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

Chicago

Heads Up Support Group

This group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Meeting place:
Rehab Institute of Chicago

Contact:

Kathleen Madayag 312-238-5381

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

Brain Injury Information and Support Group

This group is for family members of patients with any acquired brain injury, including those acquired from a stroke or aneurysm as well as from head trauma. The group meets on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Rush University Medical Center
NICU Family Waiting Lounge, 8th Floor Kellogg
1653 W. Congress Parkway
Chicago, Illinois 60612

Contact:

Marvel Vena 312-563-2703

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