Empower participants to work towards independence and self-sufficiency. Presented by the Rockford Area Case Management Initiative.
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: NICNE at Northern Illinois University, Rockford, 8500 E State Street, 61108.
Learn the principles of the Rockford Area Case Management Initiative (RACMI) to help you work with, not for your participants. Work smarter, not harder!
Empower participants to work towards independence and self-sufficiency. This approach actively engages participants in setting and achieving THEIR goals, focusing on strengths and resources, while moving away from “doing for” participants what they are capable of doing for themselves. Participants lead and become responsible for change because they are the only ones who can ultimately make change happen, while the Case Manager provides support as their backup partner.
This person-centered, outcome-based approach to case management is based on the book Empowering People for Change: Making Case Management Work by Dr. Beverly Ford. Activities will put your skills into practice. When you leave, feel confident and ready to empower your participants through implementing RACMI core values. When you leave, you’ll feel confident and prepared to empower your participants by implementing RACMI’s core values.
Topics covered include:
- Overview and history of the RACMI
- Defining Case Management: Introduction to Dr. Ford’s approach to Case Management Journey Towards Self-Sufficiency
- Helping vs. Empowering your program participants
- Fostering Self-Sufficiency
- Empowerment Approach to Case Management
- Effective Case Management
- Motivation and Change
Intended Audience: Case Managers and Supervisors (or front-line staff with relevant job duties regardless of title) are encouraged to attend. Take this training as a refresher or as a foundation for new Case Managers. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded.
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided.
Accessibility: The training will present in English. Accessible parking, mechanical assist entry doors, elevator access, and accessible bathroom stalls are available.