1. age
you
ents
it)
rt,
Create Your
Path
Build Your
Future
Niles Family Services
NFS would like to thank Mayor Andrew Przybylo and the
Board of Trustees for their continued support and leadership
making this program possible.
Create Your
Path
Build Your
Future
Niles Family Services
NFS would like to thank Mayor Andrew Przybylo and the
Board of Trustees for their continued support and leadership
making this program possible.

2. Table of Contents
Overview of Program (introduction) .....................................................................1
Financial Health ...............................................................................................................2
Creating your Future....................................................................................3
Skill Building....................................................................................................4
Emotional Health.............................................................................................................6
Past is a Teacher.............................................................................................7
Skill Building....................................................................................................8
Employment Enhancement.....................................................................................11
Resources......................................................................................................13
Fina
What i
Celebr
Next S
This program was created by Tony Hollenback, LCSW with contrbutions by
Where do I begin?
Making any kind of change in our lives can bring up
feelings of fear, worry, anxiety and uncertainty. Know
that you are not alone and NFS is here to support you
as you navigate through this process.
Looking for employment
• Using the Internet
• Taking a computer class
o Oakton Community College
o Niles Senior Center
• Networking
o With family, friends, etc.?
o In your neighborhood?
o In your church?
o In your community?
How can NFS support you?
NFS has a dedicated team of Social Workers and Social
Work Interns to support you as you begin this journey.
• Referrals for agencies that focus on employment
• Referrals to our community partners
• Individual counseling to help you move forward
in your life
Wha
First
Reso
Indiv
12
Where do I begin?
Making any kind of change in our lives can bring up
feelings of fear, worry, anxiety and uncertainty. Know
that you are not alone and NFS is here to support you
as you navigate through this process.
Looking for employment
• Using the Internet
• Taking a computer class
o Oakton Community College
o Niles Senior Center
• Networking
o With family, friends, etc.?
o In your neighborhood?
o In your church?
o In your community?
How can NFS support you?
NFS has a dedicated team of Social Workers and Social
Work Interns to support you as you begin this journey.
• Referrals for agencies that focus on employment
• Referrals to our community partners
• Individual counseling to help you move forward
in your life
12
Table of Contents
Overview of Program (introduction) .....................................................................1
Financial Health ...............................................................................................................2
Creating your Future....................................................................................3
Skill Building....................................................................................................4
Emotional Health.............................................................................................................6
Past is a Teacher.............................................................................................7
Skill Building....................................................................................................8
Employment Enhancement.....................................................................................11
Resources......................................................................................................13
Fina
What is
Celebra
Next St
This program was created by Tony Hollenback, LCSW with contrbutions by
Mildred Gomez, MSW, Rebecca Zybinsi, MSW and Sr. Karen Anne Jackson.

3. .........1
.........2
.........3
.........4
.........6
.........7
.........8
.....11
.....13
Financial Assistance Program
What is it?
The program is designed to provide short
term assistance to alleviate �inancial hardship
created by various life situations. Clients are
given an assessment to evaluate their
situation and then NFS makes a determination
if assistance can be provided. NFS also
connects clients to other resources in the
community that can help them.
Celebrate Your Life
To effectively support clients in need of
Financial Assistance, NFS is providing short
term assistance with participation in this
class. This workshop is designed to be
interactive, supportive and create a safe
space for you to focus on the areas in your
life that need attention.
Next Steps
NFS knows that things can happen in life that
are unexpected and can create challenges. To
continue our commitment to you, we are
going to be following up with you on a 1, 3, 6,
9 and 12 month basis to check in with you and
continue our support.
ons by
ackson.
at happens next?
Steps
• Calm down
• Take deep breaths
• Count slowly
• Positive self-talk
• Define the problem
• Think out loud & brainstorm
urces
• CEDA/Liheap 708-222-3824
• Jewish Vocational Services 855.463.6587
• Maine Township 847-297-2510
• Oakton Community College
847-633-1735
• Jewish Family Services 855-463-6587
• Oliver Jury, Landlord-Tenant Liaison
• Open Communities, 847-501-5760 ext 411
dual Support
• Make an appointment to talk with a
member of Nile Family Services
• We can help you find ways to get
“unstuck”, change and heal your life
• Confidential and focused on your needs
13 1

4. Financial Health
In our culture, money is a sensitive topic that can create fear, worry,
anxiety, tension and stress. These beliefs we have about money can
often keep us “stuck” in old patterns, habits and behaviors that create
the same results.
Definition:
Financial Health is the freedom, confidence and
security that your basic needs are being met.
Introduction
• Creating community (self-introduction)
• Beliefs about money – where did they come from? (i.e. family)
• What would it be like for you to be financially healthy?
How did we get here?
We know that when things change in our life, it affects every
part of our life. Here’s a few examples of how life changes can
impact financial health:
• Loss of a loved one
• Divorce
• Unemployment/Under-employment
• Illness (your own or a family member’s)
How did you get here? (share as much as you are comfortable
with)
2
Employment Enhancement
Work is such a big part of our lives. It defines us, helps
us pay our bills and hopefully provides financial
security. Our work life or jobs can also become a
source of stress, frustration and anxiety if we don’t like
what we do, don’t earn enough or are have trouble
finding employment at all.
What does it mean?
• Finding/keeping a job and enjoying what you do
• Learning the skills/tools to create opportunities
using your gifts and talents to create prosperity
Why is it important?
Work doesn’t have to be a source of stress, frustration,
worry or anxiety. Remember, your beliefs create what
you experience in your world. If you’re beliefs about
work aren’t working, maybe it’s time to change them.
Do they include any of the following?
• “I’ll never make enough money.”
• “I’m stuck in this job.”
• “Who would hire someone like me?”
• “I’m too old, been out of school too long to make
a change.”
102

5. ry,
can
ate
ly)
e
Where would you like to be?
Envision your goals
Moving away from the past,
imagine what your financial
health might look like.
Imagine your life differently
Envision feeling strong, confident and
no longer having to worry about your
financial life. What would this be like
for you?
Create a mantra, “I am strong”.
What mantra (new belief) would you
like to create in your life?
3
mployment 101
w your Needs
• Part time or full time?
• Under-employed …..now what?
• Skill set – what am I good at?
nges and Trends
• Looking for a job?
• Using a computer
• Longevity…returning to work
• Education/Training
ouragement & Hope
• Believe in yourself, your
gifts/talents
• Small steps = achieving your goals
• Write your own job description
• Envision a new position
• Be realistic
11
3

6. Skill Building
We all need tools in our tool box to help us navigate through
the journey. Here are some skills to help you stay on track
and live your best life!
Creativity
• Thinking outside the box
• Envisioning unlimited options to a situation
• Example – Increasing your income by turning a gift/ability
to earn money (i.e. caregiving a child/senior, meal
preparation)
“Creativity takes courage.”
― Henri Matisse
Problem Solving
• The process of working through details of a problem to
reach a solution
• Talk through and listen to yourself:
• Identify the problem
• Analyze….learning as much as possible
• Formulate possible solutions
• Evaluate possible solutions
• Choose a solution
• Example – You determine you need to find a new place to
live due to a change in your income
Co
Se
Se
Se
44

7. Communication
• Opening lines of discussion to advocate for yourself and
letting others know what you need
• Example – Instead of ignoring a shut-off notice, picks up the
phone and call the utility company to discuss the situation.
Self-Control
• The ability to control one’s own impulses, emotions,
desires in the face of external demands
• To step back, assess prior to any kind of action
• Avoiding making unnecessary purchases
• Example – Instead of yelling at your landlord for the
eviction note, consider your alternatives
Self-Care
• Actions and attitudes which contribute to the
maintenance of well-being, personal needs, health and
human development
• Example: When you experience financial stress, take a deep
breath, go for a walk, call a good friend or family member,
listen to some music you enjoy
Self-Motivation
• Taking the initiative to make a change
• Example – Realizing that your income has changed and
impacted your ability pay your bills, you take steps to
address the situation.
5
9
5

8. Decision-Making (forward thinking)
• Thinking past the present problem and looking at the
future, exploring options
• Example – After her divorce, Mary knew her income would
change since her husband was the primary income earner.
She contacted a local community college to explore ways to
increase her income (i.e. training or certificate programs)
“Your life doesn’t get better by chance.
It gets better by change.” Jim Rohn
Activity
• Split class into two groups
• Give them a scenario
• Problem solve the situation
• Discuss with group members
Emotional Health
Definition:
Emotional Health is acknowledging &
embracing your imperfections and being
able to grow from your mistakes.
H
H
W
6
Decision-Making (forward thinking)
• Thinking past the present problem and looking at the
future, exploring options
• Example – After her divorce, Mary knew her income would
change since her husband was the primary income earner.
She contacted a local community college to explore ways to
increase her income (i.e. training or certificate programs)
“Your life doesn’t get better by chance.
It gets better by change.” Jim Rohn
Activity
• Split class into two groups
• Give them a scenario
• Problem solve the situation
• Discuss with group members
Emotional Health
Definition:
Emotional Health is acknowledging &
embracing your imperfections and being
able to grow from your mistakes.
66

9. How did we get here?
• Divorce
• Mental Health/Addiction
• Loss (relationship, death of a loved one, loss of family)
• Unemployment/Under-employment
• Other life events
How did you deal with that life event?
Where did you learn this from?
7
• Examples include:
• Avoidance
• Crisis Mode (depressed)
• Focus on basic needs only
• Magical/Wishful Thinking
• Addictive behavior
• Other ways?
• Family Patterns
• Think about how you were
raised
• Old patterns, thoughts and
beliefs
How did we get here?
• Divorce
• Mental Health/Addiction
• Loss (relationship, death of a loved one, loss of family)
• Unemployment/Under-employment
• Other life events
How did you deal with that life event?
Where did you learn this from?
7
• Examples include:
• Avoidance
• Crisis Mode (depressed)
• Focus on basic needs only
• Magical/Wishful Thinking
• Addictive behavior
• Other ways?
• Family Patterns
• Think about how you were
raised
• Old patterns, thoughts and
beliefs
7

10. Skill Building
We all need tools in our tool box to help us navigate through
the journey. Here are some skills to help you stay on track
and live your best life!
Creativity
• Thinking outside the box
• Envisioning unlimited options to a situation
• Example – Increasing your income by turning a gift/ability
to earn money (i.e. caregiving a child/senior, meal
preparation)
“Creativity takes courage.”
― Henri Matisse
Problem Solving
• The process of working through details of a problem to
reach a solution
• Talk through and listen to yourself:
• Identify the problem
• Analyze….learning as much as possible
• Formulate possible solutions
• Evaluate possible solutions
• Choose a solution
• Example – You determine you need to find a new place to
live due to a change in your income
4
Where would you like to be?
Where would you like to go from here?
8
 Peace of Mind
 Happy
 Crisis Free
 Others?
 Next steps to
emotional
health?
8

11. ommunication
• Opening lines of discussion to advocate for yourself and
letting others know what you need
• Example – Instead of ignoring a shut-off notice, picks up the
phone and call the utility company to discuss the situation.
elf-Control
• The ability to control one’s own impulses, emotions,
desires in the face of external demands
• To step back, assess prior to any kind of action
• Avoiding making unnecessary purchases
• Example – Instead of yelling at your landlord for the
eviction note, consider your alternatives
elf-Care
• Actions and attitudes which contribute to the
maintenance of well-being, personal needs, health and
human development
• Example: When you experience financial stress, take a deep
breath, go for a walk, call a good friend or family member,
listen to some music you enjoy
elf-Motivation
• Taking the initiative to make a change
• Example – Realizing that your income has changed and
impacted your ability pay your bills, you take steps to
address the situation.
5 9

12. Financial Health
In our culture, money is a sensitive topic that can create fear, worr
anxiety, tension and stress. These beliefs we have about money c
often keep us “stuck” in old patterns, habits and behaviors that crea
the same results.
Definition:
Financial Health is the freedom, confidence and
security that your basic needs are being met.
Introduction
• Creating community (self-introduction)
• Beliefs about money – where did they come from? (i.e. famil
• What would it be like for you to be financially healthy?
How did we get here?
We know that when things change in our life, it affects every
part of our life. Here’s a few examples of how life changes can
impact financial health:
• Loss of a loved one
• Divorce
• Unemployment/Under-employment
• Illness (your own or a family member’s)
How did you get here? (share as much as you are comfortable
with)
2
Employment Enhancement
Work is such a big part of our lives. It defines us, helps
us pay our bills and hopefully provides financial
security. Our work life or jobs can also become a
source of stress, frustration and anxiety if we don’t like
what we do, don’t earn enough or are have trouble
finding employment at all.
What does it mean?
• Finding/keeping a job and enjoying what you do
• Learning the skills/tools to create opportunities
using your gifts and talents to create prosperity
Why is it important?
Work doesn’t have to be a source of stress, frustration,
worry or anxiety. Remember, your beliefs create what
you experience in your world. If you’re beliefs about
work aren’t working, maybe it’s time to change them.
Do they include any of the following?
• “I’ll never make enough money.”
• “I’m stuck in this job.”
• “Who would hire someone like me?”
• “I’m too old, been out of school too long to make
a change.”
Em
Know
Chan
Enco
10
10

13. Where would you like to be?
Envision your goals
Moving away from the past,
imagine what your financial
health might look like.
Imagine your life differently
Envision feeling strong, confident and
no longer having to worry about your
financial life. What would this be like
for you?
Create a mantra, “I am strong”.
What mantra (new belief) would you
like to create in your life?
3
s
l
a
e
e
Employment 101
Know your Needs
• Part time or full time?
• Under-employed …..now what?
• Skill set – what am I good at?
Changes and Trends
• Looking for a job?
• Using a computer
• Longevity…returning to work
• Education/Training
Encouragement & Hope
• Believe in yourself, your
gifts/talents
• Small steps = achieving your goals
• Write your own job description
• Envision a new position
• Be realistic
1111

14. Table of Contents
Overview of Program (introduction) .............................................................
Financial Health .......................................................................................................
Creating your Future............................................................................
Skill Building............................................................................................
Emotional Health.....................................................................................................
Past is a Teacher.....................................................................................
Skill Building............................................................................................
Employment Enhancement.................................................................................
Resources..................................................................................................
This program was created by Tony Hollenback, LCSW with contrbutio
Mildred Gomez, MSW, Rebecca Zybinsi, MSW and Sr. Karen Anne Ja
Where do I begin?
Making any kind of change in our lives can bring up
feelings of fear, worry, anxiety and uncertainty. Know
that you are not alone and NFS is here to support you
as you navigate through this process.
Looking for employment
• Using the Internet
• Taking a computer class
o Oakton Community College
o Niles Senior Center
• Networking
o With family, friends, etc.?
o In your neighborhood?
o In your church?
o In your community?
How can NFS support you?
NFS has a dedicated team of Social Workers and Social
Work Interns to support you as you begin this journey.
• Referrals for agencies that focus on employment
• Referrals to our
• Change is always possible.....have hope!
community partners
• Individual counseling to help you move forward
in your life
Wha
First S
Resou
Individ
1212

15. What happens next?
First Steps
• Calm down
• Take deep breaths
• Count slowly
• Positive self-talk
• Define the problem
• Think out loud & brainstorm
Resources
CEDA — on-site at NFS
•
•
Main Township 847-297-2510
• Oakton Community College 847-633-1735
• Jewish Family Services 855-275-5237
• Spenders Anonymous — helps people with
spending control issues - www.spenders.org
Debtors Anonymous — for people with
unmanageable or excessively high debt
loads - www.debtorsanonymous.org
•
Individual Support
• Make an appointment to talk with a
member of Nile Family Services
• We can help you find ways to get
“unstuck”, change and heal your life
• Confidential and focused on your needs
AS I LOOK BACK
ON MY LIFE, I REALIZE
THAT EVERY TIME I
THOUGHT I WAS BEING
REJECTED
FROM SOMETHING GOOD,
I WAS ACTUALLY
BEING RE-DIRECTED
TO SOMETHING BETTER

16. Niles Family Services
For 50 years, Niles Family Services has been honored to be of service
to the Village of Niles. NFS provides a comprehensive menu of services
to help you and your family celebrate your live. Services are limited to
residents and employees of the Village of Niles.
What does NFS offer in a snapshot?
• Food Pantry now with fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and juice
• Financial Assistance Program
• Counseling using an integrative approach (mind, body and spirit)
• Comprehensive services for older adults
• Crisis Intervention Services (24 hours a day)
• Mediation – con�lict resolution
• School-based services
Contact Us
If you, a family member or someone you know could use our support,
please let us know.
Village of Niles – Family Services
999 Civic Center Drive, 3rd Floor
Niles, IL 60714
Phone: 847-588-8460
Email: ajh@vniles.com
Web: www.vniles.com