Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation

08/01/2026

Our Residential Eligibility Tool is a quick and easy way to see which energy-saving offers and upgrades you qualify for. Take the first step and find out how you can start saving energy and improving your home’s comfort and safety by visiting

Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program helps residential customers improve comfort, manage energy use, and cut costs with energy-saving opportunities.

07/31/2026

Due to the forecasted weather this evening, the Movie Night at the South Macoupin Head Start has been canceled. We plan to reschedule the event for a later date when we can hopefully enjoy better weather!

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Please stay tuned for the new date we hope to see you there!

07/16/2026

Rural Transit Day

In the vast expanses of rural America, the hum of a transit bus is more than just a sound—it’s a lifeline. Connecting people to essential services, jobs, education, and community events, rural transit plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life for those who call these areas home. It’s a symbol of community spirit, resilience, and the determination to overcome geographical challenges.

To honor this crucial service, we celebrate Rural Transit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of rural transit and the people who make it possible. IVEDC also celebrates this day as Driver Appreciation Day for our Community Day Services Programs.

Our Drivers are essential to our program, and we chose this day to recognize how much we value and appreciate the job they do.

07/16/2026

Driver Appreciation Day!

In the vast expanses of rural America, the hum of a transit bus is more than just a sound—it’s a lifeline. Connecting people to essential services, jobs, education, and community events, rural transit plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life for those who call these areas home. It’s a symbol of community spirit, resilience, and the determination to overcome geographical challenges.

To honor this crucial service, we celebrate Rural Transit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of rural transit and the people who make it possible. IVEDC also celebrates this day as Driver Appreciation Day for our Community Day Services Programs.

Our Drivers are essential to our program, and we chose this day to recognize how much we value and appreciate the job they do. 

07/16/2026

Driver Appreciation Day!

In the vast expanses of rural America, the hum of a transit bus is more than just a sound—it’s a lifeline. Connecting people to essential services, jobs, education, and community events, rural transit plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life for those who call these areas home. It’s a symbol of community spirit, resilience, and the determination to overcome geographical challenges.

To honor this crucial service, we celebrate Rural Transit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of rural transit and the people who make it possible. IVEDC also celebrates this day as Driver Appreciation Day for our Community Day Services Programs.

Our Drivers are essential to our program, and we chose this day to recognize how much we value and appreciate the job they do.

07/15/2026

Improve your home’s comfort and with a FREE Home Energy Assessment from the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program! For eligible customers, you could get energy-saving upgrades at little or no cost, such as improved insulation, heating equipment and ventilation. For more information, visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/SaveMoney

07/07/2026

We would like to wish Melissa a happy retirement. She will be missed more than words can say. Melissa has been a part of the agency for 28 years and a huge advocate and supporter of our Head Start Program.

Her dedication to improving the program has helped shape the program into what it is today.

Good luck on your new journey!

06/30/2026

This , we're reminded that connection is essential for isolated seniors. That's why Meals on Wheels volunteers are more than just a meal delivery; they provide a friendly face, a wellness check, and a moment of connection. For many seniors, that knock on the door may be the only social interaction they have all day.

You can help change this statistic. Volunteer with your local provider and be the connection a senior is waiting for.

06/30/2026

Dementia Is Not One Disease

Many people use the words “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” as if they mean the same thing. They don’t.

Think of dementia as an umbrella. Under that umbrella are several different conditions that can affect memory, thinking, behavior, language, movement, and daily functioning.
Some of the most common types include:
🧠 Alzheimer’s Disease
🧠 Vascular Dementia
🧠 Lewy Body Dementia
🧠 Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
🧠 Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
🧠 Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
🧠 Mixed Dementia

Although these conditions share some symptoms, they often have different underlying causes, different patterns of progression, and may respond differently to various interventions. This is one reason why a personalized approach is so important.
The question isn’t simply: “What dementia does this person have?”
It’s also: “What factors are contributing to their symptoms?”

Could inflammation be involved?
Could insulin resistance be playing a role?
Could poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, infections, chronic stress, hormone imbalances, or vascular issues be contributing?
What genetic predisposition is present?
What lifestyle or environmental factors need to be addressed?

Understanding the type of dementia is important. Understanding the person behind the diagnosis is equally important.
Knowledge creates clarity. Clarity creates better decisions.
And better decisions create hope.
❤️ No matter the diagnosis, every person deserves compassion, dignity, support, and the opportunity to optimize their brain health
- Julie Zanforlin
Founder Reversing Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline