In April 2023, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that LSSI was one of 70 human service providers to receive grant funding from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. This is the state’s first ever competitive Human Services Capital Investment Grant program to help social service providers address physical construction and accessibility needs.

LSSI was awarded $220,000 for repairs/updates at its Dixon Group Home, which serves eight adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The grant is supporting sewer line repair, front porch replacement, tree removal, and bathroom upgrades.

“When people need help, human service providers are there to answer the call,” said Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. “These grants will ensure that this great work is delivered at its best by strengthening and addressing infrastructure needs.”

Nonprofits typically vie for operation and program funding from the state but previously have not had an opportunity to receive capital construction funds. This is the first of its kind “small capital” initiative administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Updates and repairs, as well as our ongoing maintenance that includes cleaning the exteriors of the homes and landscaping, is not only important to the appearance and safety of our homes but to how our clients and their families see and feel about the homes they live in,” said Curtis Kouba, Director of Facilities Management at LSSI. “This grant will go a long way to achieving those goals.”