Lifescape Community Services

Mission Statement

The mission of Lifescape Community Services is to promote independent living and enhance the quality of life for individuals by providing affordable nutrition and other services, with an emphasis on the aging population.

Lifescape Community Services/ Community Kitchen History

Community Kitchen was founded in 1989 as a result of the Mayor's Task Force on Hunger. The goal was to provide a central kitchen where nutritious meals could be cost effectively prepared for "Meals on Wheels" home delivered meal program, senior group dining sites and low-income child day care centers. In 1999, Lifescape Community Services was formed from a merger of Meet & Eat and Cornerstone Resources (formerly Protestant Community Services and Winnebago County Council on Aging) to provide non-meal services and address the social and information needs of older adults. Although their tasks are different, the goal of Community Kitchen/Lifescape Community Services remains the same – "Keeping older adults nutritionally healthy, independent, connected and informed."

The agencies that formed Community Kitchen/Lifescape Community Services have often been recognized for outstanding service to seniors. Since merging the numerous agencies providing senior services into one in 1999, Community Kitchen/Lifescape Community Services has been able to improve the quality of service. In 1999, Community Kitchen/Lifescape Community Services received the prestigious Sid Granet Aging Network Achievement Award.

Our commitment to meeting a broad scope of senior needs is accomplished through the many programs that we offer such as:

• Nutrition

Nutrition Services provides nutritious and appealing meals in a variety of settings for individuals 60 years of age and older. Meals on Wheels delivers meals, including weekend and evening meals, directly to the homes of eligible individuals and provides a daily “safety check” for those who are homebound. Those individuals with more mobility can visit one of Lifescape’s many Senior Dining Sites in Winnebago, Boone, Lee or Ogle counties. Our Senior Dining Sites offer socialization with scheduled activities such as crafts, games and educational presentations. Diners 60 and older can also visit one of our many restaurant-based congregate sites for a healthy nutritious meal.

• Adult Day Program

Adult Day Program has more than 30 years of experience providing a safe and welcoming environment for participants. The newly opened Adult Day Program location in Rockford offers a variety of health, social, and support services Monday through Friday. A registered nurse fully assesses each client and develops a program specific to the individual to improve, stabilize and support their well-being. Adult Day Program serves clients with cognitive disabilities including various dementias and Alzheimer’s. The program also serves the caregiver with support groups.

• Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services provides intervention for victims of abuse, neglect, & exploitation and for those who neglect themselves. Adults age 60+ or 18+ with a disability. Reports of suspected abuse or neglect can be made during business hours to Lifescape at 815-490-1125, or any time to Illinois Department on Aging Adult Protective Services hotline at 866-800-1409.

• Comprehensive Care Coordination

Comprehensive Care Coordination provides complete assessment to coordinate the most appropriate care for each person’s specific needs. Services are centered around case management and a plan of care, which may include: referrals; advocacy; and assistance obtaining an in-home caregiver, home emergency response systems, and automated medication dispenser service. We also provide screening & information about care options for people entering long term care.

• Senior Choice

Senior Choice helps older adults choose lives of dignity and independence by providing assistance that includes but is not limited to: individual appointments with caseworkers, transportation, paperwork, training and support to family members and caregivers. Lifescape provides confidential screening to identify all the benefits and services each individual may be eligible to receive. Lifescape may act as the person’s advocate when needed. Lifescape's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program aids in supporting both generations. Support groups provide help in understanding caregiving issues.

• Health Promotion

The Lifescape Health Promotion program offers highest level, evidence based workshops designed to promote the health and independence of older adults. Workshops consist of a variety of group activities and cover a wide range of topics. These free workshops are hosted at various locations throughout your community.