iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🏳️‍🌈 October is LGBTQ+ History Month. This month recognizes the history, experiences, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people and communities while honoring those who continue to strengthen communities across Illinois today.

LGBTQ+ History Month. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

¿Qué pasa cuando llamas a Illinois Pride Connect? 🌈  ✔️ Apoyo gratuito y confidencial  ✔️ Habla con alguien que entiende  ✔️ Haz preguntas sobre cambios de nombre, marcadores de género, discriminación y más  ✔️ Conéctate con recursos útiles  📞 855-805-9200  💻 ilprideconnect.org

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed October National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Illinois. Throughout October, IDHS will highlight programs and resources that support employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Read the proclamation: bit.ly/3TCMtDj

National Disability Employment Awareness. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

La Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis ofrece apoyo gratuito, confidencial y disponible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, y con consejeros capacitados en crisis. Pedir ayuda es fácil: 📞 Llama al 988 📲 Manda un mensaje de texto al 988 🌐 Visita 988lifeline.org

Los pensamientos nocturnos pueden sentirse diferentes. Apoyo gratuito, capacitado y confidncial. 988 Línea 988 de Prevención del suicidio y crisis Illinois

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Illinois Welcoming Centers help immigrants and refugees navigate state and community services through culturally and linguistically responsive support. Learn more and find a Welcoming Center near you: www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it...

Resource Spotlight: Illinois Welcoming Centers Connecting immigrants and refugees with services. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services. Hispanic Heritage Month

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Melissa Bourgeois came from generational trauma – raised by families she says tried their best, but who had not first healed from their trauma. Learn how she became a Certified Recovery Support Specialist to help individuals overcome challenges like those she faced. youtu.be/oe0tk5eo1-4

youtu.be

2026 National Recovery Month: Melissa Bourgeois

YouTube video by Illinois Department of Human Services

010

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🏵️ As IDHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero shares for Hispanic Heritage Month, this is a time to celebrate what we carry with us: our cultura, our traditions, our communities, and the values that shape who we are. Read more on their thoughts and those of IDHS staff: bit.ly/3VdBhh6

2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Message. A group of people smiling. Illinois Department of Human Services. Hispanic Heritage Month 2026.

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

La Recuperación Asistida con Medicamentos (MAR) es un tratamiento eficaz para el trastorno por consumo de opioides. MAR NOW conecta a quienes llaman con proveedores y opciones de tratamiento, incluidas recetas por teléfono o citas el mismo día. 📞 833-234-6343

Help is here. Illinois Department of Human Services. MAR NOW 833-234-6343

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The IDHS Division of Developmental Disabilities is hosting a Community Transition Fair at Murray Developmental Center to share info on resources for those with developmental disabilities to live in community-based settings. 📅 10/2 9 a.m.–noon Interested vendors: DHS.DDD.Transformation@Illinois.gov

resources and opportunities for community-based living. Interested in being a vendor? IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

001

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

What happens when you call Illinois Pride Connect? 🌈  ✔️ Free, confidential support  ✔️ Talk with someone who understands  ✔️ Ask questions about name changes, gender markers, discrimination & more  ✔️ Get connected to helpful resources  📞 855-805-9200  💻 ilprideconnect.org

free, confidential help 855-805-9200 Illinois Pride Connect

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

⭐ Congratulations to our newest 5-Star Employees! These six IDHS team members put Kindness, Respect, Helpfulness, Consistency and Efficiency into action through their service to colleagues and communities across Illinois. Thank you for all you do! 🎉

Congratulations. Dr. Giovani Andino. Adriana Cazares. Norma Gonzalez. Kendra Hopp. Andrea Marwah. Madison Machowski. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

010

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, remember, no one is alone. 💜 The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7. 📞 Call 988 📲 Text 988 🌐 988lifeline.org Help is here.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Illinois

011

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements. 📝 See if you can file an exemption: aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABA...     💻 Resources to regain eligibility: www.dhs.state.il.us?item=177800

USDA. SNAP. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Putting Health Foods Within Reach

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the 12 ICRE-W graduates! Through education, individualized support and preparation for employment and greater independence, these students reached an important milestone. DRS is proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 and all that comes next! 🎉

ICRE-W Summer Graduates. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

At 16, Darren A. Dunham learned how powerful stigma could be. “I want to reduce stigma and highlight the hope of recovery.” Content note: this story includes discussion of a traumatic and violent incident. Read his story: eepurl.com/E4N2lVsfym

IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services. National Recovery Month 2026. Voices of Recovery

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🏀⚽ Help shape the future of youth sports in Illinois! The Illinois Youth Sport Commission wants your input on youth sport access, barriers and opportunities. Take the statewide survey and help inform the Commission’s work: forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/Respon...

Help Shape the Future of Youth Sports in Illinois. Complete by September 29 IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services helps Hispanic and Latino individuals with disabilities pursue employment, education, training and independent living goals. Nearly 100 bilingual staff help connect families with resources: www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it...

Resource Spotlight. Hispanic Services Unit Division of Rehabilitation Services. IDHS Hispanic Heritage Month

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The IDHS Serve Illinois team partnered with 9/11 Day at Chicago’s Union Station. More than 1,200 volunteers convened to pack over 510,000 meals for families served by the Greater Chicago Food Depository – spending a day of remembrance by also providing meaningful action through service.

Day of Service 2026 | IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services | Serve Illinois

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🍎🥕 September is Fruits & Veggies Month. Illinois WIC helps eligible families access healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, along with nutrition education and support. Learn more about WIC and resources available to families: www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it...

Fruits & Veggies Month | IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This Recovery Month, IDHS is sharing Voices of Recovery. Edie Freimark struggled with mental health and the direction of her life. See how she found a new opportunity to move her life forward while also giving back to others. Hear Edie’s story: youtu.be/XfGyiyx-Krw

youtu.be

2026 National Recovery Month: Edie Freimark

YouTube video by Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

IDHS-DDD recently visited Individual Advocacy Group to learn more about services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Community Day Services and a new Stabilization Home providing temporary, community-based support during behavioral crises.

IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services.

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

El gobierno federal hizo cambios a SNAP y algunas personas perdieron sus beneficios si no cumplían con los nuevos requisitos de trabajo o si no estaban exentos de ellos. 📝 Averigua si puedes declarar una exención: bit.ly/4dClpvO 💻Recursos: bit.ly/41n8Sow

IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services. USDA SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Putting Health Food Within Reach

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Everyone deserves support when they need it. 💜 The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7. 📞 Call 988 📲 Text 988 🌐 988lifeline.org Help is always here.

When the lows feel too low. Free, trained, confidential support. 988 Suicide & crisis lifeline. Illinois

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

🎉 Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, lasting through Oct. 15. At IDHS, we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities across Illinois. Throughout the month, we’ll also highlight IDHS programs, services and resources available across our state.

011

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

💜 Access to treatment can make a difference on the path to recovery. MAR NOW helps people in Illinois connect with medication and treatment for opioid or alcohol use disorders. 📞 833-234-6343 Support is available 24/7.

Help is here. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

💙 Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed Sept. 13–19 Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week! IDHS celebrates DSPs across Illinois whose essential work helps people with disabilities build independence and live with dignity and choice.

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On 9/11, we remember through service. For the 5th year, IDHS-Serve Illinois is partnering with 9/11 Day, bringing 1,500+ volunteers together at Chicago Union Station to pack at least 500,000 meals for communities in need. Serve. Unite. Remember.

Serve, united, remember. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services. Serve Illinois

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This Recovery Month, meet Tara Retondo. She faced depression and PTSD, but, after receiving help, still faced dark days. Hear more about her story and how she reclaimed her life by helping others confronting the same challenges. Hear Tara’s story: youtu.be/VxrJKRHj2_A

youtu.be

2026 National Recovery Month: Tara Retondo

YouTube video by Illinois Department of Human Services

001

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

IDHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero joined Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and partners to call for restoring, at the federal level, specialized LGBTQIA+ crisis support through 988, including the previously available “Press 3” option. Everyone deserves affirming crisis care when they need it most.

Two people speaking to each other while sitting at a table.

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

IDHS’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery and the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force partnered with 40 organizations in Chicago for International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, honoring lives impacted by overdose and sharing resources. Find resources: www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it...

Overdose Awareness Day 2026. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. A conversation, check-in, or simply listening can help someone feel less alone. Let’s build communities where asking for help is met with compassion and support. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.

World Suicide Prevention Day. IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

💜 Not sure where to start when looking for substance use treatment or recovery support? The Illinois Helpline is free, confidential and available 24/7. 📞 833-234-6343 📲 Text HELP to 833234 🌐 HelplineIL.org

Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances. Help is here.

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

“I took my pain and turned it into purpose. I took my survival and turned it into service.” In our Voices of Recovery series, Destiny Merritt shares her story of addiction, survival, rebuilding, and finding purpose through recovery. Voices of Recovery: eepurl.com/tGAY1f9e7F

IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services. National Recovery Month 2026

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

¡Del 8 al 14 de septiembre es la Semana de la Lactancia Latina! (English below.) Conoce más y conéctate con WIC: www.signupwic.com 🤱🏽 Sept. 8–14 is Semana de la Lactancia Latina! Learn more and connect with WIC: www.signupwic.com

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Today is #988Day. If you’re experiencing emotional distress, a mental health or substance use crisis, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available 24/7. 📱 Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

988 Day IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services

001

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Todos merecen apoyo 💙 La Línea 988 está disponible 24/7 con ayuda gratuita y confidencial. 📞 Llama o 📲 manda un mensaje al 988 🌐 988lifeline.org Nunca estás solo.

988 línea de prevención del suicidio y crisis Illinois

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

💜 There is no single path to recovery. This #RecoveryMonth, learn about MAR NOW, which connects Illinoisans with medication and treatment for opioid or alcohol use disorders 24/7. 📞 833-234-6343 📲 Text HELP to 833234

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today, Illinois marked five years of coordination to end homelessness and released the new Home Illinois Plan. It's a roadmap for the work ahead. Read more: idhs.prezly.com/illinois-mar...

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

🤟 September is Deaf Awareness Month! We celebrate Deaf and hard of hearing people across Illinois and their contributions to our communities. IDHS is committed to communication access and building a more accessible, inclusive Illinois for everyone.

IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services. Deaf Awareness Month

011

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

There is no single path to recovery. This #RecoveryMonth, IDHS is sharing Voices of Recovery – firsthand stories reflecting the many paths recovery can take. We begin with Shannon Wallace and her journey back to the career she always wanted. eepurl.com/n5mWiVxwZO

"I truly love what I do, and I would not want my life to look any other way than it does right now." Shannon Wallace, AA, CRSS, CPRS, CADC

IDHS Illinois Department of Human Services. National Recovery Month 2026. Voices of Recovery.

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

💜 Recovery looks different for everyone. The Illinois Helpline can connect you with substance use treatment and recovery support 24/7. #RecoveryMonth 📞 833-234-6343 📲 Text HELP to 833234 🌐 HelplineIL.org

Support is available. Recovery is possible. Illinois Helpline

100

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Prevention starts with connection, compassion and access to support. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. We can all play a role: check in, listen and know where to turn for help.

010

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

September is National #RecoveryMonth. 💜 We celebrate people on their recovery journeys and the families, peers, providers and communities supporting them. Recovery is possible, and help is available.

IDHS Illinois Department of Human Resources. National Recovery Month 2026.

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Sept. 1–7 is Workplace Lactation Week! Supporting breastfeeding parents at work means making sure they have the resources and protections they need. Learn about your breastfeeding rights at work, in public and more: wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/your-breastf...

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

💜 Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. We remember those lost to overdose and raise awareness that overdose deaths are preventable. Learn more: helplineil.org or text HELP to 833234 for support.

#EndOverdose International Overdose Awareness Day 31 August

121

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

🌈 ¿Necesitas apoyo? Illinois Pride Connect ofrece ayuda gratuita y confidencial de personas que entienden. Apoyo con: 🏳️‍🌈 Cambios de nombre y marcador de género 🏡 Discriminación 🏫 Escuela y salud 🩺 Inmigración y más 📞 855-805-9200 💻 ilprideconnect.org

ayuda gratuita y confidencial. IL Pride Connect

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.  📝 See if you can file an exemption: aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABA...    💻 Resources to regain eligibility: www.dhs.state.il.us?item=177800

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🌟 ICRE-Wood graduate Phyllis Hampton earned a master's degree after completing the program. She credits ICRE-Wood's teachers and staff with helping her achieve her goals. Interested in services? Submit a referral: wr.dhs.illinois.gov/wrpublic/wr/...

IDHS Illinois School Success Story. "Each member of the team has consistently gone above and beyond to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment. From the innovative teaching methods to their unwavering commitment to the students' success, it is evident that they are truly passionate about their work." Phyllis Hamptom

000

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🌈 Need support? Illinois Pride Connect offers free, confidential help from people who understand. Get support with: 🏳️‍🌈 Name & gender marker changes 🏡 Discrimination concerns 🏫 School & healthcare issues 🩺 Immigration & more 📞 855-805-9200 💻 ilprideconnect.org

Illinois Pride Connect is here for you. Free, confidential help.

011

Illinois DHS @ilhumanservices.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

🩵 As National Breastfeeding Month comes to a close, Illinois WIC is here to support families every step of the way. Learn about breastfeeding support, including peer counselors, and find your local WIC clinic: wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/get-support-...

WIC Breastfeeding benefits. Breast pumps and supplies. Expert breastfeeding guidance and help from peer counselors who've been there. Nutrition tips and health foods

000