RAMP

02/25/2026

This week, we would like to shout out our MercyHealth Project SEARCH Employment Specialist, Keke Wells! Keke has been with RAMP since 2023, working tirelessly at our MercyHealth site to help open opportunities for success for all Project SEARCH interns. Her work does not go unnoticed, thank you for all you do Keke!

Image description: Text says "My interest in working with adults with disabilities started in 2019 while working as a paraprofessional in the Rockford Public Schools. Being passionate about building independence in the disability community is what led me to RAMP in 2023. As an Employment Specialist, I play an integral role in instilling job skills that can lead to lifelong career success for the young adults I serve and support.
Working with Project SEARCH has had a significant impact on not only the interns, but with myself as well. The program has consistently opened doors for individuals in the workplace and beyond, and it is incredibly rewarding to be a part of that. Watching them take the lessons learned from the classroom and the department, and applying them in real work settings, leads to positive outcomes for all those involved in Project SEARCH."

02/24/2026

RAMP's Community Reintegration program works with individuals with disabilities with a desire to move out of an assisted living facility and back into the community. To learn more or get in touch with us, visit https://ow.ly/tG6j50YhoqR

02/23/2026

The conversations we avoid are usually the ones we need the most. That is exactly what this year's Building Bridges event is built for, hosted by NAMI Northern Illinois and Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board.

Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-bridges-to-understanding-tickets-1983467485643?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/23/2026

In honor of American Heart Month, we are sharing facts to help you keep your heart healthy! Managing stress is an important part of heart health, here are some tips to help:

1. Take a pause after high demand situations.
2. Plan fun for the day, week, or year to look forward to.
3. Listen to 432 Hz music, which can help calm anxiety and stress.

Share your favorite tips to beat stress in the comments!

02/22/2026

Looking for an opportunity to challenge yourself and have some fun this summer?
Sign up for RAMP's River Run (3K, 5K, and Half Marathon) for less if you sign up before March 1st!

Learn more and sign up at: https://riverrun.rampcil.org/

02/21/2026

In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting influential Black people with disabilities. This week, we are highlighting 19th century musician and composer Thomas Wiggins. Read more about his story at https://www.perkins.org/thomas-wiggins/

02/19/2026

Lindsey (name changed for privacy) wanted to go to school and pursue independent living. After working with RAMP's employment team, Lindsey began to take more steps to pursue her goals. Read more about Lindsey's story below⬇️

Help more people like Lindsey: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/ramp/general-donation

02/18/2026

We are proud to celebrate Lafakeria Reuter, our Board President, who has been nominated for the Woman of Achievement Awards - Professions Award!👏🏼

Lafakeria has been with RAMP for several years before stepping up as our Board President. Her leadership, passion, and commitment to individuals with disabilities reflects not only in her work with the Winnebago County States Attorney's Office, but also with us here at RAMP. We are grateful for her guidance and continued support.

Congratulations Lafakeria!

Recognizing excellence across industries, the 46th Annual Leader Luncheon: Women of Achievement Awards honors nominees for the Professions Award, presented by Travis Andersen of UW Health, celebrating individuals whose expertise and dedication shape our professional landscape.

We are honored to recognize this year’s nominees.

Dr. Mary McNamara
Melissa Hartzell, Crusader Community Health
Lafakeria Reuter, Winnebago County State's Attorney

Join us at the Hard Rock Casino on Monday, March 2. Grab your tickets today!
https://www.ywcanwil.org/event/ywca-leader-luncheon/

02/18/2026

This week, we would like to shout out our Independent Living Specialist , Brittney! Brittney dedicates herself to her consumers, helping them reach their independent living goals. She has been an asset to not only our Independent Living team but our RAMP team as a whole. Thank you for all you do Brittney!

Image description: Text says "Some of my proudest moments as an Independent Living Specialist are when consumers share that they achieved something they never thought was possible, and that the support they received through RAMP made a real difference in their journey toward independence. That is why I love the work I get to do with the consumers I connect with each day. I’m grateful that in this role I can bring my voice, my personality, and an empowering spirit to encourage others with a simple message” “I’m here to help you, while you help yourself!” Outside of work, you can usually find me embracing my life as a mother, enjoying a good cup of coffee, coaching, writing books, and wearing many others hats that make my life full and purposeful. As I continue my journey at RAMP, I’m excited for what the future holds, and I look forward to growing alongside the consumers and the community we serve."

02/17/2026

RAMP works with students and their families to learn the laws that protect the rights of a student with a disability, how to navigate the maze of community services, and to learn the skills required to achieve their goals. To learn more, visit https://ow.ly/v3JT50Yc2mg

02/17/2026

ATTENTION PARENTS⚠️CAMP FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

EmpowHer Camp is a free, virtual leadership and empowerment camp for girls ages 13–18 with disabilities. The camp is designed to support young people as they build self-advocacy skills, confidence, and connections with peers—values that closely align with the independent living philosophy.
Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and community-building activities, participants are encouraged to explore their strengths, develop leadership skills, and envision their futures as self-determined individuals.

Application deadline: February 18
Learn more & apply: https://www.disabilityempowhernetwork.org/empowhercamp