Disability Support Services & Resources in McHenry County

The McHenry County Mental Health Board (mc708.org) is the county's primary funding and coordinating body for behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services. Located at 620 Dakota St, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, phone (815) 455-2828.

What they offer:

• Service Directory — Searchable online database of all funded mental health, substance use, and IDD service providers in McHenry County
• McHelp App — Free anonymous app for 24/7 text or phone access to a licensed mental health counselor
• Training & Events — Free community workshops on mental health first aid, trauma, and suicide prevention
• Caregiver Support — Annual Caregiver Conference and ongoing resource coordination

The 708 Board does not provide direct services but funds and oversees dozens of local provider organizations.

Pioneer Center (pioneercenter.org) is the county's largest non-profit serving individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges, and homelessness. CARF-accredited since 1958, based in McHenry. Phone: (815) 344-1230.

Programs include:

• Residential Services — Group homes and supported living for adults with IDD
• Day Programs — Skill-building, vocational training, and community integration
• Behavioral Health — Outpatient counseling for all ages
• Homeless Services — Emergency shelter, recovery resources, and sustainable housing solutions
• Employment Services — Job coaching, placement, and supported employment

SEDOM (sedom.org) is a cooperative serving 11 school districts across McHenry County, providing specialized educational services for children and young adults with disabilities ages 3-21. Located at 1200 Claussen Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098, phone (815) 347-4677.

Services include:

• Specialized classrooms and instructional programs
• Related services (speech, OT, PT, social work)
• Transition planning for post-secondary life
• Parent resources and IEP support
• Early childhood special education (ages 3-5)

If your child attends a District 47 or District 155 school and has an IEP, SEDOM may be involved in providing services.

Z Advocacy NFP (zadvocacy.org) is a Crystal Lake-based 501(c)(3) non-profit championing disability rights through education, community building, and direct advocacy. Phone: (847) 217-4686.

Their work:

• Crystal Lake Disability Pride Event — Annual July celebration at McHenry County College
• Accessibility Training — For businesses, schools, and civic organizations
• Individual Advocacy — Helping people navigate systems and assert their rights
• Policy & Systemic Change — Working with local/state officials for inclusive practices

Core principle: Nothing About Us Without Us — disabled people lead the organization.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness — McHenry County chapter (namimchenrycounty.org) provides free support groups, family education programs, and mental health advocacy. Phone: (815) 455-6264.

Programs:

• Family-to-Family — Free 8-session course for families of people with mental health conditions
• Peer-to-Peer — Free course for adults living with mental health conditions
• Support Groups — Weekly/monthly groups for both individuals and family members
• Mental Health Awareness Walks — Annual fundraising and awareness events