About Us...


THE MILL is a residential treatment center and a therapeutic day school for abused, neglected and at-risk youth. For over 27 years, the agency has provided comprehensive counseling and educational programs for troubled youth, males and females, ages 7-21.

A clinical model, emphasizing a strength-based and cognitive behavior approach is used in working with abused, negelected and at-risk youth and their families. The use of cognitive-behavior therapy enables professional counselors and therapists to maximize the benefits of the clinical milieu while enduring that long-engrained behavioral and mental health issues are dealt with in an effective manner.


History
The MILL is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. The MILL was founded in 1978 by three visionaries: Pat Leary, Mark Hunt, and Matt Toohey. These three professionals, working with at risk youth, recognized the success of peer treatment modalities in other urban communities. The organization was incorporated on June 12,1978 as Responsible Peer Programs Inc. and originally offered a summer program at Camp Rotary that was approved by the Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA).

In 1980, the MILL was approved by the Illinois State Board of Education as a non-public school under (section 14-7.02) to serve behavior disordered and educable handicapped students. In January 1981, it's first residential placements arrived through the Special Education Department of Lake County, Illinois. By January 1982, the MILL's childcare institution license was serving 13 males. Capacity increased to 16 adolescent males in January 1983. Eliminating adult vocational training programs, the agency primarily focused on school and residential programs for youth.

Today, the MILL is located on 27 rural acres in Northwest Rockford and has the capacity to serve 40 youth in the residential program, 50 students in the day school program, and 10 students in the PANDA program.

Current agency memberships include the United Way Rock River Valley, National Association of Homes and Services to Children, Illinois Interagency Athletic Association, and Illinois Probation & Court Services. Recognizing it's dedication to serving at-risk youth, the MILL is the recipient of several United Way Honors, including the Rainbow Award, Rock River Valley Gold Award, Achievement Award, and Pacesetter Award.



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