STEPPING STONES OF ROCKFORD history

1970: A home at 922 Haskell Avenue is purchased as the first halfway house in the area for persons with serious mental illnesses.

1971: Arrangements are made for individuals served to live in an apartment building at 912 Haskell Avenue creating the first semi-independent “Apartment Program” in the area.

1979: Stephen E. Langley is hired as the Executive Director and brings a strong commitment to expanding community care options for individuals served by the organization.

1980: Residential services replace the Halfway House model and full case management is offered to all organization residents for the first time.

Stepping Stones’ commitment to improving the overall mental health in our community was solidified in 1981 when a permanent administrative facility was secured in downtown Rockford.

1982: The group home at 817 Haskell Avenue is opened in the former home of Amos and Mary Woodward.

1983: Stephen E. Langley helps found what is now known as the Northern Illinois Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

1984: A group home with a service capacity for ten persons is opened at 703 Kishwaukee Street.

1985: The organization opened a Home Improvement Program (HIP) in a small home on Main Street which became the first foster home placement in the area for persons with mental illnesses.

1986: The organization moves to the first office at 1130 East State Street.

1987: The Psychosocial Rehabilitation model (the first of its kind in the area) is implemented.

1988: A successful application is made to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build two 15-unit apartment buildings to be occupied exclusively by organization residents.

1990: In cooperation with Janet Wattles Center and Rockford Housing Authority, the organization opens a Community Integrated Living Environment (CILA) program for 17 residents at Campus Towers (Brewington Oaks). Services are now provided to 85 persons.

1991: In order to fully participate in the Department of Mental Health’s CILA services, services are expanded to include psychiatry, nursing, crisis management, and day treatment services.

1993: In collaboration with Singer Center and Janet Wattles Center, the organization completes construction of two HUD apartments at City View and Overdene in July.

1994: The organization institutes a comprehensive management information system in order to provide the technology for billing third-party funding sources.

1995: The organization celebrates its 25-year anniversary and Stephen E. Langley presents organization highlights at the first public Recognition Dinner.

1996: Stepping Stones joins the Northwest Behavioral Health Consortium which is comprised of area treatment providers.

In 1997, the organization entered into an agreement with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to serve individuals in need of ongoing mental health care who were making their transition to adulthood.

1998: Stepping Stones closes the financing necessary to purchase four additional apartment buildings in order to provide one-bedroom apartments for 16 individuals.

A long-time dream was realized in 2000 when a cooperative program with Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) allowed us to open River North, a 40-bed apartment complex to serve seniors age 50 and older.

2002: Due to inadequate funding, the two group homes designed specifically to serve those with mental illness and intellectual disabilities are closed.

2003: Due to a reduction in funding, one additional group home is closed.

2004: Stepping Stones serves 120 individuals in four fully-supervised group homes, two 15-unit fully-supported housing apartment units, four independent apartments, the River North facility, and case management for those living more independently.

2005: An Electronic Clinical Expert System (eCET) is initiated as a step towards developing an electronic records system.

True to the organization’s mission, Stepping Stones began accepting referrals from Winnebago County’s Mental Health Court’s Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) in 2006.

2007: The organization remains actively involved in neighborhood groups, especially the Coronado-Haskell Neighborhood Association where the main office and the 817 Haskell Group Home reside.

2009: The organization earns re-accreditation from CARF.

Became affiliated with Rosecrance when Janet Wattles merged with that organization in 2011.

2012: A satellite office at 2825 Glenwood Ave is opened in November in order to expand case management services for individuals living more independently and participating in the “apartment program”.

2015: The Transitional Apartment Program (TAP) opens at the Darwood office with a staff office on-site to help individuals make their transition from supported housing to more independent living.

2016: The organization re-opens its fifth group home designed to serve women in need of residential services.

Transitioned to Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc. in November 2017.

Source: Rockford Register Star 1/21/2018; C4