United Way of Northwest Illinois is committed to improving the health of local communities in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties through a wide variety of programs and initiatives that include mentoring programs for children, help for victims of domestic & sexual violence, senior services that increase an individual's ability to remain living independently in their home, and prescription assistance for individuals who are under insured or have no health insurance.
DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE SAFETY COALITION
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Safety Coalition is a network of eight community partners focused on providing services to those affected or at risk for abuse, violence, neglect, and/or exploitation in our community. Their mission is to create a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Our goal is to strengthen the organizational relationships of all involved with these populations; increase each of the organization's capacities to provide safe, accessible and effective services for those served; identify any needs or deficits causing barriers to service and plan to overcome these barriers.
GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
The Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois are working with the Boys and Girls Club of Freeport and Stephenson County to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to local girls. GSLE will provide developmental, academic guidance, and mentorship to at-risk & underserved girls in Freeport and surrounding areas that will encourage its participants to learn to create and maintain healthy relationships with their peers and focus on techniques to help them stay emotionally and physically healthy. GSLE also provides Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention programming.
SSM Health: Healthy Community Coalition of Stephenson County
In 2021, we did a Community Health Needs Assessment for Stephenson County and determined the top health priorities for the 2022-2024 Community Health Improvement Plan.
The Healthy Community Coalition of Stephenson County determined our community health priorities after collecting primary and secondary community health data. We have decided to focus on Youth Health Prevention, which includes weight management, positive self-image, and changing learned health behaviors.
Some local resources that are being utilized to improve youth health and wellbeing include:
Freeport Ministers Fellowship Alliance
Stephenson County Public Health
University of Illinois-Extension
KIDS RACES at the Lincoln-Douglas 5K & Fun Run
The Lincoln-Douglas 5K, One-Mile Fun Run, and Kids Races, in partnership with the Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, combines a fun, fast, and competitive 5K race with a 1 mile Fun Run & series of Kids Races that ultimately crowns the "Fastest Kid in Town".
The boy & girl winners of each age group will run a 100-Yard Dash following the 5K to determine...
THE FASTEST KID IN TOWN!
Click here for more information and to register.
"GOT YOUR BACK" APP
The "Got Your Back" App powered by Jacob’s SWAG is a new digital platform for suicide awareness, prevention, and education.
Click here for more information.
FMFA BARBERSHOP - Transformation & Wellness Center
The FMFA Barbershop Transformation and Wellness Center offers both barbering and health services.
Click here for more information.
Click here to view Stephenson County by the Numbers by SSM Health Monroe