Our hearts and thoughts are with our friends and neighbors in Highland Park who suffered the tragic mass shooting on July 4, 2022. We condemn hatred and violence and wish everyone comfort during this difficult time.
Lake Forest Librarians compiled local resources to support our communities. Highland Park Chamber of Commerce and Highland Park Community Foundation have fundraising opportunities, mental health and family assistance, information on vigils and gatherings, blood drives and other community offerings.
Find support, counseling, and self-help
Compass Health Center is offering clinician-led virtual post-crisis support groups and webinars, including “How to Talk to Children About Tragedy for Parents” and “Skills for Coping in the Aftermath of Tragedy for Young Adults”.
The Disaster Distress Helpline, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. The Family Assistance Center at Lake Forest High School has been organized by the FBI and the American Red Cross. Victims and any community members affected by the tragedy can speak to a mental health professional.
Lake County Crisis Helpline: Call 847-377-8088 for resources or support if someone close to you is experiencing a crisis.
Find books at Highland Park Library and Lake Forest Library in dewey numbers 152 and 616 on anxiety and depression. Librarians are available to assist in finding a title that is appropriate for a person’s needs. We’ve also created an e-book and digital audiobook shelf with titles available now named “Self-Help in Hard Times” shelf available in Libby.
District 113 is offering Drop-In Counseling. The Highland Park Police Department, the American Red Cross and the FBI Victim Services Response Team, with additional federal and state partners, will provide assistance to District 113 students, staff and community members at the Highland Park High School. No appointment is necessary.
National Alliance on Mental Illness offers articles, support groups and educational resources.
VictimConnect is an OVC-funded service that offers confidential assistance to victims of crime. Trained specialists are available to help you locate services in your area, including mental health counseling, legal services, and more.
Other Ways to Give
Gratitude Generation: Healing with Gratitude offers ways to help, heal and recover.
Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Park Shooting Response Fund will donate all proceeds directly to the victims and survivors or the organizations that support them.
Illinois’ Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, funded in part through the OVC-administered Crime Victims Fund, may help offset a victim’s financial burden related to funeral, mental health, medical, and other expenses.
Lake County Community Crisis Relief Fund serves as a permanent countywide funding resource in times of emergencies. Originally established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund provides our Lake County nonprofit providers and other community groups with quick and well-coordinated funding to alleviate unanticipated financial hardship due to community crises.
Zac’s Zoo is a Highland Park 501(c)(3) organization providing brand new stuffed animals to children in crisis.
North Shore Hospitals need blood donations. Please see the Highland Park Hospital website for more information.
Local Events
Gathering of Reflection and Consolation at Congregation Sukkat Shalom at 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 7. Community members will gather in the sanctuary for a service of reflection and consolation, seeking strength and comfort through tradition and fellowship. The service will also be live streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and our website. All are welcome.
Join faith leaders from local churches for a community vigil at 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 7, in Market Square, Lake Forest. All are welcome to extend support to our neighbors in Highland Park.