Independent Living Options Program:

In December, 1998 “Joey” entered the foster care system and became a Ward of the State. When Joey came to our Independent Living Options (ILO) program in 2003, he was not sure of what he wanted to do with his life and had no direction.

With the guidance of dedicated staff, Joey found direction, obtained a part time job and with the encouragement and guidance of his Case Manager, he enrolled in a local Junior College. While the first year was a tough one, with the help of a tutor and our continued support, Joey began to excel in his studies.

He has emancipated and moved on toward self-sustained independence. Today he is living in his own apartment and has a part time job. He has since graduated from the University of Chicago and is now working toward a master’s degree at Roosevelt University in his pursuit of fulfilling his dream to become a biochemist.