The Residential Component: Dedicated to serving adults with serious mental illness.
Stepping Stones is a private, nonprofit (501) (c) (3) community mental health provider in Winnebago County. The organization, which first opened in 1969 with a single halfway house, now provides mental health services to over 850 individuals. The organization employs over 155 employees. By offering a variety of mental health treatment interventions and access, Stepping Stones provides residents with opportunities to live in the most independent community setting. Our facilities are located-throughout our community and our main office is in the downtown Rockford. We are a trauma-informed, person-centered mental health treatment provider, dedicated to those with serious mental illness and severe emotional disturbances. The organization works to "bust" stigma, make positive contributions in our community and provide safe, affordable and decent housing. We validate that persons with serious mental illness have the right to a quality of life afforded by the least restrictive living environment.
We are a part of our community. We are a family.
Stepping Stones employs a treatment continuum which combines case management, counseling, psychosocial rehabilitation, community support services, psychiatric services and housing to meet the individualized recovery needs of each person served. Medically-needed interventions are combined with a strong support network and options for residential needs. Residents who live in our 24-hour a day supervised group homes receive the most intensive services to help them become more stable. Individuals in supervised apartments receive services aimed at helping them learn the skills they’ll need to live even more independently. Those in supported housing, who have developed specific recovery skills and demonstrated the ability to live more independently, receive case management at the frequency and in the treatment areas where they need assistance.
The Outpatient Component: Mental health services across the lifespan.
In 2022, Stepping Stones opened an outpatient mental health counseling center for children, teens and adults with serious mental illness and emotional disturbances. This center is located at 4317 Maray Drive. The new treatment facility features mental health services across the lifespan. Staff provide compassionate trauma-informed counseling, case management and telepsychiatry to recipients who have serious mental illness, emotional disturbances or other mental health needs. The office is on the RMTD bus route. The 8,800 square foot outpatient Counseling Center houses the offices of our Associate Clinical Director, a RN, and master's level clinicians.
The Counseling center was made possible in part by a generous grant from the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB), whose funding is generated by a voter approved 1/2 cent sales tax to help fund mental health and substance abuse services throughout Winnebago County. Services are prioritized for those who are eligible for Medicaid but are available to anyone in need who qualifies.
Stepping Stones of Rockford...
is licensed by the State of Illinois' Department of Health and Human Services Office of Mental Health. The organization is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The organization is primarily funded by the Illinois Department of Mental Health; the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services; the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB); Medicaid; Managed Care companies; private donations and other sources.
In addition, the organization has partnered with various judicial systems to provide mental health care to people involved in various forensic programs, including the Winnebago County’s Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) Court.
It actually does take a village! It may sound like a cliche to say, "it takes a village," but actually it does-countless individuals, groups, organizations and foundations support our mission. We couldn't provide quality mental health services without their help.
We honor our staff for all they do to ensure clients receive the highest quality care.
We thank our Board Members for their visionary leadership and active support of our mission.
We express gratitude to our friends who donate to our organization, provide wish list items, volunteer or purchase other items such as rocking chairs for our residents. Included in the programs of Stepping Stones, is the award-winning Stars of Light which uses dramatic and visual arts to promote recovery, educate the public about mental illness and reduce stigma.
We appreciate each person we serve and the opportunity to help them navigate their personal journey of recovery.
Welcome to Stepping Stones of Rockford. We're glad you're here!
