestic Violence Hotline: 708-485-5254
💙 Sexual Assault Hotline: 708-482-9600

We wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day.

06/30/2026

Join us for the Annual Buddy's Place Picnic!

For 26 years, Buddy's Place has provided grief support for children, teens, young adults, and their families. Our annual picnic is an opportunity for everyone who has been part of Buddy's Place to reconnect, share a meal, enjoy activities, and spend time together.

Whether you're a current participant, attended Buddy's Place years ago, are a family member, volunteer, or supporter, we'd love to see you.

📅 Monday, July 13, 2026
🕡 6:15–7:30 p.m.
📍 Western Springs

This event is free, but registration is required by Friday, July 10.

🔗 Register here: https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/event/buddys-place-annual-picnic/

Join Buddy’s Place for a free, grief-aware summer picnic for current and alumni families, volunteers, and supporters.

06/30/2026

As PTSD Awareness Month comes to a close, remember that PTSD can affect anyone—and symptoms may become more noticeable during fireworks season.

Learn how fireworks can impact people living with PTSD, recognize the signs, and explore treatment options in our latest blog.

Learn PTSD symptoms, triggers like fireworks, and treatment options. Pillars Community Health offers support—call 708-745-5277 to get help today.

06/29/2026

Building stronger communities starts with education.

Congratulations to the nine Pillars Community Health team members who recently completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training! This evidence-based program equips participants with the skills to recognize the signs of mental health challenges in young people, provide initial support, and connect them with appropriate resources.

At PCH, we don't just invest in training our own staff; we bring these educational opportunities into the community. Through our Community Education & Outreach team, we offer Youth Mental Health First Aid and other presentations for schools, workplaces, faith communities, libraries, and community organizations because everyone has a role to play in supporting mental health.

Interested in bringing a training or presentation to your organization? Learn more and submit a request here:

https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/services/community-education-and-outreach/

Together, we can build a community where more people are prepared to recognize when a young person may need help.

06/29/2026

Extreme Heat Is Expected This Week

With the heat index expected to climb above 105°F, take steps now to protect yourself and those around you.

💧 Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
⏰ Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day if possible.
👵 Check on older adults, young children, neighbors, and anyone with chronic health conditions.
🐾 Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.

If you don't have access to air conditioning, Cook County has cooling centers available throughout the region. Before visiting, call ahead to confirm hours and availability.

📍 View the current list of Cook County cooling centers:
https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/cooling-centers

Let's look out for one another and stay safe during this period of extreme heat. ❤️