About Us
Independence Health & Therapy is dedicated to providing support to individuals of all ages and abilities, addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Rooted in a rich history of community service, our mission is to promote independence and improve lives through comprehensive care, education, and advocacy.
Our Behavioral Health Services provide individualized therapy and psychiatric care for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We support a wide range of mental health needs—from anxiety, depression, and trauma to more complex behavioral or psychiatric conditions. Our licensed therapists and psychiatric providers work collaboratively to ensure a holistic, compassionate approach that meets people where they are in their mental health journey.
Our Adult Day and Memory Care Programs offer innovative, person-centered care for individuals living with chronic health conditions, cognitive impairments, and developmental challenges. These programs are designed to help individuals remain active, engaged, and independent, empowering them to age in place and thrive within their community.
With door-to-door transportation services, caregiver support groups, and initiatives like PEARLS for adults, we strive to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to enhance their quality of life.
We Serve
Adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, social isolation, loneliness
Family members caring for a loved one with physical or mental health needs
People with neurological conditions
Family caregivers seeking education, support and coaching
People recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries
Those needing assistance with activities of daily living
Families striving to keep loved ones at home (vs. long-term care)
Individuals navigating mental health issues
Those affected by trauma, grief, anxiety, depression
People facing major life transitions such as death, divorce, job loss, or loss of identity
Mission Statement
Driving care and enriching lives to foster health, wellbeing, and independence.
Vision Statement
A thriving community with improved health and quality of life.
Core Values
Accessibility & Inclusion
We ensure our services are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. We reduce barriers to care, meet individuals and families where they are, and create environments free of judgment and stigma. Every person deserves access to compassionate support regardless of background, language, or circumstance.
Radical Collaboration
We work in partnership with families, referral partners, community leaders, and one another. We believe that strong collaboration strengthens outcomes, expands access, and builds a healthier community. We actively seek partnerships that enhance our impact and ensure coordinated care.
Caring
Caring at Independence Health & Therapy means creating safe, dignified environments where individuals feel respected, supported, and connected. We approach every person with empathy and patience, recognizing the vulnerability that often accompanies aging or behavioral health challenges. Our care extends beyond the individual to the family, offering reassurance and partnership while reducing isolation and fostering meaningful purpose. In every interaction, we honor the whole person and promote wellbeing, independence, and quality of life.
Commitment to Excellence
We go the extra mile. We continually seek better solutions, stronger outcomes, and meaningful experiences for those we serve. We are committed to high-quality programming, responsible stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Our History
Although Independence Health & Therapy is a newer name, we began as a result of a merger between two long-standing organizations that faithfully served our community. Adult & Child Therapy Services was founded in 1949 to provide service to the disabled in McHenry County as a Chapter of Easter Seals. Family Alliance, Inc opened its doors in 1981 as the first and only day care service for older adults in McHenry County, providing an option for loved ones to age in place.
In 2018, the two organizations merged to create Independence Health & Therapy recognizing that together, we could serve our community even better. Each organization brought their expertise and services to provide a more wholistic and streamlined approach. Building on the long histories of helping others achieve independence, together we continue to expand that mission.
Independence Health & Therapy has taken the strengths and successes of both organizations to offer an extensive selection of services to serve our community. Promoting independence and improving lives through care, education, and advocacy.
Executive Leadership
John Buckley
Executive Director
Mary Fisher
Director of Finance
Lori Parrish
Director of Programs
Gretchen Husted
Director, Corporate Compliance
Board of Directors
Kent Cooney
Board President
Brenda Frederick
Vice President
Keith Hogan
Treasurer
Cindy Bock
Secretary
Melissa Adamson
Sheldon Clark
Kathy Hajdrowski
Lisa Lohmeyer
Scott McClain
Susan McCoy
Tim Urban
Mike Wheeland
Audited Financial Statements
Select the Financial Statement you would like to view by clicking the appropriate image below.
Statements are available in PDF format.
2023
2022
2021
We Care for the Caregivers
We make a point of caring for the caregivers. That is, the families of those we care for. Because every health issue is by definition a family health issue.
Transportation
Transportation services are a central component of all our programs. We deliver reliable, worry-free door-to-door shuttle service.