Oak Lawn therapist says neighbors in ‘survivor mode’

As more families turn to local food pantries following the end of extra pandemic-era food benefits, one Oak Lawn therapist says the stress behind the need runs deeper than what’s visible.

“People are in survival mode,” said Grace Alleman, a licensed clinical psychotherapist who operates her private practice out of Pilgrim Faith Church in Oak Lawn. “When people are struggling just to keep a roof over their heads or food on the table, therapy takes a back seat. If you’re starving, you’re not going to be talking about your relationship with your parents. You’re in survival mode. We can’t work on anything if you’re hungry.”

The need has only grown, and the overlap between hunger and mental health is increasingly clear.

“It’s scary what’s going on when things are being cut,” Alleman said. “But we have the resources. It’s about getting the word out that there are places you can go.”

Her practice focuses on meeting people where they are, both financially and emotionally, and connecting them with help, whether through therapy or referrals. “Sometimes people call just to ask where to go for food or immigration help,” she said. “If we can’t help directly, we point them to someone who can.”

Alleman said she’s hearing the strain from every side of her caseload. “My clients who are more privileged are saying, ‘I voted, but what do I do now?’” she said. “And my clients from marginalized communities are not well. You can see it. Even in the food bank, the line is out the door.”

The link between basic needs and mental health, she said, is straightforward. “If someone’s drowning, you don’t ask them to talk about their depression. You help them stay afloat,” Alleman said. “When people are hungry or unhoused, there’s no space for higher-level healing.”

Still, she sees hope in how neighbors are responding. “People are good and people want to help,” she said. “You see it across beliefs and backgrounds. It’s beautiful, even in the worst circumstances.”

She encourages small, consistent acts of support. “No one’s saying go out and spend hundreds,” she said. “If you see something on sale, grab one extra. Drop off a few items. It all adds up.”

For Alleman, the point isn’t just to talk about the problem. It’s to make sure people know where to turn. She shared a list of local food pantries and emergency shelters for anyone who needs a hand or wants to help.

“We can’t fix everything,” she said. “But we can show up for each other. That’s where it starts.”

Here are some of the community resources she highlighted, open to residents across the southwest suburbs:

• Village Pantry Coalition, 2700 W. 98th Pl., Evergreen Park. Hours: Fri. 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (also listed as 9:30 a.m.–noon). Service area: 60805 ZIP code within the Village of Evergreen Park. Contact: Jerry Lindquist or John Dahlke, (708) 422-8776 or (708) 423-2558. Closed Dec. 26, 2025.
• Mosque Foundation, 9851 S. 76th Ave., Bridgeview. Hours: Mon.–Tue. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Contact: Jeanean Othman, (708) 430-6888.
• Operation Blessing of Southwest Chicagoland, 4901 W. 128th Pl., Alsip. Hours: Tue., Thu., Fri. 9 a.m.–noon; Wed. noon–3 p.m. Contact: Steve Bailey or Brian Cottrell, (708) 597-6326. Closed Dec. 24–26, and Dec. 29, 2025.
• Lighthouse Church of All Nations, 4501 W. 127th St., Alsip. Hours: Tue. 3–5:45 p.m.
  Contact: Barbara Gatewood, (708) 385-6020. Closed Dec. 2, Dec. 23, and Dec. 30, 2025.
• Elsie’s Pantry (Savior Divine Lutheran Church), 10040 S. 88th Ave., Palos Hills. Hours: Thu. 2–4 p.m. Contact: Beth Heinrich, (708) 598-4435.
• Palos United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 12101 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights.
  Hours: Tue. 9–11 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. (some listings show 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; call to confirm).Contact: Susan Greer, (708) 878-9995 or (708)  448-0798.