April 9, 2025

Stepping Stones Breaks Ground on Group Home for Adults with Mental Illness

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News Summary

Stepping Stones of Rockford has broken ground on a new group home designed for adults with serious mental illness. Located in Rockford, Illinois, this 8,707 square-foot facility will provide a welcoming environment with 10 rooms and comprehensive support services. Staff will be available 24/7, and it will be fully accessible for residents with mobility challenges. Funded by the renewed Winnebago County Mental Health Sales Tax, this facility represents a historic milestone in mental health care, expected to open by late 2025.

Exciting New Beginnings: Stepping Stones Breaks Ground on Group Home for Adults with Mental Illness

Big news is happening! Stepping Stones of Rockford has officially broken ground on a brand-new group home, which is designed specifically for adults living with serious mental illness. This positive development is not just a building project; it’s a huge step toward providing better care and support for those in our community who need it the most.

A Home Sweet Home

The new group home will be located at 1480 Stony Creek Way in Rockford, Illinois, and it aims to offer a warm and welcoming environment for its residents. With a spacious 8,707 square feet design, this facility is set to feature 10 rooms and common areas like a cozy living room and a kitchen where residents can feel right at home.

Round-the-Clock Care

What’s even more reassuring is that the group home will have dedicated staff available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means that residents will always have access to care, support, and companionship, making it a safe haven for those who need help navigating the challenges of mental health.

A Vote of Confidence

This project is made possible through funding from the Winnebago County Mental Health Sales Tax, which is a half-cent sales tax that local voters renewed for another five years. This yearly tax generates about $15 million, which is directed toward mental health organizations across the county. Over the past five years alone, this funding has supported more than 41 mental health programs, highlighting the community’s commitment to mental health services.

A Historic Milestone

historic day for mental health care in the Rockford area. It is particularly noteworthy because it’s the first newly-constructed facility specifically built for adults facing serious mental health challenges in Winnebago County.

Accessibility for All

Even more exciting is that this facility will be fully accessible, making it the first of its kind among Stepping Stones’ group homes to prioritize residents with mobility challenges. This aspect underscores the commitment to providing equal access to care for everyone.

Comprehensive Services

But that’s not all! Residents will also have access to a range of essential services, including mental health professionals and programs focused on case management, financial management, skill teaching, individualized treatment planning, counseling, and crisis management. The goal of this new group home is to offer comprehensive support services that provide alternatives to hospitalizations, jails, and homelessness.

Building a Better Community

The location of the new facility has also been strategically chosen to foster a sense of normalcy for the residents by being situated within a neighborhood. This aims to create a community ambiance, which is beneficial in supporting mental well-being.

Looking Ahead

Construction of the group home is expected to be completed by mid-November 2025, with residents anticipated to move in by the end of that year. This timeline gives the community something to look forward to as it enhances local mental health infrastructure.

Prioritizing Needs

The new home will prioritize individuals eligible for Medicaid, ensuring that those most in need can receive the support they deserve. However, services will be accessible to anyone who qualifies. This inclusive approach aims to uplift the entire community, making sure that everyone has access to the resources they require.

With the groundbreaking of this group home, Stepping Stones is not merely building a structure; they are creating a new chapter for mental health in the community, providing hope, care, and a place to call home.