NICIL

02/18/2026

Here at the Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) we have a simple mission:

To empower people with disabilities by supporting the individual and their community with the skills and knowledge to live independently.

How do we do this? By providing support services!

Individual Advocacy: We help individuals advocate for their rights and access services.

Systems Advocacy: CILs work to change rules, laws, and systems to help improve life for people with disabilities. Systems advocacy focuses on making lasting improvements by:
Changing Policies: Pushing for new laws or changes to existing ones that make life better and fairer for everyone.
Working Together: Disabled people work together to create long-lasting change in society.
Raising Awareness: Educating others about the issues that affect disabled people, so more people understand and support the changes needed.
Influencing Services: Talking to government agencies and organizations to help them provide better support and services for people who need them.
Offering Solutions: CILs are able to offer unique solutions to persistent problems by listening to and prioritizing the perspective of people who have experienced those issues first-hand.

Peer Support: We provide a network for individuals with disabilities to share experiences and support one another.

Independent Living Skills Training: We offer training programs that teach skills for daily living, such as budgeting, cooking, and self-care.

Information and Referral Services: We connect individuals with resources and services in the community, including transportation, healthcare, and legal assistance.

Transition Services: We assist individuals transitioning from institutions to living in their communities. We also help youth with disabilities transition to adulthood.

Community Impact: We work to improve accessibility and inclusion in communities through education, collaboration, outreach, and technical assistance.

Overall, NICIL empowers individuals with disabilities to be decision-makers in their own lives and participate fully in society.

02/03/2026

Become a Personal Assistant! Earn $19.50 per hour!
Are you looking for a rewarding job and interested in gaining valuable work experience? A personal assistant is someone who helps individuals with a disability with routine activities of daily living in their homes. Duties can include personal care, meal preparation, shopping or other duties which are dependent on a person's needs.

NICIL offers FREE monthly orientations for individuals who are interested in becoming a personal assistant. The orientation covers communication skills, care techniques, information about the employee and employer relationship, and much more.
Call us at 815-625-7860 or email us at frontdesk@nicil.org for more information!
*** Individual classes offered by appointment. Call to schedule! ***

Thursday, February 5th from 9am - 12pm in person at the Sterling NICIL office
Wednesday, February 11th from 9am - 12pm via Zoom – link will be sent via email
Tuesday, February 17th from 1pm - 4pm in person at the Sterling NICIL office

01/27/2026

🚨 SNAP rules are changing on February 1.

Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP.

🚨 SNAP rules are changing on February 1.

Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP.

IDHS has sent initial notices and a copy of an exemption form to all current and new customers who are directly impacted.

SNAP recipients can also now use this screener to see if they are subject to, meeting, or may be eligible for an exemption from SNAP Work Requirements: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

01/22/2026

Due to inclement weather, we will not be offering rides on Friday, January 23, 2026. If possible, please stay indoors and remain safe!

01/22/2026

Whiteside County Public Transportation will be closed on Friday, January 23.

❄️❄️Closure notice❄️❄️
Due to the extreme cold forecast, Whiteside County Public Transportation will be closed on Friday, January 23, to ensure the safety of our staff and community! Please stay safe, limit time outdoors if possible, and check on neighbors who may need extra support!

01/22/2026

The Lee County Council on Aging will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026, for the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff.

01/22/2026

Our area is currently under an Extreme Cold Warning - dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 to 40 below zero are expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 30 below expected. This weather can be dangerous, bringing an increased threat of frostbite and hypothermia. The American Red Cross offers safety steps people can follow to help them stay safe:
🔥 Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat.
🔦 Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires.
🏠 Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door
🧥 Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
❄️ Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow, and if possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
🧣 Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected.
Visit https://rdcrss.org/3ZoDi8M to learn more Red Cross Winter Safety tips!

A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for parts of our area until Jan 24 12:00PM. Dangerously cold wind chill values as low as -20 are likely at times. Limit time spent outside and dress in several layers if you must venture out. Cover as much exposed skin as possible.

01/07/2026

Become a Personal Assistant
Are you looking for a rewarding job and interested in gaining valuable work experience? A personal assistant is someone who helps individuals with a disability with routine activities of daily living in their homes. Duties can include personal care, meal preparation, shopping or other duties which are dependent on a person's needs.

NICIL offers FREE monthly orientations for individuals who are interested in becoming a personal assistant. The orientation covers communication skills, care techniques, information about the employee and employer relationship, and much more.
Call us at 815-625-7860 or email us at frontdesk@nicil.org for more information!
*** Individual classes offered by appointment. Call to schedule! ***

January Training Classes:
Thursday January 8th at 9am
Wednesday January 14th at 1pm via ZOOM
Tuesday January 20th at 1pm

12/25/2025

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season!

NICIL will be closed to visitors from Wednesday, December 24th through Sunday, January 4th. During this time we will be monitoring emails, social media, and our phone line. Normal business hours will resume Monday, January 5th.

11/10/2025

11/05/2025

If you or your family are in need of extra food support during the pause in SNAP benefits, please contact your local food pantry.
Below is a list of pantries available in our surrounding counties.
Please contact NICIL (815-625-7860 or frontdesk@nicil.org) if you would like a list sent to you via mail or email, or in an alternate accessible format.

11/05/2025

Below is our FREE Personal Assistant training schedule for the month of November.
Thursday November 6th from 9am – 12pm at NICIL in Sterling
Wednesday November 12th from 1pm – 4pm via ZOOM (virtual training)
Tuesday November 18th from 1pm - 4pm at NICIL in Sterling
Currently Personal Assistant's earn $18.75 per hour through DRS.
Call us at 815-625-7860 or email us at frontdesk@nicil.org to sign up or for more information!
***Individual classes offered by appointment. Call to schedule!