Our Vision
There is always hope. FRED believes there is hope for treatment, improved health, educational achievement, and a productive future for all of our children. FRED believes that our families can thrive.
ABOUT fRED
FRED is a free and independent support group for parents and caregivers of children, teens, and young adults with mental illness and resulting behavioral problems. The group is led by trained parent volunteers and meets in person and online to share resources, experience and support, and to host expert speakers.
FRED helps families navigate the often-bewildering mental health system and offers resources to obtain education accommodations, health care, public benefits and other supports.
FRED parents share knowledge to lay the foundation for a secure, fulfilling and productive future for their child.
FRED rejects stigma as a barrier to treatment, housing, employment, acceptance, and hope.
ABOUT fRED
FRED is a free and independent support group for parents and caregivers of children, teens, and young adults with mental illness and resulting behavioral problems. The group is led by trained parent volunteers and meets in person and online to share resources, experience and support, and to host expert speakers.
FRED helps families navigate the often-bewildering mental health system and offers resources to obtain education accommodations, health care, public benefits and other supports.
FRED parents share knowledge to lay the foundation for a secure, fulfilling and productive future for their child.
FRED rejects stigma as a barrier to treatment, housing, employment, acceptance, and hope.
Our Mission
FRED empowers members with shared resources, skills, and knowledge. FRED offers safety, acceptance, understanding, and confidentiality FRED eases isolation through the giving and receiving of support among peers.
Our Story
FRED began in October, 2007, when eight parents of children with mental illness met to talk about forming a peer support group. For most, it was the first time they had the opportunity to share what life was like for their child and family with others who listened without judgement, and who shared similar experiences. It was liberating, empowering, and deeply-affecting. The group agreed to meet monthly, and chose the name Fred because “it would be fun to write in datebooks.”
Today, FRED stands for Friends and Resources for Each Day. FRED has more than 285 members from throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, with most residing in Oak Park and River Forest.
FRED meets via Zoom on the 1st Tuesday of the month, and in person at the River Forest Public Library on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. A FRED Google group allows members to communicate directly with each other. FRED also keeps members informed through a twice-a-month electronic newsletter.
MEETINGS
FRED meets from 7-8:30 p.m. the 1st Tuesday of the month via Zoom. Zoom links are sent to members via FRED’s e-newsletter. We meet in person from 12-1:30 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the River Forest Public Library. In addition, we host expert speakers.
FRED Leadership TEAM
The FRED Leadership Team consists of parent volunteers who have undergone training in peer support group facilitation. Each is the parent of a child or children with mental health needs, and has successfully obtained treatment for their child.
MEETINGS
FRED meets online on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Zoom links are sent to members via FRED’s e-newsletter. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, FRED met in person at local libraries, sometimes hosting expert speakers. We expect to return to in-person meetings, perhaps with a Zoom component, when it is safe.
FRED Leadership TEAM
The FRED Leadership Team consists of parent volunteers who have undergone training in peer support group facilitation. Each is the parent of a child or children with mental health needs, and has successfully obtained treatment for their child.