
By bringing together the strengths and community connections of both groups, Independence Health & Therapy will be able to serve its clients more efficiently, economically and effectively.
It will retain the deep commitment to both care and independence on which both Family Alliance and ACTS have built their organizations. Independence Health & Therapy will join together both staffs of Family Alliance and ACTS, allowing them to use their talents and skills to serve many ages and needs within the community.
Kim Larson, Family Alliance’s executive director, will lead the new group until her planned retirement on December 31. John Buckley, ACTS’s executive director, will be working in tandem with Larson to ultimately assume the executive director role on January 1.
“Part of the excitement about the merger is its potential,” said Buckley. “We are looking forward to bringing our services to Family Alliance’s clients. Additionally, we have seen a need and an opportunity to expand their behavioral health expertise to the pediatric population we serve.” Larson emphasizes “value-based health care,” particularly in light of challenges and changes brought about by the ACA and Medicaid expansion. “Value-based health care is redefining what, where, and how clients are served,” she says. “In our case, the double bottom line is financial efficiency and program effectiveness. Independence Health & Therapy can succeed at both.”
"For nearly 70 years, Adult & Child has evolved to meet the needs of our community," said Kim Keefe, board chair of ACTS. "This merger continues that spirit of growth and change. Our agencies’ joint collaboration over these past few months recognized opportunities for expanded and more efficient care and services to those in need within our community."
There will be no interruption in services or programs for either organization. Both will maintain their current locations for the near future, and eventually, Independence Health & Therapy will be based at Family Alliance’s Woodstock location at 2028 N. Seminary, with additional services offered at Family Alliance’s office at 12555 Farm Hill Drive in Huntley.