Success Stories

2004 - Reena at Adult & Child Rehab Center

Reena was born with a chromosome disorder that no other child in the world has; she basically has her own disease. She was given a year to live, and her mother was told she wouldn't move. Since she was a baby, Reena has received therapy at the Adult & Child Rehab Center. When she was first featured in our 1999 campaign video, Reena was learning to sit. Now, she not only can sit, but also scoot and even walk, and she continues to improve.

2002 - Josh at Pioneer Center

2004

In an instant, Dawn and Josh’s lives changed. Following a severe fall when he was 15 months old, Josh suffered brain trauma. He was unable to turn his head to the left, and the right side of his body was paralyzed. Through the therapy he received at Pioneer Center’s Birth to 3 program, Josh progressed from being immobile to enjoying the things that other kids his age do, including running around and going to the beach, and he continues to improve.

2004 - Ruben & his children

Ruben's children were born with moderate autism. They weren't able to communicate with others and were "in their own world." Through Community Action Agency's Head Start program, they have developed socialization skills and are able to interact with others, as well as attend school in a regular classroom.

2003 - Adela at Community Action Agency

Pedro and Liduvina want to give their daughter with a good life. Through Community Action Agency’s Head Start program, Adela is exposed to a variety of educational experiences designed to help her succeed in school. The Head Start program also provides health, dental, mental health and nutrition services, either directly or by referral, so that children from low-income families are given the “head start” they need.

2003 - Russell & Karen at home

Russell suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and depends on his wife, Karen, to help him with basic tasks. Karen has to remind Russell to shave, brush his teeth, and put on clean clothes. Despite this difficult situation, Russell is still able to live in his own home with Karen, and he looks forward to daily walks with their dog. Family Alliance’s day program for the frail elderly allows Russell to spend time in a protective, stimulating environment, while Karen is provided with respite from her role as Russell’s caregiver. Support groups provide additional encouragement and help Karen cope with her husband’s illness.

2003 - Robbie & Richard

Richard and Betty have provided foster care for 238 children, including Robbie, one of the three children they adopted. When he was younger, Robbie received help through Pioneer Center’s Early Intervention Program. More recently, Robbie has benefited from counseling at Family Service & Community Mental Health Center. He strives to do well in school, sings in his church choir, and practices karate.

McHenry County Youth Service Bureau’s Lakewood Neighborhood Resource Center (LNRC) is a prevention program that provides education and support to the children and families who live at Woodstock’s Lakewood Apartments. The LNRC is designed to improve academic performance, reduce involvement in crime and drugs, reduce violence, improve school attendance, increase involvement in meaningful after-school social and recreational programs, develop positive relationships with parents and adult mentors, and improve life skills. Since it opened in May 2000, the center has already demonstrated its effectiveness in each of the areas and has dramatically helped to reduce police calls to the complex. The LNRC offers students academic support and tutoring, life skills training, socialization, recreation, field trips, computer camp and special events. Parents are offered parenting education and support, linkage to community resources, and English as a second language classes.

Check back for more success stories as we continue to update our website.

4508 Prime Parkway, McHenry, Illinois 60050

Phone: 815-363-1377 • Fax: 815-363-1878 • Click here to e-mail us.

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - Noon CST