Illinois Independent Living Center (IILC) and Katharine Manor Apartments (KM), located in Naperville, Illinois, provides affordable, wheelchair accessible, barrier-free housing, designed specifically for people who are mobility impaired, mentally alert and able to live independently.
This housing promotes an independent lifestyle through its wheelchair accessible architectural design, in house homemaker services, and convenient access to the community and its opportunities.
Illinois Independent Living Center (IILC) is a nonprofit organization that built and manages Katharine Manor Apartments (KM). Katharine Manor is located at 1141 Iroquois Avenue in Naperville and was built in 1988. It is specifically designed for individuals with physical disabilities who are mentally alert, able to live independently and can direct their own care although not able to self-administer all required activities of daily living task. The building design entails the creation of barrier-free and fully accessible living space for residents in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen and full-size appliances. Most residents do or direct their own meal preparation, laundry, and other household chores. Residents utilize the in-house homemaker program for assistance with their non-medical activities of daily living needs.
IILC is committed to providing affordable housing and homemaker services to low- and moderate-income persons with physical disabilities. Living out this commitment, IILC offers rental rates compliant with current HUD standards at Katharine Manor. Therefore, donations and grants given to IILC directly benefit low-income residents who otherwise might be confined to custodial facilities or become a burden to family members.
There are thirty-two apartments at Katharine Manor with individuals who disabilities vary in range as does the ages of those served. All residents share the strong desire to live full and productive lives in an environment that fosters independence. With assistance from homemakers, residents are provided this opportunity.
IILC homemaker service provides non-medical activities of daily living. All services are self-directed by the resident and include such daily tasks as, assisting with showers, dressing, cleaning, meal preparation, laundry, shopping, etc. The IILC homemaker program is unique because it is one of the only home service providers to offer one hour service appointments. Most providers require a minimum appointment of 2-4 hours eliminating much needed services at other times of the day.
As a nonprofit corporation, IILC collaborate with the private sector and the public to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in the western suburbs, specifically Naperville. Due to the optimal location, amenities offered by Naperville, awareness, and appreciation for those seeking a better life, and the need for affordable housing the opportunities for people with mobility impairments are far more than in other communities. These facts add to the success Illinois Independent Living Center founders had recognized when seeking beneficial surroundings for the IILC residents.