Traumatic brain injury affects different people in different degrees, but everyone with TBI experiences similar emotions. Dealing with TBI is challenging for both the patient and his or her family, but sharing your experiences with people who have had similar experiences can help. TBI support groups provide the opportunity to make friends and learn more about TBI.
Different TBI support groups have different focuses, so check out several, if possible, to see which one best meets your needs. Some TBI support groups emphasize learning about TBI, while others emphasize offering adaptive recreational opportunities for TBI patients. Some groups have meetings for patients and separate meetings for caregivers and family members, while others invite any one interested in TBI to the same meeting.
We have tried to make the following list as complete as possible. Since support groups change or disband without warning we advise you to call before traveling to the group’s meeting place for the first time. If you cannot find a group in your area, you may wish to start one. Information about starting your own TBI support group can be obtained from the Brain Injury Association of Illinois: http://www.biail.org/index.html
Canton
Fulton County Brain Injury Support Group
This group meets on the last Tuesday of the month at First Christian Church. Contact Steve for dates, time, and directions.
Contact:
Steve Love 309-647-1519
Carbondale
MENTOR – Center for Comprehensive Services—TBI Support Group
Please contact Bill Baumann for further information.
Contact:
Bill Baumann 618-529-3060
Champaign/Urbana
TBI Support Group
Call for dates and times as well as other information on this group.
Meeting place:
Carle Hospital
Contacts:
Gina Hieser 217-383-6499
Dawn Henry 217-383-6423
Making Headway Support Group
This group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon. Please call for more information.
Meeting place:
Schwab Rehab Hospital
1401 South California Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60608
Facilitators:
Ginny Lazzara and Diana Nawrocki
Contact:
Ginny Lazzara 708-945-8360
Elk Grove Village
Second Chance Society and Survivor Group
This group is for all survivors of an acquired brain injury, including stroke and aneurysm, traumatic brain injury, and other disorders. Family members, caregivers, and friends are welcome as well. Please call to register and get the dates and times.
Meeting place:
Alexian Brothers Medical Center
800 Biesterfield Road
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Contact: 847-437-5500 ext. 4630
Herrin
Brain Injury and Stroke Support Group
This group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m.
Meeting place;
The Christian Life Center
1901 N. Park Avenue
Herrin, Illinois
Contact:
Lisa Melton 618-942-2171, ext. 35312
McHenry
Head Winds Support Group
This group meets on the second Monday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Call for more details.
Meeting place:
Pioneer Center
Contact:
Mary Lou Philbin 815-759-7013
McHenry – Multiple Groups
McHenry County Family Services offers two support groups for TBI.
Brainy Ladies (Women’s Group)
This group meets on the first Thursday of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Wise Guys (Men’s Group)
Call for dates and times.
Contact:
Kate Brennan, BI Program Coordinator 815-669-2456 for both of the above groups.
North Shore – Glencoe
TBI Support Group
This group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
Meeting place:
Glencoe Public Library
Contact:
Laney Pressman 800-686-2400 ext. 53141
Mundelein
TBI Support Group
This group meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Call for more details.
Meeting place:
Lake County CIL
Contact:
Diana Nelson 847-949-4440
Oak Forest
TBI Support Group
This group requires a physician referral. Call for information.
Meeting place:
Oak Forest Hospital
Contact: 708-633-4460
Park Ridge
TBI Support Group
This group meets on the third Saturday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m.
Meeting place:
Lutheran General Hospital
10th Floor, Dr.’s Dining Room
Contact:
847-723-5188
Peoria
Brain Injury Group
This group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
Meeting place:
UAW Hall – East Peoria
Contact: Chris Hess 309-565-0115
Prophetstown
BI-Ways Winning Wheels
This group meets on the third Saturday of every other month.
Contact:
Karla Belzer 815-537-5168
Quincy
Brain Trauma Awareness Organization
Call for more information.
Meeting place:
Blessing Hospital
Contact:
Karen Campbell 217-223-5296
Margie Williams 217-228-5520 ext. 6987
Rockford
Headlines
This support group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Meeting place:
VanMatre HealthSouth Rehab
Contact:
815-971-9876
Springfield
Making Headway in Springfield
This group meets on the fourth Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting place:
Memorial Medical Center
701 North First Street
Springfield, Illinois 62781
Contact:
Lindsay Price, BI Rehabilitation Team Leader 217-788-3300
Streator
Illinois Valley Brain Injury Support Group
This group meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.
Meeting place:
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
101 Trinity Drive
Streator, Illinois
Contact:
Lori Welch 815-672-2777
Website: www.ivtbi.com
Wheaton
Young Adults Support Group
Please call for more information on this group.
Meeting place:
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
26W171 Roosevelt Road
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Contacts:
Rima Polikaitis, Pediatric Therapy 630-909-6360
Scott Johnson, Pediatric Psychology 630-909-8600
Wheaton HI Hopes Support Group
This group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Meeting place:
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
26W171 Roosevelt Road
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Contacts:
Dr. Nancy Devereux, PhD. 630-909-8607