Linda, founder and director of Rockin' the Spectrum, described the nonprofit's day program for adults with autism and asked the McHenry County Mental Health Board for funds to hire staff and to support program supplies and respite services.

"Our day program is the heart of Rockin'," Linda said, adding the organization serves "about 25" participants but estimates demand is much higher countywide. She said the program works with adults across autism levels and prioritizes those who require intensive, one-on-one supports. "We never turn a family in need away," she said.

Linda described the day program's goals as life skills training, social activities and gradual inclusion into community settings. She said classes are intentionally small; the organization typically limits sessions to seven participants because of staffing ratios. She also said volunteers currently supplement two paid staff but that Rockin' the Spectrum requested funding for two additional staff positions and for supplies tied to an "Autism Mom Connection" support project.

Board member Carolyn Scofield asked for clarification about the organization's application budget and how the requested dollars would be used. Linda said the larger request (about $48,000 for the Autism Mom Connection) would cover supplies, respite and meal preparation costs, and that she had requested funds for a program manager and a head teacher to develop individualized plans and support transportation and staffing stability. "We would be able to have 14 at a time instead of 5" if funded, she said.

Linda invited board members to visit the Crystal Lake day program and emphasized the family's relief that consistent services provide. She said Rockin' the Spectrum operates from a Crystal Lake address and uses volunteers extensively; the group is seeking sustainable paid staff to stabilize operations.

No formal vote on Rockin' the Spectrum's request was recorded at the meeting; the presentation and applicant questions took place during the board's presentation portion of the agenda.