The Robert Vihon Family Resource Center (RVFRC) at the Center for Enriched Living (CEL) serves as a comprehensive, person-centered mental health and wellness program with a primary focus on improving the availability of services for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families.
There is a shortage of services that prioritize personalized, person-centered mental health and wellness for people with IDD. Even when people do manage to locate such services, they frequently encounter lengthy wait lists that can span several months. The clinical team at RVFRC provides people and their families with a supportive, inclusive environment where they can access services designed to meet their individualized needs.
Mental Health Therapy Services
At the RVFRC, our individual mental health therapy services are designed to address a variety of common mental health concerns, including:
- Feelings of constant worry
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Chronic sadness
- Desire for isolation/withdrawal from friends
- Symptoms of depression
- Feelings of being a burden on caregivers
We also provide support for people experiencing significant life changes such as:
- Moving away from family or transitioning into a shared living environment
- Coping with the death of a family member
- Navigating the challenges of starting a new job
- Managing the transition from school programs
Our dedicated team of Mental Health Clinicians, led by our Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Manager, Emma Burton-Loder, offers weekly one-on-one sessions. These sessions provide a safe and confidential space for reflection, coping skill development, psychoeducation, and the establishment of healthy boundaries.
The RVFRC Resource Center services are focused on connecting individuals and families to available community resources through the creation of personalized plans to address their unique needs. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Long-term care planning (Trusts, Guardianship/Power of Attorney, housing options)
- Transition services/planning for post-school program phases
- Future Housing Plans
- Respite needs
Robert Vihon, affectionately known as “Vee” among his friends, will be honored and remembered through the naming of the Robert Vihon Family Services, as a tribute to his legacy as one of CEL’s cherished co-founders and dear friends. Rob devoted his life to assisting those in need, and his warm-hearted demeanor endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His exceptional qualities as a remarkable leader and a wonderful friend set him apart, leaving an indelible mark.
In partnership with his wife Mary, Rob dedicated almost four decades of his life to our members, playing a pivotal role in shaping CEL into a cornerstone of the Chicagoland area. In 1984, Rob was instrumental in the formation of CEL as an independent organization, alongside a small group of visionaries. He also played a crucial role in securing the Riverwoods property where CEL is now situated. As an active board member from its inception, Rob remained a steadfast champion and guiding force for CEL each year until his passing in the spring of 2020.
To learn more about Robert’s Legacy click here.
The Robert Vihon Family Resource Center is located at 280 Saunders Rd, Riverwoods, IL 60015.
For a complete list of our services and their associated costs, please email Scheduling@centerforenrichedliving.org for more information.
Please reach out to the RVFRC staff for an updated list of accepted insurances, as this information may be subject to change.
RVFRC offers essential mental health support, wellness services, and valuable resources specifically tailored to people with IDD, their families, and caregivers. If your loved one falls into this category and requires these services, RVFRC could be an excellent choice to support their needs and enhance their overall well-being.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our sessions. Information shared in these sessions remains confidential unless the person poses a danger to themselves, others, or is involved in situations of suspected child/dependent adult/elder abuse. We utilize a HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system named Tebra for all documentation and billing.
