Winnebago County Receives State Grant to Address Co-Occurring Disorders Among Justice-Involved Individuals

July 30, 2025

Rockford, IL – The Winnebago County Chairman's Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives has been awarded a grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) to support the Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders for People Involved in the Justice System initiative. This innovative project will focus on assisting individuals returning from incarceration who are managing both mental health and substance use disorders.

The program will be implemented in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and will introduce a unique approach by deploying Peer Reentry Navigators—individuals with lived experience in the justice system—into the community during evening and weekend hours, when traditional services are often unavailable. Navigators will provide hands-on support, connection to critical services, and continued encouragement as participants reintegrate into society.

"Our community must ensure that support systems are accessible when people need them the most—not just during normal business hours," said Marlana Dokken, Director of the Chairman's Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives. "This funding allows us to meet people where they are, with peer navigators who understand the challenges of reentry and can offer guidance rooted in real-life experience. It's a powerful investment in healing, restoration, and public safety."

Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli added, "We're proud to support forward-thinking solutions that address both mental health and addiction among returning citizens. This grant reinforces our commitment to rehabilitation, public safety, and giving people a real second chance."

This program expands on our existing partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and is specifically designed to address the often-overlooked intersection of housing instability, mental illness, and substance use among justice-involved individuals. By offering evening and weekend access to services—including housing referrals—the initiative helps bridge critical service gaps and builds stronger, more sustainable pathways to successful reentry. 

The annual appropriation of $199,862 will fund two Peer Reentry Navigators as well as program management and administrative support.

For more information about the program, please contact:
Marlana Dokken
Director, Chairman's Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Phone: 815-319-4059