SPEAK Des Plaines

08/25/2026

Join the conversation at this local community event. The panel discussion will be moderated by Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman, virtual opening remarks from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, and will feature panelist speakers Danita Childers, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Cook County; Dr. Kiran Joshi, Chief Operating Officer, Cook County Department of Public Health; John F. Schomberg, Assistant Secretary for Programs, Illinois Department of Human Services; and Diane Slezak, President and CEO, AgeOptions.

The Growing Gap: Cost of Living and Community Needs
Monday, September 14th
Des Plaines Theatre
Ticket price: Donate what you can

Learn more and RSVP at centerofconcern.org/needs

You are invited to join us to learn how you can help while enjoying an evening of appetizers, cocktails, networking, panel discussion, and awards ceremony.

The Growing Gap: Cost of Living and Community Needs
Monday, September 14, 2026
5:30pm Networking and Appetizers
6:30pm Program Start

Des Plaines Theatre
1476 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Learn more, make a donation, and RSVP at buff.ly/yYSkKzT

08/11/2026

Center of Concern is offering free Narcan and gun locks to community members. No appointment or eligibility requirements. Stop by the Center of Concern during our office hours to pick up these free safety supplies (1665 Elk Boulevard, Des Plaines, Monday through Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm and Friday 9:00am-12:00pm).

07/08/2026

SNAP Information Session - Free community education event!

TOMORROW: Thursday, July 9th from 6:30-7:30pm
In-person at the Des Plaines Public Library or virtually Zoom

New federal rules for SNAP will impact millions of Illinois residents. Join this hybrid education event to learn how these change affect you, your family, and your community. Hosted by SPEAK Des Plaines in partnership with Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Join us in-person at the library or sign up for the webinar at http://tinyurl.com/SPEAKDesPlainesSNAP

06/22/2026

Join us for a special community circle: Celebrating Pride! This circle is for both the LGBTQ Community and those who want to learn to better support them.

First United Methodist Church Des Plaines hosts Community Building Peace Circles that provide community members an opportunity to experience a peacemaking circle and practice restorative peace making skills while getting to know their neighbors.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfBeNUYvCrpOxZd60cobaxSnr8ePCZicDedj6mbum8eVGJhA/viewform?

06/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who made our 5th annual Pride celebration possible today! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

06/19/2026

We hope you can join us on Saturday, June 20th for this fun and free event celebrating Pride! 🌈

06/17/2026

🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration
This Saturday! June 20, 2026
Trinity Lutheran Church
675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines

Event Schedule
❤️ 1:00-4:00pm – Exhibitors, Face Painting, Bounce House, Crafts, Tacos from Sunrise Grill

Activities and Performances
🧡 1:30pm – Family Yoga Session
💛 2:30pm – Storytelling, Personal Narratives
💚 3:45pm – Togetherness Moment
💙 4:00pm – Family-Friendly Drag Show
💜 5:00pm - Event ends

🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ Learn more: speakdesplaines.org/pride

06/17/2026

Join us at Pride on Saturday! 🏳️‍🌈 speakdesplaines.org/pride

Event Schedule
1:00 to 4:00pm – Exhibitors, Face Painting, Bounce House, Crafts, Food and Snacks, Tacos from Sunrise Grill

Activities and Performances
1:30pm – Family Yoga Session
2:30pm – Storytelling Showcase, Personal Narratives*
3:45pm – Togetherness Moment*
4:00pm – Family-Friendly Drag Show*

* = ASL interpreter available

06/16/2026

Thank you to our event sponsors! 🏳️‍🌈 speakdesplaines.org/pride