Northwestern IL Area Agency on Aging

08/03/2026

In program year 5, our IMPACT program served 65 total clients all of which had serious mental illnesses and in some cases secondary diagnoses. All 65 were unsheltered when they got involved with our Navigators. Of those that exited the program, nearly 50% received services and obtained some type of permanent housing.

One participant, R, was recently released from jail prior to getting involved with staff. He was homeless. He was accepted to one of our Transitional Housing units where he worked with Marie. He was also connected to the MIH program and linked up with LP Johnson for mental health treatment/med management. Staff helped get his SSI and SNAP benefits reinstated. Last month, R moved out of our units and into his own apartment at the new Lafayette building!!! Thank you to all that helped and CONGRATULATIONS to R!!!!! IMPACT is funded through the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board with the voter-approved half-cent sales tax. .

08/03/2026

🍉 Our August Newsletter Has Arrived!

August is a time to celebrate community, honor the contributions of older adults, and strengthen the connections that help us all thrive.

This month's newsletter includes:
⭐ Information about our 2nd Annual Legislative Breakfast & Roundtable
💙 Encouragement and resources for caregivers
🌈 Upcoming LGBTQI+ Older Adult Social Group dinner
🎉 National Senior Citizens Day
🍌 A healthy no-bake recipe, trivia, and more!

Take a few minutes to see what's happening across Northwestern Illinois and learn how NIAAA continues to support older adults, caregivers, and our communities.

📖 Read the August Newsletter here:

https://www.nwilaaa.org/news-and-events/niaaa-monthly-newsletter

💙 Dignity. Independence. Connection.

NIAAA Monthly Newsletter TPL_SHARE_ARTICLE August: Celebrating Community, Honoring ExperienceAugust is a time to gather, reflect, and celebrate the people who m...

08/03/2026

📢 Save the Date!

The Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA) is proud to host our 2nd Annual Legislative Breakfast & Roundtable on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at the Rockford Public Library.

This regional event brings together state legislators, local elected officials, community leaders, and aging network providers to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing older adults and family caregivers throughout Northwestern Illinois.

Together, we'll explore important topics including:
✅ Aging Services & Information & Assistance
✅ Transportation & Rural Mobility
✅ Nutrition Services
✅ Caregiver Support
✅ Health Promotion & Wellness
✅ Legal Services
✅ Long-Term Care Ombudsman & Resident Advocacy

Please Note: NIAAA's offices will be closed until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, so our staff can participate in this important event. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Together, we can continue building stronger communities where older adults can live with dignity, independence, and connection.

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08/03/2026

Millions live with tinnitus — Here’s why it can be so hard to manage

👂🏽 https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/08/03/millions-live-with-tinnitus-heres-why-it-can-be-so-hard-manage/

08/03/2026

Some days hit harder than expected. Some don’t make sense at all.

When you find yourself needing support as a Veteran, start here: mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/coping-support.

08/03/2026

Shield yourself from mosquitoes and ticks by taking these steps:
1. When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
2. Apply EPA-approved insect repellent.
3. Reduce time spent in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are more active, such as wooded areas and tall grass.

For more tips to Boost Your Summer, visit publichealth.wincoil.gov/healthtrek

08/03/2026

HOME ESSENTIALS REPAIR PROGRAM: The City of Rockford's Home Essentials Repair Program is now open!

This program helps eligible homeowners make needed repairs to their single-family home, including:
• Heating & air conditioning
• Water heaters
• Roofing
• Electrical
• Siding
• And other essential repairs

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to elderly and/or disabled applicants. A $35 application fee is required. Homeowners must agree to live in their home for at least three (3) years after the repairs are completed.
Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply here: https://il-rockford.civicplus.com/791/Home-Essentials-Repair-Program

Program is funded by the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

08/03/2026

Transportation. 🍎 Nutrition. ❤️ Caregiver support. These are just some of the topics scheduled for discussion when leaders meet Aug. 19 in Rockford See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Northern Illinois Area Agency on Aging

08/03/2026

Senior Center update. This is going before the Rockford City Council tonight. It will be discussed by the Planning and Development Committee next week. If you feel it’s important that Rockford to have a senior center we ask that you reach out to our city leaders, the Alderpersons. 

Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed funding of $300,000.00 to support the establishment of a Senior Center in partnership with Living Well Center of Northern Illinois located at 1111 South Alpine Road. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

08/03/2026

🚨 Join the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance for the Annual Statewide Smoke Alarm Installation Blitz! 🚨
Departments from across Illinois are encouraged to participate October 18-24. This is a great opportunity to connect with residents, provide important fire safety education, and help make your community safer—one home at a time. 🏠🔥
Together, we can help ensure every home has working smoke alarms and every family has the tools they need to stay safe.
https://www.ifsa.org/prevention-resources/blitz/