How DayOne Network Cares

Because we work with so many people who are doing their estate planning for the benefit of a loved one who has a disability, we often receive many questions about services available in the community. Family members are often overwhelmed trying to access the appropriate services and ask many questions, and we do the best we can to offer guidance.

Fortunately, we have strong relationships with many services providers in the community, and we can often provide referrals to the appropriate organization. We wish we had all the answers, but we don't. That's why we are so pleased to be able to refer people to a place that can meet their needs.

DayOne Network, Inc., a nonprofit, community based agency established in July, 1989, is one of those places! Because the delivery of social services for the disabled is highly decentralized in Illinois, local service coordination is a must.

Here's what DayOne Network provides . . . .

The organization provides service coordination and advocacy services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or delays in Kane and Kendall Counties and Hanover Township in Cook County.

Their purpose is to ensure that people with developmental delays and/or disabilities are identified, evaluated, and referred for services appropriate to their needs. Service Coordinators monitor the plan to ensure that it is fully implemented.

People seeking the assistance of DayOne Network include people entering the system for the first time as well as "long term users" experiencing changing service needs, emergency situations, or discontent with their current services. In addition, DayOneNetwork is the point of entry for infants and toddlers and their families to access services in the early intervention service system in Kane and Kendall Counties.

Individual Service Coordinators make the system work! They sort through the red tape and help families make informed decisions.

DayOne Network's sister organization, DayOne Reliance, provides solutions for people who want to set up trusts for their loved ones without jeopardizing governmental benefits.

DayOneNetwork receives funding from the state, charitable foundations, and individual donors.

There are many ways to help the organization. If you would like to be involved, please go ahead and contact Joyce Helander, the Executive Director, at 630-879-2277. She is warm, caring, and would love to hear from you.

Likewise, if you would like to make a charitable contribution to support the goals of the organization, you can find out more here.

© 2009 The Estate Planning Law Group.


WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you reference the author. For articles written by Kirsten, include everything in quotes with it: "© 2009 The Estate Planning Law Group. Written and edited by Kirsten Izatt.  Kirsten and Bill Deitch's mission is to ensure that the parents of children with special needs have the information and resources they need to build a fortress of protection around their child that will last a lifetime. Get their revealing, enlightening, and sometimes even humorous "SNAP" e-zine at www.SpecialNeedsAllianceProject.com."