STERLING - Helping people stay connected is the goal of a new service, the Wellness Program, being offered by NW Illinois-Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL). The program is targeted to reach individuals who are isolated due to illness or disability.

The idea for this program began when the NICIL team realized there was a gap in services and a need to help their customers stay connected to others. In some cases, consumers have outlived friends and family and have no one to check on them. This program is intended to help eliminate some of that isolation.

The NICIL team had been searching for a program that would eliminate isolation, which is one of the leading factors in deterioration of independence and health. “After much research, we came across a 2012 study done by AARP that cited the challenges of isolation and we knew exactly the new service we needed to start,” explained Michele Miller, executive director of NICIL.

The program is built on calling the people in the program twice a month. The first call is a short health assessment followed by a wellness call and check-in. “This is a volunteer program, our customers do not have to participate, but the idea of a friendly voice from one of the NICIL team members to check in has been well received,” Miller said.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to call NICIL at (815) 625-7860 for details on how to enroll or contact them via e-mail at frontdesk@nicil.org. NICIL serves the counties of Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside.