Hoffman Estates Health and Human Services

By Megan Fern, Roosevelt University Student

Can you imagine trying to leave a violent relationship without knowing where you will go, how you will meet your basic needs, and how to cope with the psychological trauma? Hoffman Estates Health and Human Services (HEHHS) offers a range of health care services including an opportunity for victims of Domestic Violence to improve their quality of life by learning about coping skills to deal with such questions. Partnered with the Northwest Suburban Alliance On Domestic Violence, these agencies work together to create awareness and provide intervention.

HEHHS is a unique facility in that it is a separately run department, yet attached to the Hoffman Estates Village Hall. These close quarters warrant a symbiotic relationship with the local Police Department among others in the surrounding area.

Dr. Algean Garner, Director of HEHHS, is the immediate contact for victims dealing with local Police Departments. Upon receiving a call, the HEHHS staff will work together to determine the specific needs of the victim. HEHHS is staffed by 14 qualified individuals including two registered nurses, seven interns/externs, a part-time clinical psychologist, and a Master’s level clinician.

Services available to the public include counseling, financial assistance, and temporary shelter. Counseling is offered to individuals, families, and couples. The advantage to working with these counselors is that those using these services are not limited on session time or number of visits in comparison to managed care facilities, based on private insurance coverage. Consequently, fees are strictly out-of-pocket, on a sliding scale based on income. There is no residency requirement, nor does HEHHS turn anyone away for inability to pay.

HEHHS also works closely with WINGS, a fellow alliance- agency, to acquire temporary housing for women and children. Together they facilitate smooth transitions for the victims to ensure security as they work through these difficult times.

As a community partner with the Alliance, HEHHS strives to deliver domestic violence awareness to the public. In Hoffman Estates, the Health and Human Services department is directly involved in the Citizen Newsletter, village Web site, and HETV Cable Channel 6. The Citizen and village Web site emphasize different health topics each month and advertise the services available for children, adults, and senior citizens. During October, Hoffman Estates Health and Human Services will publicize their services on HETV as they focus on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

There is no question that domestic violence awareness and intervention are deeply important to the Village of Hoffman Estates. As a member of the Northwest Suburban Alliance On Domestic Violence, HEHHS works diligently within the community to provide an array of services to the public for these victims. In the words of Dr. Garner, “All they need to do is show up. We are always here to help.” For more information on HEHHS visit http://www.hoffmanestates.org.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course. Photo courtesy of Holly Swanson.