The 2026 Illinois Convener Summit in Chicago addressed strategies to prevent violence, strengthen safety, and support healing. The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention partnered with the University of Illinois Chicago Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement to host the event.

🧡 Tomorrow is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Join communities across Illinois in #WearOrange on June 5 to honor survivors, remember lives lost, and support the work being done to build safer communities.

🌈 PRIDE IS COMMUNITY. IDHS is uplifting Central Illinois Friends, providing affirming healthcare, mental health support, HIV/STI services, and LGBTQ+ community spaces across Central Illinois. Learn more or request services: centralillinoisfriends.org

Happy Pride Month, Illinois. Proud to be #1 in the Midwest by Out Leadership in their LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index — based on how welcoming and hospitable we are for the LGBTQ+ community in business and life.

Summer EBT benefits are now being issued in Illinois. Each eligible child will receive $120. Most families are automatically enrolled, but some may need to apply. Check eligibility and apply if needed: abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal

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

🧡 June is Gun Violence Awareness Month. On June 5, join IDHS and partners across Illinois to #WearOrange to honor survivors, remember lives lost, and support the work being done to build safer communities.

Los beneficios de Summer EBT se están distribuyendo en Illinois. Cada niño elegible recibirá $120. La mayoría está inscrita automáticamente, pero algunos hogares podrían necesitar solicitar. Verifica elegibilidad: abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month from IDHS! Throughout June, we’ll be highlighting the many ways Pride shows up in our communities – through care, support, advocacy, safety, visibility, connection, and belonging. Because Pride is for everyone. 🌈

Did you receive a Link card in the mail? It may be for Summer EBT. Families not already receiving SNAP or cash benefits may be mailed a card to access Summer EBT. Learn more: abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal Use benefits: link.illinois.gov or call 1-800-678-LINK

Congratulations to this year’s graduates of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) and the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) in Jacksonville. The skills and confidence they've gained will help shape the world into a more welcoming, inclusive one.

El gobierno federal hizo cambios a SNAP y algunas personas perdieron sus beneficios el 1 de mayo de 2026 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

This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting the Pui Tak Center. The community center in Chicago’s Chinatown serves more than 3,000 individuals each year through a variety of classes and services. Learn more at puitak.org/

¿Recibiste una Link Card por correo? Podría ser para Summer EBT. Familias sin SNAP o beneficios en efectivo podrían recibir una tarjeta. Más info: abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal Usa beneficios: link.illinois.gov o 1-800-678-LINK

This Mental Health Awareness Month, IDHS is highlighting the Illinois Helpline for Opioid and Substance Use.💜 Free, confidential support is available 24/7. 📞 833-2FINDHELP 📲 Text HELP to 833234 🌐 helplineil.org/app/home?utm...

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1 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

Únase a IDHS, donde la diversidad impulsa el éxito. Con más de 14,000 empleados en todo Illinois, damos la bienvenida a una variedad de antecedentes y perspectivas para servir mejor al público. ¡Las habilidades bilingües son una ventaja! Aprenda más: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=80639

Manage your benefits online with the updated Manage My Case portal. 1️⃣ Visit ABE.Illinois.gov 2️⃣ Click “Manage My Case” 3️⃣ Link your case and confirm identity Renew benefits, upload documents, report changes, and more — all in one place

El gobierno federal hizo cambios a SNAP y algunas personas perdieron sus beneficios el 1 de mayo de 2026 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 is hiring a Center Director for Ludeman Developmental Center in Park Forest, IL. 💼 Salary: $150,000 – $162,000 + benefits To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to: 📧 [email protected]

Understanding people’s experiences helps build better systems. IDHS released a new report on housing instability in Latine communities across Illinois to help inform more equitable, prevention-focused housing solutions. Read more: idhs.prezly.com/illinois-rel...

✡️ This Jewish American Heritage Month, IDHS honors Lillian Herstein, a Chicago educator and labor leader who fought for worker education, fair treatment, and dignity at work. Her legacy reminds us that strong communities begin with opportunity and respect.

In its May Equity Academy, OSET welcomed Jen Ash and Stanley Howard for a presentation on the Chicago Torture Justice Memorials, honoring survivors of police torture through public memory, art, and education while advancing truth, accountability, and community healing.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, IDHS is highlighting the Illinois Warm Line 💚 A free, confidential support line staffed by professionals with lived recovery experience. 📅 Mon–Sat | 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 📞 866-359-7953

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1 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

IDHS's Division of Rehabilitation Services was honored to help organize and host the 2026 Illinois Workforce Summit. The annual event brings together employers, educators, and workforce leaders to strengthen Illinois’ workforce system and help connect more people to employment.

Protect your benefits. Never share your PIN or card number – IDHS will not call or text you for this information. Only access your LINK account by: 📞Calling: 1-800-678-LINK 💻Visiting: ebtEDGE.com or the ebtEDGE app where you can change your PIN or freeze your card.

This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting the HANA Center and its mission to build the power of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant communities in the Chicago area. Learn more at hanacenter.org.

At the 2026 Home Illinois Summit, advocates, partners, and changemakers from across Illinois were honored for their service and leadership in advancing efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Thank you to every partner helping build safer, more stable communities.

Looking to start a new career? Find the right fit to help make a difference. IDHS offers a wide range of career opportunities. 💻Explore open career opportunities throughout Illinois at bit.ly/4jsFfct

The Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness hosted the fourth annual Home Illinois Summit in Springfield on May 12–13, bringing together partners from across the state to share solutions, strengthen collaboration, and advance efforts to end homelessness.

This Jewish American Heritage Month, IDHS honors Bessie Abramowitz Hillman, a Jewish immigrant and Chicago labor organizer who fought for safer workplaces, fair wages, and worker dignity. Her legacy reminds us that economic security is central to human services.

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1 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

Summer EBT is back to help eligible families access food this summer. Each eligible school-aged child may receive a one-time $120 benefit. Most children will get benefits automatically. 💻 Visit abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal to use the screener and check for updates.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, remember, support is always available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 from trained crisis counselors. 📞 Call or text 988 🌐 988 Lifeline.org

Congratulations to the 14 graduates of Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education – Wood (ICRE-Wood)! 🎓 Your hard work, perseverance, and growth inspire us all. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and all that’s ahead.

IDHS DDD’s Patrick Coneff joined the Disability Services Forum in Gurnee on May 2, hosted by Illinois Senator Mary Edly-Allen. Patrick shared information on DDD services, supports, and the PUNS database with families and community members.

El gobierno federal hizo cambios a SNAP y algunas personas perdieron sus beneficios el 1 de mayo de 2026 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

Last week, the Illinois School for the Deaf celebrated 40 students who participated in the Student Work Experience program. Through on- and off-campus placements, students built confidence, communication skills, and real-world job experience while exploring future careers.

IDHS is hiring a Center Director at Murray Developmental Center in Centralia. 💼 $150K–$162K + State benefits 📍 Centralia, IL 📅 Apply by June 4 Learn more: illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/5...

IDHS – Serve Illinois honored volunteers & leaders at the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards in Springfield. The event included remarks from @govpritzker.illinois.gov and a tribute honoring award recipient Mustafa Abdal for his impact through service. Learn more: serve.illinois.gov/about.html

At Latino Unity Day in Springfield, IDHS joined leaders and advocates from across Illinois to uplift Latino communities. Secretary Dulce M. Quintero participated in two panels, including health & human services. We’re here to listen, learn, and build together.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, educators from the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired and Illinois School for the Deaf share the moments and experiences that inspire them – and how they help students grow academically and personally as well: multimedia.illinois.gov/dhs/DHS-Teac...

Summer EBT ya regresó para ayudar a familias a comprar comida este verano. Niños elegibles pueden recibir $120 una sola vez; la mayoría lo recibe automáticamente. 💻 Verifica elegibilidad: abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal

Meg Cooch, Chief of Staff for IDHS-DDD, joined The Arc of Illinois’ 76th Annual Convention to share information about IDHS-DDD services and partnerships supporting the IDD community. Thank you to The Arc for bringing advocates and partners together. 📷 Self-Advocate George Booth

This Nurses Appreciation Week, IDHS celebrates the nurses who care for Illinois communities every day. Across our facilities, programs, and partnerships, nurses help support the health and well-being of individuals and families statewide. Thank you for all you do.

This Jewish American Heritage Month, IDHS celebrates Jewish Americans whose lives and service have helped shape communities. We honor these contributions as we continue helping to make Illinois a state where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and belonging.

⭐ Congratulations to the IDHS Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery on receiving the 2026 True North Award from NAMI Metro Suburban. This award recognizes leadership that moves communities forward – something DBHR demonstrates every day.

@govpritzker.illinois.gov proclaimed May as Mental Health and Behavioral Health Awareness Month in Illinois. Mental health is essential to overall well-being – and access to care matters. 💚

Summer EBT is back to help eligible families buy food this summer. Each eligible school-aged child may receive a one-time $120 benefit. Most children will get benefits automatically. 💻 Visit abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal to use the screener and check for updates.