Chaddock to use $246,500 state grant to install fire sprinkler systems in two cottages

CHICAGO– The Department of Human Services and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Friday more than $14 million in awards to 70 human services providers in 24 counties throughout Illinois. 

One of the recipients was Chaddock Attachment and Trauma Services of Quincy, which received $246,500. 

Chaddock’s Developmental Trauma and Attachment Program helps children who have experienced severe trauma and struggle with attachment-related difficulties. DTAP is delivered in three levels of intensity, depending on the needs of the family: In-Home Intensive (offered nationwide), Accelerated Residential Treatment and Residential Treatment.

Illinois received more than 450 applications from human services providers throughout the state. The program was designed to prioritize disproportionately impacted areas, the expansion of human services, and to address fire prevention and mitigation (ex. installation/replacement of fire sprinkler systems/fireproof doors, etc.).

Matt Obert, executive director of Chaddock Attachment and Trauma Services, says the money will be used to install full sprinkler systems in two of the oldest buildings on campus — Hoyt Cottage and Beadles Cottage. Obert says those buildings have not passed state fire marshal inspections in recent years, and Chaddock since has stopped using them for Medicaid services.

Obert says the money also will be used to repair roof damage on those buildings and add an ADA compliant ramp into the Osborne Administration Building.

The grants are provided through the first competitive Human Services Capital Investment Grant program, designed to help social service providers address physical construction and accessibility needs. 

“Supporting these providers is an integral part of my FY24 budget proposal, which calls for the highest-ever statewide commitments to early childhood, developmental disability, mental health, substance use, and homeless prevention services,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a press release. “Thousands of lives will benefit from this investment.”

Non-profits are accustomed to vying for operational and program funding from the government but have not previously had an opportunity to receive capital construction funds. This first-of-its-kind “small capital” initiative awarded organizations between $50,000 and $250,000 through the Rebuild Illinoiscapital program.

Each awardee has worked with one or more of the six divisions at IDHS: Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood, Family and Community Services, Mental Health, Rehabilitation Services, and/or Substance Use Prevention & Recovery.