SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) wants fairgoers to know that Help is Here. The annual Illinois State Fair will highlight a range of human services programs this year, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about and access important human services at the IDHS tent. The annual fair, which will take place from August 8 to 18 in Springfield, aims to provide an inclusive and educational experience for all visitors.
Throughout the fair, IDHS will provide more information on food, medical, rehabilitation services, supports for individuals with disabilities, IDHS jobs, youth development and violence prevention programs, substance use prevention and recovery, gambling disorder services, mental health resources, suicide prevention for Veterans, and many other programs. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with IDHS case workers, allowing them to gather information and seek assistance, if needed.
“We are so excited to share information about these essential human services programs at the Illinois State Fair,” said Dulce M. Quintero, Secretary Designate, IDHS. “Our goal at IDHS is to foster spaces where individuals and families can access the resources they need in an accessible and caring environment. We hope that fairgoers will take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn, connect with our staff, and have some fun at the IDHS tent.”
The IDHS tent will highlight the agency’s six divisions, including: Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood, Family and Community Services, Mental Health, Rehabilitation Services, and Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, along with its Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, Serve Illinois, and staff from IDHS Human Resources.
For more information on available human services, visit https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123529.
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
IDHS is the State’s largest agency, with more than 14,000 employees. IDHS is a principal department of the State of Illinois that provides public assistance, family and community services, and services to people with disabilities throughout the state, and oversees mental health and substance use prevention and recovery services. IDHS is proud of its diversity, efficiency, and the services that the agency and its community partners provide to Illinois residents.
IDHS always strives for and drives toward equity. IDHS is accountable for providing relief and assistance to those who are in greatest need and who have been marginalized from resources and opportunities. IDHS protects and supports people who experience or are at risk of homelessness, immigrant and refugee families, victims of domestic violence, victims of firearm violence, people with disabilities, opportunity youth, unemployed adults, and individuals and families who are at risk of being food insecure.