Connecting Communities, Empowering Youth
GLOW is the community engagement arm of the Youth Mental Health System of Care serving Boone and Winnebago counties. We create accessible pathways to resources, education, support, and opportunities for growth.
Unifying Community-Facing Initiatives
GLOW “Give Light, Open Windows” is the community engagement arm of the Youth Mental Health System of Care (YMHSoC) serving Boone and Winnebago counties. Created to unify all community-facing initiatives under one recognizable identity.
GLOW offers citizens a place where they can find resources, education, support, and opportunities for growth. Through its four pathways, GLOW serves as a bridge connecting youth, families, and communities with brighter opportunities and a stronger sense of hope.
Since its inception, the YMHSoC has worked hard to bring organizations and services together, expanding access to care for young people. Now, we’re ready to bring the results of that collaboration directly to youth and their families.
Our Core Values
Accessibility
Tools and resources remain simple, clear, and inclusive for everyone.
Community
Emphasizing connection and collaboration across organizations and families.
Hope
Inspiring tone, visuals, and experiences in everything we create.
Engagement
Highlighting the importance of fun, creativity, and interaction.
Collaboration
Working together with partners, families, and community members for meaningful change.
Our Mission
To connect young people, families, and communities with accessible resources and opportunities that foster mental wellness, resilience, and positive growth.
Our Vision
A community where all youth and families feel empowered, supported, and connected. By removing barriers and building bridges, we create visible opportunities.
Our Values
Accessibility, Community, Hope, Engagement, and Collaboration guide how we engage and work together to create meaningful change.
Four Pathways to Brighter Opportunities
Our four-pathway engagement model provides comprehensive wrap-around opportunities for connecting with youth and families.
GLOW Connect
All web-based initiatives under the GLOW brand, including the Boone/Winnebago IRIS network and Social Determinants of Health screener tool.
- IRIS Network Access
- Online Resources
- Digital Tools
GLOW Ignite
Engaging conversations led by youth-focused speakers on mental health topics that affect young people most.
- Speaker Series
- Mental Health Topics
- Youth-Centered
GLOW-STICSS
Screener Tool for Initiating Community Support Services – a self-assessment tool that connects users with local resources.
- Self-Assessment
- Resource Connection
- Public Access
GLOW Get Out There
Events combining resources and recreation! Creating fun, creative, and safe spaces for youth and families to connect.
- Community Events
- Family Activities
- Resource Fairs
GLOW-STICSS: Front-Door Access to Resources
The Screener Tool for Initiating Community Support Systems (STICSS) is an electronic screening tool that allows the general public to access a short, self-assessment that automatically connects users with local mental health, social, and civic resources.
Self-Assessment Tool
Quick and easy online screening to identify your needs
Direct IRIS Connection
Automatic connection to the Integrated Referral and Intake System
No Referral Needed
Public access without clinical referral requirements
Scan to Access
Use your phone camera to scan the QR code and access the STICSS assessment instantly
About IRIS
Implemented in 2023 by the Youth Mental Health Systems of Care, IRIS has provided a valuable, closed-loop system of referring clients between community services.
How STICSS Works
Complete the online self-assessment
Automatically connect to local resources via IRIS
Resources reach out through your preferred contact method
Developed in collaboration with Region 1 Planning Council and funded by a grant from the CVS Health Foundation.
Upcoming Events
Join us for GLOW Ignite speaker series and GLOW Get Out There community events. Connect, learn, and grow with us!
GLOW Ignite
Mental Health Awareness Workshop
Join us for an engaging conversation about youth mental health with expert speakers.
- March 15, 2026
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Community Center, Rockford
- 45 registered
GLOW Get Out There
Spring Family Fun Day
Community event with activities, resources, and fun for the whole fam
- March 15, 2026
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Community Center, Rockford
- 45 registered
GLOW Ignite
Teen Wellness Speaker Series
Youth-focused speakers discussing mental health topics that matter most to teens.
- March 15, 2026
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Community Center, Rockford
- 45 registered
GLOW Get Out There
Community Resource Fair
Connect with local resources and enjoy activities in a safe, welcoming space.
- March 15, 2026
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Community Center, Rockford
- 45 registered