— Get Involved —

Family & Friends Group

Connect and Strengthen Community

A welcoming space to connect, share, and support our mission.

Helping Hand (HH) invites families, friends, and supporters to join the HH Family & Friends Group — a welcoming space designed to strengthen connections across the HH community.

This group brings people together to share ideas, connect, build relationships, and support our mission of transforming lives through genuine care and education.

A woman with glasses sits at a table, holding beads, while a person in a knit hat and dark hoodie stands close, looking at the beads. Colorful artwork hangs on the wall in the background.

Mark Your Calendar

Our Next Meeting

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Speaker Highlight

Gary Arnold

Program Specialist, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities

Lexi has been an Occupational Therapist for Helping Hand for nearly 3 years. In her role, Lexi evaluates and treats adult clients who have challenges that impact their ability to participate in necessary daily activities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdepartmental Studies with an emphasis in Disability studies and a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. She was published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education in 2025.

Lexi is passionate about helping individuals maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life as they age. Her primary areas of interest include aging in place, fall prevention, and home modifications that allow people to remain engaged in the activities and routines that matter most to them. Through her work, Lexi also educates individuals, families, and professionals about the benefits of continuing therapy services throughout the lifespan, advocating for ongoing support that promotes health, independence, and well-being.

Lexi embodies Helping Hand’s mission every day by helping clients overcome challenges in their daily lives and she transforms lives through her compassionate support and diligent advocacy.

Nov

14

2026

Community Connections Space
9649 W 55th St, Countryside, IL
9 AM – 11:30 AM

Add to Calendar

Mark Your Saturdays!

Upcoming Meeting Dates

January 9, 2027
9 AM – 11:30 AM

March 13, 2027
9 AM – 11:30 AM

May 8, 2027
9 AM – 11:30 AM

July 10, 2027
9 AM – 11:30 AM

September 11, 2027
9 AM – 11:30 AM

November 13, 2027
9 AM – 11:30 AM

A Look Back

Past Speakers

2025

Samantha Alloway

Executive Director, The ARC of Illinois

May 6, 2025
Timothy A. Hickey
Partner, Bishop & LaForte, Ltd.
July 9, 2025
Mary Kolovitz
Retired Caseworker and Advocate
September 10, 2025
Bill Dwyer
President & CEO, Helping Hand
November 12, 2025

2026

Laurie Jerue
Advocate & Community Leader

January 17, 2026

Lynn Dowiarz
Retired Special Education Teacher & Community Volunteer
March 14, 2026
Michael Joesten
VP of Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness, Helping Hand
March 14, 2026
Mary Pat Ambrosino
Executive Director, Community Supported Care Partners
May 9, 2026

Julie Evans

Parent Advocate — Accessible Housing & Inclusive Employment
July 11, 2026

Lexi Frazier​

Occupational Therapist, Helping Hand

September 12, 2026

Questions?

We’d love to hear from you and help you get connected. You can reach our Director of Advancement, Emily Mantucca at emily.mantucca@helpinghand-il.org, or by clicking the button below.