Independence Center Inc

Supported living: independence center established its first supported housing complex in 1999 through the illinois housing development authority (ihda). The eliza t. Davies building was constructed from the ground up and accommodated 19 residents. Since then, independence center has expanded its housing program with a mixture of funding from ihda and the department of housing & urban development (hud), the latter of which began funding in 2002. The housing department currently has the capacity to house up to 45 members in our four housing facilities at any given time. We maintain/manage five local housing developments, providing housing with 24-hour crisis response and on-site case management. We are also dedicated to our relationships with local housing authorities and providers, which offer additional housing options. We coach members to understand housing responsibilities which includes budget management.

Adult outpatient services: provides individual and group counseling/therapy including dialectical behavioral therapy, mental illness/substance abuse therapy (misa), relaxation and coping skills, symptom and medication management, wellness recovery action planning (wrap) and other wellness/lifestyle assistance for everyday functionality.

Community health education: independence center has continued to work with the lake county national alliance for the mentally ill for many years to educate the community about mental illness. Staff members serve on the board of directors for nami and often are presenters at monthly educational meetings. Independence center uses its fundraising and community activities to educate residents of lake county about mental illness and provide an entrance to the mental health system. Staff members have addressed school groups, churches, chambers, service clubs, and local companies about services that families and individuals could access. Nursing students from the college of lake county, police departments, members of church groups and healthcare providers have all been educated about the center, its services, mental illness, and the needs of our members in the community.

Vocational services: this work-study program is designed to help members with every step of finding, obtaining and maintaining long-term and meaningful employment through ongoing partnerships and individualized vocational case management, as well as providing support to partnering employment companies & hr departments.services include a vocational assessment to help establish career goals; individual counseling focused on career education and job retention, weekly training groups to ensure job readiness for all levels of the employment process, development and maintenance of community-integrated business partnerships for employment, and advocacy or intervention as needed for accommodation needs.