AID is defined by the depth and breadth of our available services that are customized to meet the unique needs of an individual throughout every stage of his or her life. Curtis is a young man who decides his path, strives for his dreams and lives the life he wants to live, thanks in part to his participation in a multitude of AID programs and services.
Curtis was born with Down Syndrome. A diagnosis that is a small part of his always “on-the-go” lifestyle; a condition that does not define him. When he was a young boy, his parents enrolled him in the AID Early Intervention program to strengthen his socialization skills and help him prepare for school. This first step helped Curtis improve his developmental trajectory and lead to future accomplishments. At the age of three, he successfully transitioned into the special education program where he worked hard and met his goal of completing high school.
As Curtis entered his young adult years, he continued his participation in AID programs and services. The AID Home Based Support program has been instrumental in helping him identify his strengths and challenges; helping him choose his life path. He has developed a strong life skills set which includes socialization, cooking, civic engagement and financial literacy.
Curtis dreamed of having a job in the community. To achieve this dream he enrolled in the AID Employment First program. His Employment Specialist worked with him to learn the necessary skills needed to land his first and current job as a server at McDonalds. He loves his work but his true passion is volunteerism. He volunteers regularly at the Special Olympics, American Legion, Meals on Wheels and many more!
Curtis has a strong support system through AID and his family. That, coupled with his own hard work and determination, means he lives the life he wants to live. He is a great friend, hard worker and an asset to his community.
AID is a leading provider of services that address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives, as evidenced by Curtis’ story. As we all continue to navigate this unusual and unsettling time, our purpose remains the same: to empower individuals for a better tomorrow.
The dedicated AID staff are facing this unprecedented challenge head on; ensuring clients have access to food, medicine and shelter; are able to virtually engage with one another, friends and loved ones; and, most importantly, helping people maintain physical and emotional well-being.
These exceptional services are available due to your generosity. Your gifts matter! AID pledges to continue working around the clock to ensure the health, well-being and safety of the individuals we serve.
*The Coleman Foundation will match $100 of all individual online gifts of $100 or more; up to $12,500 total. Dunham Fund will enter AID in a drawing with other non-profits in the area. Twelve (12) eligible nonprofit names will be drawn. Each organization whose name is drawn will be awarded $2,000.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers and generous donors!
- Through COVID-19 relief grants and individual donations, AID purchased and distributed IPADs and electronic tablets to clients to facilitate tele-health services and to decrease social isolation through virtual connections to friends and family.
- Three new 24-hour Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) sites opened. One home (Shabbona) in Batavia and two apartment sites (Spring Hill and Marison Mill Suites) in Elgin.
- AID Victim Services (VS) partnered with Aurora, St. Charles, South Elgin, North Aurora, Lombard, Huntley, Geneva, Batavia, and Cary police departments to respond to 834 service calls; assisting nearly 2,700 individuals in crisis.
- The AID Crisis Line of the Fox Valley received 28,240 calls and made 42,465 ‘Sunshine calls’ including medication reminders and wellness checks. AID also launched the Senior Sunshine Program. This free program serves individuals age 60 or over with a scheduled “check-in” phone call for individuals with mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression.
- The contract for participation in Kane County Treatment Alternative Court (Mental Health Court) as a treatment provider was renewed. This program helps individuals who have a mental health diagnoses and who represent a high risk of re-offense and high need of therapeutic services. One client successfully completed the two-year probationary treatment program, and a total of nine clients continued to be served. The Kane County Re-entry contract was also renewed and will continue to serve individuals with mental health concerns who are released from jail.
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