Community Classes / Groups
Serving DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, Iroquois, Ford, Kankakee & Will Counties
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES/GROUPS MAY BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. SOME CLASSES/GROUPS CONTINUE, BUT IN A VIRTUAL/ONLINE FORMAT. PLEASE CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES.
Anger Management
Classes on-hold during the pandemic.
Locations:
- Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet
- 3040 Finley Rd., suite 200 in Downers Grove
Days/Times: Call to inquire.
Fee: $30 per class ($300 total)
Contact: Call 800-240-7011 for more information.
Positive Parenting
Locations:
Classes on-hold due to the pandemic.
- Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet
- 3040 Finley Rd., suite 200 in Downers Grove
Dates/Times: Parenting classes are offered throughout the year. Each class lasts six weeks with several different topics being covered within the six-week period. Please call to inquire about the next session.
Description: These six parenting classes are provided to increase knowledge of development and increase skills to discipline, communicate, reduce stress, improve self-care and more.
Fee: $30 per session (6 sessions for a total of $180)
Contact: In Joliet, call 815-723-0331 for more information. In Downers Grove, call 630-495-8008.
Stepping Up
Location: Virtual/Online
Dates/Times: Throughout the year at various times and locations.
Description: This course is an 8 week program with a focus on personal change. Following a step-by-step process within a group context, this program creates and fosters an environment in which change can and does occur. The program also includes an employment component.
Fee: None
Contact: Call 630-519-6547 or email jnewburn@cc-doj.org to register.
Mentor Training
Location: Catholic Charities’ Downers Grove office, 3040 Finley Rd., suite 200 in Downers Grove
Dates/Times: Offered twice a year on a Saturday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Description: This training is for individuals interested in becoming volunteer mentors for families who were previously homeless and are now participating in Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Programs in DuPage County. Mentors work directly with families, supporting them and helping them meet daily challenges.
Fee: None
Contact: Joy Newburn 630-519-6547 to register
Life Skills Training – Family Life Series
Location: DuPage County
Dates/Times: This course is offered on four consecutive Saturdays mornings in the spring and fall.
Description: This required course for those interested in entering Catholic Charities Transitional Housing or SHIFT Housing Program covers topics such as Positive Parenting, Conflict Resolution, Credit and Money Management, and Nutrition. In addition to presentations by professional social workers, licensed counselors, and financial literacy specialists, guest client speakers are also usually featured.
Fee: None
Contact: Call 630-495-8008
Personal Development Training
Location: Catholic Charities’ Downers Grove Office, 3040 Finley Rd., suite 200 in Downers Grove
Dates/Times: Monthly
Description: Topics include good housekeeping, financial literacy, and transitional housing orientation on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Fridays of the month respectively. One-time complete series attendance is required for all applicants interested in remaining on either the Transitional Housing or SHIFT program wait list. The classes are one hour in length from 10:00 – 11:00 am.
Fee: None
Contact: Call 630-495-8008 to register.
Support Groups
Caregiver Support Group
Location: Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene,1000 N. Entrance Ave., Kankakee IL
Dates/Times: Noon – 1:00pm on the first Wednesday of each month.
Description: Topics vary. Caregivers gather and share challenges and successes, a brief education topic is discussed as time allows and a light lunch is provided.
Fee: None
Contact: To register, call Amanda Foltz at 815-523-9918
Family Caregiver Services
Location: Kankakee County
Offers assistance in person, by phone or email to identify services and benefits available to your loved one or services to help the caregiver. Services include funding for respite care, gap-filling and legal support.
Also available is a caregiver monthly support group, which continues to meet virtually during the pandemic, as well as periodic educational workshops for caregivers. The monthly caregiver support group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 12:00pm – 1:15pm. For more information, or to register, please call or email Amanda at 815-523-9919, afoltz@cc-doj.org.
Relatives Raising Children
Location: Kankakee County
Offers assistance in person, by phone or email to identify available services and benefits. Services include funding for respite care, gap-filling and legal support.
Also available is a Relatives Raising Children monthly support and education group, which continues to meet virtually during the pandemic. The monthly relatives raising children group meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 2:00pm – 3:00pm. For more information, or to register, please call or email Amanda at 815-523-9919, afoltz@cc-doj.org.