What a RAD 6 Years!

A step by step local playbook with examples you can copyYou do not need a huge budget to grow your reach. You need neighbors. When local businesses team up, everyone wins. It feels better, costs less, and brings in the right people, the ones who already love our community. Here is a simple system you can run this month.Step 1, Pick your theme and your partnersChoose one clear theme that makes sense for your customers. Examples, Coffee and crafts, Pizza and pinball, Wellness weekend, Pet friendly patio crawl. List three to five local partners that fit naturally. Aim for variety so everyone brings a slightly different audience.Step 2, Set one shared goalKeep it simple so you can measure it. Examples, grow each account by one hundred followers in two weeks, sell fifty tickets, collect two hundred emails, move twenty featured items. Agree on the goal in writing so everyone works toward the same result.Step 3, Create one shared offerPeople act when there is something easy to say yes to. Examples, a stamp card that works at all partner locations with a prize after three stamps, a limited weekend bundle like coffee plus pastry plus a discount on a local print, a one night mini market inside a partner space.Step 4, Plan the content togetherGive your audience a storyline and make it easy to follow.• Teaser week, three short posts that introduce the theme, each partner gets one feature post and one shared post• Launch day, a reel that shows all partners in fifteen seconds, fast cuts, big smiles, and clear offer text• During the run, daily stories that reshare customers, behind the scenes clips, and countdown stickers• Finale, a highlight reel and thank you post that tags everyone and invites email signupsStep 5, Divide the workOne person runs the shared calendar and collects media. Each partner provides three short clips and three photos shot vertical. Keep files in a shared Google Drive folder with simple names like business name and date. Agree on posting times and caption templates so everything looks coordinated without being stiff.Step 6, Use cross promotion the smart wayTag every partner in every post. Use the Instagram collaboration feature so one post appears on multiple feeds. Feature a different partner as the hero each day. Run a simple giveaway that asks people to follow all accounts and comment with their favorite local spot. Choose winners from real comments only.Step 7, Boost the best post just a littleChoose the reel with the strongest natural reach and put a small spend behind it. Ten to fifty dollars with a local radius can be enough when the creative is strong. Target by interest and location, then stop the boost if the cost per result climbs too high. Small dollars plus creative community content beats big dollars with bland posts.Step 8, Track, learn, repeatScreenshot insights at the start, midpoint, and end. Save totals for reach, follows, saves, and redemptions. Have a fifteen minute debrief with partners and list what to keep and what to change. Book the next collaboration right away while energy is high.Plug and play examples you can copy this monthCoffee and crafts weekendPartners, Meg’s Daily Grind, Rockford Art Deli, a local makerOffer, buy a latte and get a live printed limited tee for five dollars off, maker pop up in the cornerContent hook, make your Saturday local from cup to teePizza and pinball nightPartners, Windsor Pizza Parlor, a local arcade or bar with machinesOffer, pizza by the slice inside the arcade with a game credit bundleContent hook, first Friday throwback with pizza grease and high scoresWellness three stop SundayPartners, a yoga studio, a smoothie shop, a massage therapistOffer, class pass that includes a smoothie and a discount on a first massageContent hook, start the week with calm and communityCopy friendly caption templateHeader, It is a good day to go localBody, This week we teamed up with partner one, partner two, and partner three for theme name. Try the offer details and tag a friend to plan your stop.CTA, Follow everyone tagged. Share this to your story so more neighbors see it.Closer, Stay in the buzzDM outreach template you can paste and sendHi name, I love what you are doing at business. I am planning a small local collaboration for theme, example weekend of date range. We would handle a shared calendar, a simple offer customers can use at each location, and an easy photo and video plan so posting is quick. Would you be open to a quick chat to see if it fits your goals this monthSimple photo and video checklist for your team• Ten second clips of hands, smiles, pours, plating, and product close ups• Wide shot of the space with people moving• One quick owner hello that says the offer in one sentence• Three photos, one exterior, one hero product, one people momentShoot vertical, keep clips steady, and record natural sound so editors have optionsRun this once and you will feel the difference, new faces through the door, more shares, more saves, and real relationships that last longer than a post. Collaboration is not a trend here, it is how the 815 grows together.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

Make a day out of each city with only locally started spotsSeptember is the sweet spot for eating local. Patio weather still feels great, the markets are buzzing, and kitchens all over the 815 are turning out the kind of comfort that makes you want to text a friend and say you have to try this. Here is a one day taste tour for each city, built only around local favorites that started right here.ROCKFORD, A FULL DAY OF FLAVOR!8 00 AM, Wake up at Meg’s Daily GrindStart easy with a cinnamon roll latte and a warm breakfast sandwich. Meg’s is a neighborhood hug in a cup, and it sets the tone for a day that feels local from sip one.Must try, cinnamon roll latte and bacon and egg on ciabatta9 30 AM, Sweet stop at Banana Cherry BakeryLight, flaky, and made that morning. Conchas, guava filled treats, and tres leches that disappears fast.Must try, guava cream cheese empanada11 30 AM, Brunch into lunch at The NorwegianLive energy, great coffee, and beignets that make you forget your to do list. Scandinavian roots meet Midwest comfort.Must try, beignets and a seasonal hash2 00 PM, Coffee break at Inzombia CoffeeArt on the walls, quiet buzz, and espresso that means business. Take ten minutes to reset.Must try, dirty chai and an almond croissant4 30 PM, Dinner at AbreoSmall plates with big ideas and a menu that moves with the season. Bring a friend and share a table full of favorites.Must try, smoked duck tacos and a house cocktail6 00 PM, Nightcap at Social Urban BarCandlelight, handcrafted cocktails, and a calm finish to a great day.Must try, the Garden GimletMACHESNEY PARK, EAT LOCAL ALL AFTERNOON!9 00 AM, Donuts at By The Dozen BakeryA Machesney morning classic. Glazed, filled, or fritter size happiness. Grab a box and share.Must try, red velvet donut and apple fritter11 30 AM, Lunch at Pig Minds Brewing CompanyVegan comfort food that wins over everyone, plus award winning beer. Patio if the sun is out.Must try, buffalo seitan wings and a flight2 00 PM, Quick bite at Beefaroo on North SecondRockford born and still local. Crispy cheddar fries and a roast beef that hits the nostalgia button.Must try, cheddar fries and a classic roast beef3 30 PM, Treat and stroll at Rock CutPick up a coffee to go from a nearby local cafe, then walk the shoreline and call it dessert for the soulLOVES PARK, EVENING THAT TASTES LIKE HOME!12 00 PM, Lunch at Windsor Pizza ParlorLocal legend with crispy edges and chewy centers. Casual, friendly, and always the right call.Must try, sausage and mushroom or build your own2 00 PM, Afternoon sip at a local Loves Park coffee stopRefuel, plan dinner, and check the live music calendars around town5 00 PM, Dinner at Aero Ale House Loves ParkComfort plates, rotating taps, and a menu built for sharing. Family friendly and sports on the screens.Must try, wings, a burger, and a local pour6 30 PM, Dessert at Dairy DepotThe cone that reminds you why summer lingers in September.Must try, twist cone or a sundae with peanutsThree cities, one community, and a whole lot of flavor. Tag us when you build your own September tour and share your must tries. The best part of eating local is how it brings everyone to the table.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ!!

If you’re looking to eat your way through Rockford, Illinois, this is your master list. We know our way around a plate and have been eating like royalty. So we’ve compiled every notable local and independent spot in the city. So when you're planning the next night out, brunch meet-up, or taco Tuesday do so with confidence.These aren’t chains shipping in recipes from far; these are the kitchens, bakeries, cafés, and pubs run by your neighbors, bringing flavor to our city every day.Pro tip: Use this as a Rockford foodie bucket list, try them all, cross them off, and discover new favorites along the way. Rockford’s Local Restaurants1. Abreo2. Alchemy at Aldeen3. Aluna 27 Filipino Cuisine4. Ambiance Cuisine and Cocktails5. Baker Street Burgers6. Beefaroo7. Buddy’s Burgers8. Cantina Taco9. Capri Restaurant and Pizzeria10. CJ’s Public House11. Di Tullio’s Italian Market and Café12. District Bar and Grill13. Disco Chicken14. El Buen Provecho15. Ernie’s Midtown Pub16. Franchesco’s Ristorante17. Fresco at the Gardens18. Gerry’s Pizza19. Giuseppi’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant20. GreenFire Restaurant Bar & Bakery21. India House22. Isla del Mar23. JMK Nippon24. Johnny Pamcakes25. Lao Kitchen26. Lino’s27. Lucha Cantina28. Lucerne’s Fondue & Spirits29. Marc’s Fusion Café30. Mary’s Market Café and Bakery31. Mr. C’s Family Restaurant32. Omakase Rockford33. Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails34. Olympic Tavern35. Panino’s36. Plaza Los Panchos37. Pour House Restaurant and Bar38. Prairie Street Brewing Company39. Rock Pho’d40. Sam’s Ristorante41. Sisters Thai Café42. Stockholm Inn44. Tavern on Clark45. The Norwegian46. The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge47. Tower Kitchen and Bar48. Uncle Nick’s49. Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza50. Zammuto’s Drive In

Rockford 815 Day celebrates what makes our city unique and this August 15 is the day to experience it all. Every year, local businesses, parks, museums, and community groups come together to host events, specials, and experiences across the city. Here is your guide to celebrating Rockford pride.What Is Rockford 815 DayRockford Day, long embraced as 815 Day, is more than just an anniversary. It is a community movement showcasing local businesses, hometown heroes, and the spirit that makes Rockford special. From sidewalk sales to art exhibits, live music to outdoor festivals, the city comes alive with pride and participation.Event Highlights and LocationsHere are some of the places you can check out during 815 Day this year:Anderson Japanese GardensNicholas Conservatory and GardensDiscovery Center MuseumRockford Art MuseumBurpee Museum of Natural HistoryMidway Village MuseumKlehm Arboretum and Botanic GardenSeverson Dells Nature CenterEdgebrook Shopping CenterRockford City MarketRockford Public Library Downtown BranchSinnissippi Gardens and LagoonRiver District Downtown RockfordLocal participating restaurants and coffee shopsNeighborhood festivals and block partiesHow to Get InvolvedSubmit an event or special if you are a local business or organizationShare your story on social media with hashtags like #RockfordDay2025 or #815Day2025Attend as many events as possible to show support and enjoy the full community experienceWhy It MattersRockford 815 Day is about more than our area code. It is about celebrating small business resilience, civic connection, creative culture, and the people who make our neighborhoods stronger. Each event is a chance to support shops, nonprofits, artists, and makers who keep our community thriving.Save the DateMark your calendar for Thursday, August 15, and plan a full day of exploring, connecting, and celebrating Rockford. Whether you are new to the city or have lived here your whole life, 815 Day is the perfect time to be reminded of everything that makes this place one of a kind.To find all the events in one place, Click HereGO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

Rockford’s local business scene is bursting with energy. From creative makers turning small batches into big dreams to bold food entrepreneurs redefining local flavor, our city is proving that independent businesses are the heartbeat of community pride.Local makers are treating garages, kitchens, and city markets as incubators for serious craft and creativity. Think hand-dipped candles, artisan leather goods, homemade granola blends, unique art prints, and locally roasted coffee. Each item carries a story, often one of passion, persistence, and hometown hope.At the Rockford City Market, the maker movement comes alive. Booth after booth of small batch delights, vegan soaps, organic treats, handcrafted pottery, and wearable art. The vibe is electric and welcoming. Talking to vendors, you will hear stories of side hustles turned full-time endeavors. You are not just buying a product. You are investing in someone’s journey.And the impact ripples outward. Local sales stay in Rockford. They support families, finance small expansions, fund creative efforts, and strengthen neighborhood vibrancy. Many makers collaborate, hosting pop-ups in local cafés, partnering on community events, or combining efforts for seasonal markets and fundraising projects.Community makerspaces and workshops also provide tools and mentorship, giving people who never thought they could make the chance to learn, explore, and grow. That connection to craft builds confidence and injects energy into the local economy.When Rockford residents shop local, they do more than buy something unique. They fuel a culture that values authenticity, local ownership, and creative spirit.So next time you are looking for something special, whether it is a gift, decor, or just a sugar fix, hit up a local market. Support Rockford makers. Every purchase is a vote for community creativity.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

Rockford might not always make the national food headlines, but spend one day here and you’ll taste exactly why it should. Our city is packed with homegrown flavor, legendary bites, and hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else. And the best part? You can experience it all in just one delicious day.Here’s your all-local, 8-hour food tour through Rockford — no chains, no filler, just pure hometown taste.STOP 1: Breakfast at Meg’s Daily Grind 8:00 AM Start your day right with a cinnamon roll latte and a made-from-scratch breakfast sandwich at Meg’s. Locally owned and community-loved, this cozy café sets the tone for a morning of comfort and caffeine. ☕️ Must try: Cinnamon roll latte + bacon and egg ciabatta 📍1141 N Alpine RdSTOP 2: Morning Snack at Banana Cherry Bakery 9:30 AM Swing by this tiny spot for Mexican pastries that are light, flaky, and unforgettable. From conchas to tres leches, everything is made fresh and filled with love. 🍰 Must try: Guava cream cheese empanada 📍4410 Charles StSTOP 3: Lunch at Bourbon Street Lounge 11:30 AM This West Side favorite brings bold Cajun flavor and Southern comfort to Rockford. Known for crispy catfish, gumbo, and spicy wings, Bourbon Street is the real deal. 🍗 Must try: Cajun catfish platter + cornbread 📍220 E State StSTOP 4: Midday Sweet at Chocolat by Daniel 1:00 PM From hand-crafted truffles to silky mousse cakes, everything at Chocolat by Daniel is made with fine European technique and Rockford pride. A refined way to satisfy your sweet tooth. 🍫 Must try: Dark chocolate raspberry truffle 📍 1710 Rural StSTOP 5: Afternoon Pick-Me-Up at Inzombia Coffee 2:30 PM Time to recharge. Inzombia is a moody, artful café with serious espresso and local art all around. Take a minute here to chill and caffeinate. ☕️ Must try: Dirty chai + almond croissant 📍306 E State StSTOP 6: Dinner at Abreo 4:00 PM End your tour with Rockford’s standout for inventive, upscale dining using local ingredients. Small plates, bold flavors, and a menu that constantly evolves — this is the crown jewel of local cuisine. 🍽️ Must try: Smoked duck tacos + a craft cocktail 📍515 E State StBONUS STOP: Post-Dinner Drink at Social Urban Bar 6:00 PM If you’re not quite ready for the night to end, step next door to Social for a handcrafted cocktail and candlelit vibes. Local spirits and zero pretension. 🍸 Must try: The Garden Gimlet 📍509 E State St8 Hours. 7 Stops. All Rockford. This is how you tour a city through your taste buds. Every stop supports local owners, celebrates creativity, and proves Rockford is a foodie destination in its own right.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

There is something quietly powerful happening in Rockford’s schools, youth programs, and community centers. More than ever, young people are stepping up to lead. They are not just attending classes. They are starting organizations, planning neighborhood clean-up efforts, launching podcasts, and speaking out on what truly matters in today’s world.At Auburn High School, Jefferson High School, East High School, and Guilford High School in Rockford, students are taking charge of their futures. They are forming peer support clubs, leading social justice initiatives, and tackling food insecurity through hands-on volunteer work. These teens are not waiting for change to happen. They are making it happen themselves, right now, in ways that some adults still struggle to believe.One shining example of this bold movement is through Rockford’s "Alignment Rockford career academies". Students are gaining hands-on experience in fields like health care, engineering, education, and business. They are exploring real-world opportunities through internships, job shadows, and dual credit courses that let them earn college credit while still in high school. This is not theory. This is real-life practice. And it is preparing them to lead with purpose, grit, and determination.YouthBuild Rockford is another incredible program where young adults are not only learning practical job skills. They are building homes, earning their GEDs, and rewriting their stories. Many come from incredibly challenging backgrounds, stories you would not believe. But through YouthBuild, they find structure, support, and a renewed sense of purpose. Graduates often go on to trade school, college, or full-time employment. They are becoming positive role models, proving every day that where you start does not determine where you finish.But beyond the programs and beyond the awards, the most shocking and impressive thing is the mindset. Rockford’s youth are awake, aware, and engaged. They care deeply about their communities, about equity, about climate change, and about mental health. They are not afraid to ask hard questions. They are not afraid to demand better from those in power.These students are organizing walkouts, hosting open mics, leading peer discussions, and using social media to amplify unheard voices. They understand collaboration. These are not lone voices in the dark. They are creating collectives, partnering with adults who believe in them, and finding strength in unity. It is not always easy. Leadership rarely is. But they are learning, adjusting, and showing up again and again.And here is the part that might surprise you. It is working. From school board meetings to city council chambers, more and more young Rockfordians are showing up to participate in civic life. They are reminding us all that leadership does not have an age requirement. It only requires commitment and courage.The Rockford of tomorrow is being built today. It is being shaped in classrooms, on community stages, and in every small moment where a young person decides to try, to lead, to speak, and to listen. That is not just inspiring. That is the kind of hope that changes everything.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

Walk into any local market in Rockford, Illinois, and you will immediately feel it. The hum of creativity, the spark of invention, and the unmistakable drive of people who are building something from scratch. From handmade soaps to locally roasted coffee and custom woodcrafts, Rockford’s small businesses and maker movement are alive, growing, and making a name for themselves across the community.What makes Rockford’s makers so special is not just the incredible talent, it is the heart behind every product. These are not giant corporations. These are your neighbors, your baristas, your old classmates turning dreams into businesses. Whether it is someone selling earrings from their kitchen table or a woodworker running a garage studio, there is a personal story behind every creation. Take a walk through the Rockford City Market during the summer months, and you will see it firsthand. Booth after booth filled with passion projects. New small batch recipes, upcycled fashion, fresh local art prints, it is a celebration of self-starting and sharing. There is a special magic in meeting the person who made the thing you are taking home. You are not just buying a product. You are investing in someone’s dream.The impact goes deeper than just commerce. Rockford’s small businesses and maker community fuel the local economy. When you choose to shop local in Rockford, your dollars stay here. They support families, help pay for dance lessons, contribute to mortgage payments, and keep our neighborhoods vibrant. Makers often partner with other local Rockford businesses too, whether it is sourcing materials, doing pop-ups at local coffee shops, or teaming up for community events and causes. And it is not just products being made. It is a connection. It is creativity. It is confidence. Rockford makerspaces and community workshops are opening doors for people of all ages to access tools, mentorship, and encouragement. It is proof that when you give people the space and support to create, they will rise. They will experiment, fail, grow, and keep going. The Rockford maker movement is more than a passing trend. It is a sign that our city is filled with builders, not just of things but of hope and resilience. These are the people who do not wait for opportunities to come to them. They make their own.So next time you are shopping for a gift, redecorating a room, or looking for something unique, skip the big box stores. Shop local in Rockford. Support a maker. Remember, every handmade item has a heartbeat behind it.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

In the heart of Rockford, the local newspaper has long been more than just printed words; it has been a mirror, a megaphone, and a map for the community. For over a century, newspapers in Rockford Illinois, have captured the triumphs and trials of the people who call this city home. From headlines of industrial boom to civil rights marches, from snowstorm updates to high school football victories, the press has stitched together the very fabric of Rockford’s public memory.When we think of the history of newspapers one person comes to mind, and that's Kevin Haas. It was an amazing moment to get to question Kevin on the history. First reason is it's a turntable moment as Kevin has done tons of interviews on me, secondly, he knows this better than most. Born into the newsroom, Kevin’s father was a longtime editor at the Rockford Register Star. Kevin himself grew up delivering papers, then became a copy clerk, a job that no longer exists in today’s digital world. Back then, he would dash around the newsroom, typing up press releases and running courthouse records back to reporters. It was hands-on, ink-stained work. Over time, he climbed the ladder from reporter to editor, then senior editor, and now leads news coverage at The Current.Kevin’s story is rooted in legacy, but it also speaks to the shifting landscape of journalism.As print editions have shrunk and local staff cuts have hit newsrooms hard, Kevin reflects on what’s at stake, “The scary thing is we wouldn’t even realize what we’ve lost. We don’t know what we don’t know. If there aren’t enough reporters out there, stories just don’t get discovered.”He’s right. Local journalism is a cornerstone of accountability and connection. When reporters are out in neighborhoods, sitting in council meetings, and talking to everyday citizens, they’re not just reporting, they’re building bridges. Without them, gaps in knowledge widen, misinformation spreads, and communities are left unheard.Rockford’s newspaper history traces back to titles like the Morning Star and the Daily Register, which eventually merged to form the Rockford Register Star. Over time, the paper changed ownership and adapted to survive. Today, the Register Star is owned by Gannett Co., Inc., which operates USA Today and numerous other local newspapers across the country.And yet, journalism in Rockford is still deeply local. Writers like Kevin are focused on covering what matters here, not just national headlines, but what’s happening on your block, in your schools, at your city hall. That mission is more urgent than ever.Online media has added a new chapter to this story. It’s difficult to pinpoint when Rockford’s shift to digital began, but key milestones include:The Rockford Public Library’s digitization of historical newspapers, including archives from the Register Star, The Crusader, and The Labor News, dating back to the 19th centuryThe Midway Village Museum’s online collection of historical photographs and documentsLocal newspapers like the Register Star launching digital subscriptions and searchable archives, with coverage going back to 1999New platforms like The Current emerging to offer fast, mobile-first reportingThis evolution speaks to the resilience and reinvention of local journalism. While the printing press might be quieter than it used to be, the mission hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s louder. More immediate. More personal.As Logan put it, local news keeps you informed and grounded. It is rooted in the place you live, made by and for the community it serves. Without it, we risk trading trusted storytelling for filtered algorithms, letting Google decide what’s worthy and what’s not. And as the joke goes, if you want to hide something, just bury it on page three of a Google search.Looking ahead, Rockford’s news scene will continue to evolve, but its purpose will stay the same: to inform, to connect, and to hold space for every voice. Whether it’s delivered in ink or pixels, the real story is still Rockford itself, and we’re all part of writing the next chapter.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

When Stacey Wright joined the YWCA Northwestern Illinois, it wasn’t just about finding a job, it was about aligning her passion with a mission that truly matters. Eliminating racism, empowering women is more than a slogan at the YWCA. It’s a foundation for transformation. It’s what pulled Stacey in, and what drives programs like the YW Tech Lab forward.The YW Tech Lab is more than a classroom. It’s a launchpad for people looking to break into the ever-growing field of IT, particularly in support and help desk roles. The cornerstone of the program is its IT Support Specialist track, a 16-week course that blends technical training with hands-on life and career development. Think of it as a toolkit, one packed with Google IT Support and CompTIA A+ certification prep, but also confidence, communication skills, and community connections.This program is especially impactful for people of color, women, and anyone who has faced financial or systemic barriers. It meets folks where they are and helps them rise, not just to get a job, but to find pride, purpose, and potential.Participants receive weekly stipends, but only if they show up, on time, every day. It’s a system that mirrors the expectations of a real workplace, and Stacey makes no apologies for its structure. We operate as if we're their employer, she explained. If you're late, your stipend is gone for the week. That teaches accountability.But accountability doesn’t come without compassion. If a participant’s bus breaks down or a babysitter falls through, the staff at YWCA expects a text or a call, just like any job would. Life happens, but communication is key. We’re not heartless, Stacey said. We just want to prepare them to meet real-world expectations.Participants also receive assistance with transportation like bus passes and help completing applications for childcare assistance, recognizing the real-world barriers many face just trying to show up.Soft skills get just as much attention. There’s 80 hours dedicated to things like resume building, mock interviews, conflict resolution, and professionalism. We want them to be the full employee package, Stacey said. Not just know IT, but know how to carry themselves and communicate clearly.After completing the 16-week course, students are placed in a four-week paid internship with one of several local partners, including Rockford Public Schools, Winnebago County, Aqua Aerobic, Rockford Ball Screw, Rockford IT, and SupplyCore. For some, that internship can extend another 14 weeks through the Workforce Connection’s WEX program. This isn’t just about giving people a certificate, it’s about giving them a real shot at lasting employment.Support continues long after the program ends. The YW Tech Lab offers job coaching for up to a year afterward. We don’t want to abandon them, Stacey said. We want them to land that job and keep growing.This program was built for those who need a hand up, not a handout. It’s designed to lift up people who may have been told they weren’t enough or didn’t belong in tech. It’s structured, yes, but it’s filled with heart. A lot of young people have never had structure like this, Stacey said. But once they get used to it, it sets them apart.This isn’t just a class, it’s a new way of life. And the goal isn’t just employment, it’s empowerment, for families, for futures, for Rockford.The YWCA Northwestern Illinois has its own powerful story. Founded in Rockford in 1891, it has a strong, proud history and a rich tradition of providing progressive services to individuals and families in the region. Its mission is clear: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.YWCA continuously adjusts to the emerging needs of the six counties it serves: Boone, Jo Daviess, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago. It provides a holistic approach for each client or participant and believes strongly that the success of many of its programs is the ability to offer one-on-one case management to clients and connect them directly to the services they need.All staff in the organization receive implicit bias and cultural competency, and racial justice trainings. All have a deeper understanding of the many cultures that exist, beyond race and ethnicity.The next cohort begins July 21, 2025. Classes run weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the YWCA on East State Street in Rockford. Interested individuals should reach out to Stacey Wright at 815-968-9681, ext. 262 or email StaceyW@ywcanwil.org. Registration closes July 11, and space is limited.For anyone seeking a fresh start, a career change, or just a path forward with more stability and support, this might just be your moment.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ