Epilepsy Services for Northeastern Illinois (ESNI) is a counseling organization based in the Highland Park area. It is targeted to servicing the lives both inflicted and affected by epilepsy specialists provide psychological support, counseling and education. ESNI is active in the local community publishing a bi-annual magazine called EPILIFE and working with all of the local libraries to providing educational information and materials about services and events. Some of the social workers on staff include Jill Mueller, Cheryl Burg and Rachel Greeley. Visit the website to learn more about what services are offered.
Tri-Con Child Care Center is a non-profit, non-denominational program providing early care and education to children of all backgrounds. Operating out of the Trinity Episcopal Church, the organization offers pre-school in a daycare setting, kindergarten enrichment and summercamp services for children ages three to seven. The program is Monday to Friday and is geared toward nurturing and development in preparation for school. Tri-Con is licensed and affordable, and it accepts financial aid.
Pickus Construction is a family-owned and managed design/build organization, which was established in 1926. Pickus is committed to providing its customers with the highest in service and value, and has established a reputation for quality services. It provides a wide range of services and expertise and has in-house architectural, engineering and construction professionals for its commercial, industrial and special project customers.
The North Suburban Synagogue Beth El is a house of worship in south eastern Highland Park. Founded in 1948, this temple practices a branch of Conservative Judaism. The temple has a focus on fellowship, especially study, with a number of different study groups taking place at any given time.
The Lake County Department of Health is located just west of downtown Highland Park. This agency oversees, administers and provides public health care services to the county in general. With an appointment, various health services can be obtained here, as well as some records.
Since 1966, the Highland Park Historical Society has been fulfilling the role of preserving, discovering and sharing history of this upscale North Shore town. Here's one fact that is in the organization's archive: Elisha Gray, a telephone inventor known as the direct competitor of Alexander Graham Bell , grew up in Highland Park. And did you know that the red Ferrari scene of the 1986 cult movie, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was filmed here? In fact, the society sponsored an architectural tour in 2009 featuring the house in that scene.
In 1969, the society found its permanent home in the two-story Italianate Victorian house donated the year before, by long-time resident Jean Butz James. The house, now also a museum, was built in 1871, the same year as the Great Chicago Fire. Two years prior to that, Highland Park was incorporated as a town.
The museum's collection includes a beautifully-preserved Victorian-era study table, an elaborately designed Chicago piano and an old typewriter. It also features a beautifully-restored parlor and kitchen reflecting the Victorian era.
"We have so much to share with the world," said Linda Marshall, program and development director of the museum. Marshall said initial efforts are underway to digitize the museum's files, including old pictures of Highland Park, and it's historic Laurel and Prospect district, where many of the oldest houses still stand. The history of Ravinia Park, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is also preserved here.
Last year, on its 40th year anniversary, the society honored its long-time resident and world-famous athlete Michael Jordan to the Hall of Fame. Former CIA director, Admiral Stansfield Turner was also inducted.
The Highland Park Historical Society also sponsors an annual guided architectural tour and special exhibitions. It also provides information about the historic houses in town.
This non-profit arts center was founded more than 50 years ago, as an outlet for North Shore artists. Just north of downtown Highland Park, the experience begins before one even walks inside. The grounds of the center are alive with sculptures of various types. Inside, information about classes, exhibitions and workshops are offered. The center is supported by donations, and those who donate receive special privileges as members.
Aspiritech is a nonprofit organization that works to provide individuals with autism and Asperger's syndrome gainful employment. More specifically, the organization finds work that includes software compatibility, functional, test case development and regression testing. Aspirtech trains employees and once they are done they began work on full-time projects. The company always is looking for volunteers and donations. If you are interested, please visit it's website for more information.