Staying Ahead Resources
The Staying Ahead Network is a support resource available to all participants of the Getting Ahead classes provided by Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois and its partner organizations. Our goal is to offer resources to help participants on their journey toward self-sufficiency.
If you have taken our Getting Ahead classes, you likely remember completing the assessment of resources in Module 7: Self-Assessment of Resources. We’ve included the full assessment in the document linked here for your reference.
Using the list of Resources and Life Stability areas defined in Getting Ahead classes, below are the corresponding organizations that provide programs and services in each area.
Education Resources
Workforce Connection – Job/Skills Training
Rock Valley College – Community College
Rockford Career College – Job/Career Training
Goodwill Excel Center – Adult High School
Comprehensive Community Solutions – Job/Skills Training
Think Big! - Entrepreneurial Support
Language Resources
YWCA Literacy Council – Literacy Resources
Transportation Resources
Rockford Mass Transit District
Housing Resources
Winnebago County Housing Authority
Northern IL Homeless Coalition– Homelessness prevention
Financial Resources
Family Credit Management – Classes on Finances/Budgeting, Debt Consolidation
Saint Vincent DePaul - Micro Loan Program
Physical Resources
Crusader Clinic – General Healthcare/Dentistry
Oak Street Health – Senior Focused Primary Care
Rockford Park District – Physical Health
YMCA Rock River Valley - Physical Health
Emotional Resources
Rosecrance - Mental/Behavioral Health
Marshmallows Hope – Mental Health Services
Childcare Resources
Head Start
Legal Resources
Winnebago County Resource Directories
The following Resource Directories can help to guide you to the organization that provides the resources you are seeking. Additionally, we have listed information on the organizations that can provide resources for the most common needs under Additional Resources.
Connect Rockford: Resource Directory
Boone/Winnebago County Resource Directory: Resource Directory - Winnebago/Boone - Google Docs
United Way 211 Online Database: 211 Illinois - 211
Additional Resources
Community Action Agency, 844-710-6919
Community Services including Community Health & Prevention, Housing Programs, Community Action Programs, Energy Programs. The Direct Client Assistance Program assists low-income persons with financial assistance for a variety of issues related to self-sufficiency or emergency needs.
211
United Way 211 is an easy to remember telephone number and text line that connects residents with free information and referrals for community services within Ogle and Winnebago counties. United Way 211 offers information on a broad range of services, including: rent assistance, food banks, affordable housing, health resources, childcare, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, job training programs.
Available 24/7, simply dial 2-1-1 to connect to trained staff and volunteers who will listen to your situation and quickly refer you to the most appropriate source of assistance. To text with a 211 operator, text your zip code to 898-211 to get started. Texting services are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST. If you need immediate assistance, please call 211, which is available 24/7
Northern Illinois Homeless Coalition, 779-207-2763
A community-wide commitment to ending homelessness, provides funding for efforts by nonprofit providers and governments to quickly re-house homeless residents to minimize trauma and dislocation; promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs; and optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness. Our office serves as the Single Point of Entry where homeless living in a place not meant for human habitation in Winnebago and Boone Counties can be assessed and offered the best and quickest housing solution and related services appropriate for their needs.
Family Peace Center, 24 Hour Hotline: 800-799-7233
The Family Peace Center is a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary service center located at 315 N. Main Street in Rockford, that provides services to victims of inter-personal violence.
988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.