FAQs
What is Wellness House?
Established in 1990, Wellness House is a community-based independent organization that offers psychosocial support, education and information, as a complement to medical treatment to cancer patients, their families and friends.
How much do services cost?
As part of our mission, Wellness House does not charge for its services.
Are you a medical facility?
No. Wellness House is not a medical facility. We are a place where cancer survivors, their families, friends and caregivers come to get information, learn skills and receive support during their cancer journey.
Do you give medical advice?
No. The staff of Wellness House cannot give medical advice. However, through our educational programs, we invite expert speakers who present latest advances in cancer treatment. We also offer numerous complementary therapies to augment traditional medicine. We cannot recommend specific doctors.
Are you affiliated with any medical system?
No. Wellness House maintains good relationships with all Western suburban and metropolitan Chicago medical centers. We often collaborate with hospitals to bring quality cancer programming to a larger audience.
Do you offer individual counseling?
Yes, our licensed clinical professionals are available for short-term, cancer related counseling.
Do you have a medical library?
Yes. Our library includes a free lending library filled with books, tapes, DVDs and other literature that addresses cancer.
Are you affiliated with any area wellness/fitness centers?
No. Wellness House is an independent organization. We are partners in the Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago with 4 other independent organizations.
How are you funded?
Wellness House is an Illinois not-for-profit tax-exempt organization under section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a community-based organization, we rely on financial support from individual contributors, corporations, grants and foundations.
Do you accept insurance?
Because Wellness House programs and services are free of charge, there is no need to involve insurance coverage.
Are there other cancer resource centers in the Chicago area?
Yes. We are a charter member of the Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago, a consortium of independent centers that share a similar mission. Members include Wellness Place, Palatine; Cancer Wellness Center, Northbrook; Jennifer S. Fallick Center Support Center, Homewood; LivingWell, Geneva; and Wellness House, Hinsdale.
How did Wellness House start?
Three local women, two of whom were cancer survivors, initiated the forming of Wellness House in the winter of 1988. Wellness House officially came into existence when a group of 20 local residents, most of whom were survivors, came together to form a Planning Commission. Wellness House began providing services in 1990.
My mom has cancer, but she lives out of state. May I still come to Wellness House?
Yes. We know that cancer often affects all members of a family, not just the person diagnosed. Family members, friends and caregivers are welcome to participate in Wellness House programs and services at no charge.
I don’t have cancer but I have MS. May I come to Wellness House?
No, unfortunately our mission is directed to people whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Does Wellness House use volunteers?
It takes many, many volunteers to help Wellness House run smoothly and we always welcome more volunteers to share their time, talent and resources. Work assignments vary widely. Volunteers may follow a regular schedule of activities; other opportunities and special events may require a short-term commitment.
How do I get started at Wellness House?
The best way to get started is to attend Welcome to Wellness, a group orientation. Please see the calendar for current dates and times.
