29,000 Neighbors. One Community. A Gap We Can Close Together
Individuals impacted by intellectual disabilities and their families face real barriers to belonging, independence, and opportunity in Kane County. Rising Lights exists to change that.
The Challenge.
Disability is a daily reality for approximately 29,000 individuals in our community. Yet too many adults with cognitive & intellectual disabilities — and their families — feel disconnected from the fabric of community life. Their challenges are often overlooked, misunderstood, or left unaddressed.
Adults with disabilities and their caregivers both face deep isolation and a lack of belonging. Community life often isn’t built with them in mind, leaving individuals disconnected and families carrying the weight alone.
Rising Lights Project exists to break the cycle of isolation experienced by individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities and their families. Rising Lights programs create meaningful social connections, build friendships, and foster true belonging — places where people are welcomed exactly as they are.
Isolation, Belonging and Community Gaps
Adults With Cognitive & Intellectual Disabilities.
The reality for adults with disabilities in Kane County
1. Limited Social Connection
Few age‑appropriate social opportunities
Isolation at home
Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships
2. Lack of Skill‑Building Opportunities
Minimal access to vocational training
Limited opportunities to continue educational growth
Few hands‑on learning environments
3. Barriers to Community Participation
Transportation challenges
Programs that fill too quickly
Limited inclusive spaces for adults
Lack of vocational opportunities for disabled adults
Expensive programing
Parents & Caregivers
Caregivers of adults with disabilities face isolation, limited respite, overwhelming coordination responsibilities, and a lack of community support
1. Isolation & Emotional Strain
Feel alone in navigating childhood & adulthood services
Lack spaces where they feel understood
Carry emotional weight without community support
2. Limited Respite & Reliable Support
Few safe, trusted programs they can depend on
Difficulty working, resting, or managing daily life without care coverage
Programs fill quickly, leaving families without predictable routines
Constant worry about safety, supervision, and meaningful engagement
3. Overwhelming Coordination & Advocacy Burden
Responsible for transportation, scheduling, and planning
Filling gaps in vocational, social, and communication support
Managing health, safety, and behavioral needs alone
Navigating systems that offer limited adult‑focused resources
4. Fear About the Future: Will My Child Live a Meaningful Life When I’m Gone?
Worry that their adult child won’t have friends, purpose, or community
Fear that no one else will understand their child’s needs
Anxiety about whether their child will be safe, supported, and valued
Deep concern about whether their child will have a full, joyful, independent life without them
The emotional weight of planning for a future they may not be here to see.
Our Services
Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.
Meet the Team
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Monet Goode
FOUNDER
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
They set the tone for everything we do. -
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Emmett Marsh
SALES MANAGER
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care. -
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Eleanor Parks
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience. -
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Karl Holland
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.
