Program Collaborations

In FY2011, Connections engaged in referral and cooperative relationships with a wide array of local organizations in order to provide a full spectrum to our clients.  These collaborations included:

o Trilogy : This local mental health agency provided Connections with crisis intervention for the mentally ill as well as interagency referrals for community based mental health services.  We have been pleased with this partnership and believe that it will continue to grow.

o Evanston Police Department : Throug a linkage agreement, the Evanston Police Department offered homeless individuals emergency overnight housing at Connections for the Homeless.

o Evanston VET Center : This program provided veterans participating in Connections' programs assistance with accessing veterans-related services.

o Housing Options : This program pvoided permanent supportive housing options for Connections' clients with severe and persistent mental illness.

o Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) : This community mental health agency provided an array of services for Connections' clients with substance abuse and mental health issues.

o PEER Services : This program provided comprehensive substance abuse treatment and counseling for Connections' clients.

o Evanston Northwestern Healthcare : Through the newly created Community Services Department, Connections was able to refer clients for specialized healthcare and testing.  Additionally, ENH provided lab work for our clients at a reduced rate.

o Stroger Cook County Hospital : Our Medical Director and one of our volunteer physicians are on staff at Stroger, and they facilitated links to services for many of our clients including access to primary care physicians.

o Heartland Health Outreach : This program provided primary health care services for Connections' clients in the Hilda's Place and EntryPoint programs.

o ATP : This program provided short term, inpatient substance absue treatment for Connections' clients.  Connections was able to provide clients with transportation to the Center and facilitate their transition back into the community at the close of their services.

o ADD : This agency provided extended inpatient services for Connections' clients with severe substance abuse issues.

o The Family Institute at Northwestern University : The Family Institute provided family-focused counseling based on a sliding scale fee rate for Connections' clients in the Family Housing Program.

o YMCA : They provided reduced-rate memberships for Connections' clients, which encouraged health maintenance as well as integration into the community.  Connections recently received funding to underwrite the membership fee for all interested clients.