Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) was launched in 2012 through an inter-governmental agreement between the Illinois Departments of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and Military Affairs (IDMA) as a statewide, public-private network of military and veteran-serving organizations working together to improve services for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). Learn more…
Their Mission
- To ensure Illinois Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) can access a gateway to connect and navigate to the services and resources they need; where and when they need them.
- To eliminate barriers to accessing care for the Illinois SMVF community and reduce risk factors that contribute to suicide.
- To expand our access to service and resource providers by creating partnerships that ensure we meet the needs of the Illinois SMVF community.
- To develop, engage, and partner with regionally based community hubs of support, and to foster local collaborations to better support the Illinois SMVF Community.
- To convene service providers and the SMVF community for the purpose of education, collaboration, and connection.
- To ensure that no Service Member, Veteran, or family member, regardless of status, is left behind.
Operation Connect Illinois – CARES is an Illinois Service Member, Veteran, and their families first stop to navigate the services and resources available to support growth, wellness and community.
Operation Connect Illinois CARES Initiatives
- Care Coordination Center
- Staff Sergeant Gordon Parker Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program
- Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
- Operation Connect-A-Vet
Veterans: Let your voice be heard in Illinois
On behalf of the people of the 95th District and the State of Illinois, thank you for your service to our country. Our community is grateful for your sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. Share your thoughts with me and join my Veterans’ Advisory Council by filling out this form.