Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) was launched in 2012, through an inter-governmental agreement between the Illinois Departments of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and Military Affairs (IDMA) as a statewide, public-private network of military and veteran serving organizations working together to improve services for Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF).
As a stand-alone nonprofit organization, IJF helps service members, veterans, and their families navigate the "sea of goodwill" to find the support they need, when they need it. No one organization can do it all. But veterans shouldn’t have to wander from office to office – or website to website – to determine who does what and which organization can best meet their needs.
At Illinois Joining Forces, we know that sometimes it can be challenging to find the support you need, when you need it. Since our founding in 2012, we have been determined to make an impact. The core of our efforts is to connect service members, veterans, and their families to the services and resources in their local communities.
Make Illinois the most welcoming and supportive state in the Nation for all service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) – a place where SMVF find growth, wellness, and community.
Bring together public, private, and government stakeholders to collaboratively support SMVF – to include caregivers and survivors – regardless of status.
Foster cross-collaboration among service providers at the community level to better support service members, veterans, and their families.
Provide high-touch, holistic care to those in need by connecting them with resources in their community.
Identify and bring awareness to issues effecting the SMVF community to policy makers and key stakeholders.
Ensure that no veteran or family member is left behind, regardless of status, and ensure SMVF members have access the right resources at the right time.