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. H , i * + l l New center helps county's Hispanic population 9 • PLAI1SDEALER HERALD. WEDNESDAY , DECEMBER 19, l*f» j By Angela Burden HaraldNcwtSenrlc* Carmen Reyes is the first woman in McHenry County to organize programs for Hispanics who have been arrested on driving under the influence charges. She coordinates the programs in her office at the Family Center for Alcohol-Substance Abuse at 224 W. Judd St., Woodstock. Reyes provides services to Hispanics in McHenry County communities. The services include Hispanic DUI classes, community outreach, con­ sultation to agencies providing services to Hispanic clients, counseling for families, in­ dividuals and youths and referral services for other social service needs. Reyes' office is funded by United Way and clients are asked to pay for the services on a sliding fee schedule. "I encourage the Hispanic people to get involved in the community, in the school system, go to meetings," says Reyes. She intends to persuade Hispanics to take English as their second language. According to Reyes, she wants to become visible to the Hispanics in the area and help them out with problems they may have. "There are a few thousand Hispanics in the county now. Some of them have problems, and I want them to know I'm here to help them," she says. Reyes says that, when people come for counseling, they become more aware of agencies in the county which can give them help. "It helps when you can talk about yourself ... It is healthy, and you gain more un­ derstanding of other people. I believe it makes people more tolerant and understanding when they gef their problems out in the open." She counsels students in the Harvard area and visits Hispanic homes in every community. "I'll go where ever I'm needed or wanted," she says. Reyes has about 2G years of experience in social and mental health services. For 10 years she worked in the mental health field in Lake County and, before that, in social services in, Chicago for 10 years. She was a member of the late Mayor Richard Daley's Office of Economic Opportunity, working in an outreach program. "Through the students I've been counseling in the county, I've learned some of them have family problems. They feel responsible for and want to help their parents," she says. Reyes says she wants to find what the needs of the Hispanic community are. "I see a need for recreation for the youth," she said. She explains to her DUI clients that alcoholism is a disease which affects other members of the family. "I found out that counseling alcoholics gives me fortitude and patience," says Reyes. She started the DUI programs in June of this year, with help from Doug Bell, the DUI program coordinator at the Family Center. She encourages her DUI clients, who are referred by the courts or probation department, to take an eight-week course. "The required course can be completed in four weeks, but I believe longer participation in the classes is better for the clients," Reyes says. As a result of her DUI classes during the summer, a group of Hispanic men have formed a basketball team. "It keeps them occupied and healthy. The only problem is that they can't find a place to practice," Reyes said. She believes that, with some guidance from her, the Hispanic people of the area can become good citizens of their com­ munities. Shuttle to continue this weekend The Retail Council of the' McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce urges residents ty shop locally. To make that as convenient as possible they've, adopted the following greeting: 4 "For an old-fashioned Christ­ mas, in a very special way, shop( throughout McHenry, and use a shuttle for a sleigh." The free Christmas shuttle service will continue this weekend, Friday, & p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Save receipts from McHenry* purchases and get a free Game of McHenry for $300 (excluding groceries) cumulate receipts. ̂ The games are available at the Chamber office (open 9 aim. to 4 p.m.) until Friday, Dec. 21,198 ̂ 3 $ in to i i , . § m igj 1 £ • Sit* i , 4 V a» m Jf II _ ~ .r 5 tohrjj C £ El Of ec | e g £ .52 f ft Cj * I'jM o S 5 S J £ S E •"8 -=i tl 11 -- w 5 i! £ Iiis I a> il