2026 VETERANS EXPO VENDOR LIST
AMERICAN LEGION - TALARC
NORTH CENTRAL AREA TRANSIT- NCAT
The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC) is a national program fostering amateur radio use among Legionnaires for emergency communications and social networking.
NCAT provides door-to-door, origin to destination public bus transportation for residents and guests of LaSalle County.
LIBERTY VILLAGE - PERU
Liberty Village of Peru is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Peru, Illinois, offering a continuum of care including independent living (The Villas/Estates), assisted living (Hawthorne Inn), memory care (Memory Lane), and skilled nursing/rehabilitation (Manor Court/Bounce Back).
IL VALLEY CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
Provide independence to individuals with disabilities across the community, allowing them to connect, thrive, and make friends along the way.
HEARTLAND HOSPICE
Heartland Hospice (part of the Gentiva family) provides comprehensive, specialized end-of-life care focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients with limited life expectancies
ARC AT STREATOR
Located in Streator, IL, The Arc at Streator provides a higher standard of rehab and long term care. Experience a smooth recovery while enjoying the benefits of a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility and a warm, vibrant community.Whole person care. Proven outcomes. A premier experience.
WILL COUNTY VAC
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County (VAC) (located at 1300 Copperfield Ave, Joliet) offers comprehensive support, including financial assistance, veteran benefits, counseling, and employment services. It serves as a one-stop-shop for local veterans and their families. They also provide transportation to the Hines VA Hospital.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1976 that helps families build and improve places to call home, aiming for a world where everyone has decent, affordable housing.
LASALLE COUNTY RECORDER OFFICE
The Honor Rewards program is a community service made available through your county’s land and public records office to thank and acknowledge our nation’s veterans for their sacrifices to our country. This program allows veterans in your community to sign-up to receive an Honor Rewards Card and use this ID Card to receive discounts and benefits at local participating retailers, restaurants and other businesses.
HERITAGE WOODS-OTTAWA, IL
The company is dedicated to touching lives by providing dignified lifestyles that are enhanced by the values of love, compassion & dignity. The emphasis is on placing residents and their families first and helping each resident achieve and maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible.
ADDUS HOMECARE
Our caregivers provide quality in-home supportive services so you can remain in your home, comfortably and confidently.
IN-HOME CARE CONNECTION- PRINCETON, IL
The In-Home Care Connection team is made up of Nurses, Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, Medical Social Workers, Home Health Aides, Caregivers and Client Care Managers who all have a passion for serving the disabled and senior citizens living in our communities.
FOX VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES
The mission of Fox Valley Older Adult Services, a non-profit senior services agency is to:
provide programs and services, improve and enrich vital, independent living, enhance dignity and self-respect and encourage participation in community life.
AMVETS - POST 30
AMVETS (American Veterans) is the nation’s most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization, representing the interests of 20 million veterans. AMVETS is open to and fighting for all who honorably served in the United States military, including the Reserve and Guard. With more than 250,000 members nationwide, we are veterans serving veterans.
STREATOR YMCA
The Streator Family YMCA, located at 710 Oakley Avenue, is a non-profit organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It offers a pool, 24-hour access, and fitness programs, serving the community with programs like preschool, summer camps, and swim lessons
ILLINOIS DEPT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) . The agency operates five veterans' homes, offers specialized support for service-related challenges, and partners with organizations to support veteran well-being.
VETERAN BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs agency providing financial, educational, and support benefits to veterans, their families, and survivors. It manages disability compensation, pensions, home loans, education assistance (GI Bill), and life insurance.
PURPOSE CARE -
JOLIET, IL
PurposeCare of Illinois (formerly Newsome Home Health) in Joliet, IL, provides comprehensive home health and home care services, specializing in skilled nursing, therapy, and daily assisted living support to enable aging in place.
SHAW LOCAL MEDIA
With 8 stations, and 6 different radio brands, Shaw Local Radio has more listeners in the area than any other media group, with nearly 87,000 LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam County residents tuning into one of our stations in any given week. And over 5,300 people are listening to a Shaw Local Radio station, on average, at any given time.
ALTERNATIVES FOR THE OLDER ADULT
Bridges is a senior community center that offers information, education, recreation programs and support for older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers. We provide support to Peru and the lower 27 townships in LaSalle County, IL. It is funded in part by United Way of Eastern LaSalle County and United Way of Illinois Valley.
AM LEGION POST #33
A voice for all veterans. Family, Camaraderie and Continuing Service through Community Support. Founded in 1919. Vets Serving Vets. A Lifetime of Benefits. Help Make a Difference. Over 100 Years of Service. Serving Veterans. Serving America.
BOOTZ 2 BUSHEZ
A Veteran teaching Veterans to lace their bootz back up and grow some busheZ.
All levels of growing expertise are welcome. Whether you are well seasoned gardener willing to share, an individual who is interested but not sure where to start, or somewhere in between, this is the place for you.
FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, IL
First Federal Savings Bank has been in the lending business for over 50 years. Our First Federal Family lives and works in the communities we serve. We're your friends, your neighbors and your trusted community bankers. We understand that lending needs are customizable to the person, family, and business.
EQUIP FOR EQUALITY
ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support, and research. Founded in 1980, it aims to eliminate Alzheimer's and other dementias while providing support for all affected. The organization funds research, advocates for policy change, and offers a 24/7 helpline.
CONGRESSWOMAN LAUREN UNDERWOOD
OFFICE
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and was first sworn into Congress on January 3, 2019. She is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress.
LASALLE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Environmental Health Division of the LaSalle County Health Department is comprised of a staff of Licensed Environmental Health Practitioners, an Environmental Health Educator, a Communicable Disease Nurse, an Emergency Response Coordinator, and a Program Assistant. These individuals provide environmental services in multiple programs. These programs include Food Sanitation, Private Sewage Disposal, Water Well Program, Nuisance Control, Tanning and Body Art Facility Inspections, Smoke-Free Illinois, Emergency Preparedness, Communicable Disease, and Vector Control.
BUISNESS EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TEAM (BEST)
Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. (BEST, Inc.) is a non-profit agency that administers federally-funded programs such as Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Bureau, Carroll, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam and Whiteside Counties. With offices in Oglesby, Ottawa, Dixon, Princeton, Sterling, Oregon, Galena and Mt. Carroll its focus is assisting adults and youth gain meaningful employment through training, job search assistance and work experience.
HINES VA HOMELESS PROGRAM
We help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. Contact a VA Hines health care homeless services care coordinator to get help with things such as: Immediate food and shelter, including both transitional and permanent housing, Job training, life skills development, and more.
TRI-COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES COUNCIL
HEALTHCARE PLUS - PRIVATE CARE
ILLINOIS DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
RUSH ROAD HOME
GOLDWATER CARE
MENDOTA AREA SENIOR SERVICES
OTTAWA AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
AMERICAN LEGION POST 375 - PERU
HOMELIFE MEDIA/THE HERO COMPANY
VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER
LOCAL REALTY GROUP
OTTAWA COMMUNITY BANK - OSB
LISA JO MERTEL
PLEASANT VIEW
TRANSITIONS HOSPICE
OSF KING CARE-A-VAN
Tri-County Opportunities Council (TCOC) is a Community Action Agency established in 1965 to combat poverty in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties (plus a nine-county service area) through partnerships, education, and community services. They provide resources for low-income families, including utility assistance (LIHEAP), affordable housing, and self-sufficiency programs.
Healthcare Plus Private Care is a licensed home service agency in Illinois that specializes in providing non-medical, private-duty in-home care. They focus on helping seniors and individuals with physical disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes.
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) employs accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) to provide free, expert assistance to veterans and their families. These VSOs are fellow veterans who help navigate and apply for federal, state, and local benefits.
The Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center is a National Center of Excellence dedicated to providing evidence-based mental health care and support to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
Goldwater Care is a network of skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities located throughout Illinois. They provide 24-hour nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care for seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions.
This non-profit organization serves individuals over age 60 and those with disabilities in LaSalle and Putnam Counties.
The Ottawa American Legion Auxiliary Unit 33 is a patriotic service organization that supports veterans, active-duty military, and their families in the Ottawa, Illinois area. Based at American Legion Post 33, the Unit is composed of spouses and relatives of veterans dedicated to community service and veteran advocacy.
The American Legion Peru Post 375 serves the Illinois Valley area, including LaSalle and Peru. While it is a highly active organization, it functions primarily as a service-oriented post - conducting a annual Pearl Harbor Day Parade and Memorial Services.
HomeLife Media is a digital marketing and media company that owns several e-commerce brands, the most prominent being The Hero Company. Based in Anaheim, California, the company specializes in "for-profit for-purpose" business models that link consumer purchases to charitable causes. The Hero Company is a veteran-owned brand that sells patriotic apparel and accessories to fund the training of service dogs for veterans with PTSD.
The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) of Northern Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life, fostering independence, and reducing social isolation by providing nutrition and transportation services to older adults, the disabled, and those in need in DeKalb, LaSalle, Putnam, Bureau, and Kendall Counties. Key services include Meals on Wheels, senior lunch programs, and TransVAC, which offers local and medical transportation.
Local Realty Group is a boutique real estate firm located in the heart of the Illinois Valley. Our agents assist clients buying and selling residential, commercial and land properties. Three offices conveniently located in Granville, Lake Wildwood and LaSalle.
A lifelong resident of Peru, Lisa Jo has over 25 years of mortgage origination experience and specializes in USDA, FHA,VA, conventional financing and grant programs for first time homebuyers. Lisa Jo provides professional service and explains the process making your lending experience smoother and enjoyable. Lisa Jo is a member of IVAR, the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development and a past member of the board of directors of the Starved Rock Regional Center.
Experience the inviting hometown spirit that thrives at Pleasant View, the one and only small (but quite mighty!) Life Plan Community in Ottawa, Illinois. The first thing you’ll notice is our freestanding duplex homes, some with garages that all face a gorgeous park and resident-maintained garden. We like to say we offer the best of both worlds, perfect for independent spirits: privacy and community connection. Best of all, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with a full continuum of care that’s rooted in honest Midwestern values which are core to our community culture.
Transitions offers the highest quality of end of life care services. We specialize in supporting individuals and families who are facing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual challenges confronted when dealing with terminal and chronic illnesses. Paramount to our philosophy is to ensure that our patient is experiencing their final transition on their own specified terms — in comfort and with dignity. In our care, our main objective is always to maximize patients’ comfort and quality of life.
OSF Care-A-Van is a mobile health center staffed by members of OSF HealthCare and its Faith Community Nursing program. Our team is ready to connect residents with screenings, immunizations and health education, and even assist with tasks such as signing up for health coverage and exploring advanced care planning. We travel to where people work, pray and play to connect patients to care when they might not be able to get to the doctor on their own – or even know where to start when they have a health need.
BRAVE PROGRAM
BLANCO-KAYS-CORGIAT EYECARE
At Blanco Kays Corgiat Eyecare, we believe that personalized care is the key to good eye health. We take the time to get to know our patients and their unique vision needs, so that we can provide the best possible care during their eye appointment. We offer a wide range of services, including comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and treatment for eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. We also offer a variety of eyewear options, including designer frames and lenses.
FLUTES FOR VETS - CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Flutes for Vets of Central Illinois, based in McNabb/Peru, IL, provides free Native American-style flutes and lessons to veterans to aid with PTSD and mental health through music therapy. Led by Ken Troyan, this non-profit offers a 12-lesson program that requires no prior musical experience, with instruments awarded to veterans upon completion.
HINES POST 9/11 - M2VA
The VA's Post-9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) Case Management program provides specialized support for veterans transitioning from active duty, offering tailored assistance to bridge the gap between DoD and VA care. Teams at every VA medical center focus on personalized health, wellness goals, and navigating benefits for veterans and their families
HINES CAREGIVER SUPPORT
The Hines VA Hospital Caregiver Support Program offers comprehensive assistance to caregivers of veterans, including in-home care support, training, counseling, and respite care. Based at Bldg. 18, 3rd Floor, the team helps connect caregivers with VA benefits and services. Contact the Hines Caregiver Support Coordinator at 708-202-8131 or email HinesCaregiverSupport@va.gov.
MAITRI PATH TO WELLNESS
Maitrī Path to Wellness, PLLC is a LaSalle/Peru, Illinois-based behavioral health center founded by Kelly Jones, LCSW, CADC, in 2021. It provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy and substance use disorder treatment for addictions, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, emphasizing a "loving-kindness" approach to recovery.
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS - OTTAWA
Express Employment Professionals in your community puts people to work in all types of jobs at all levels. When you work with Express, you build a relationship with a team of employment professionals who have built personal relationships with the businesses that are hiring in our community.
The Express team in your community will take the time to understand your business needs. We can connect you with screened and qualified workers in a wide range of Office Services, Light Industrial, and Skilled Trades positions.
The BRAVE (Building Resilience through Action in VEterans and first responders) program in Wisconsin is a specialized, intensive outpatient program located at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Greenfield Highlands Health Center in Wauwatosa, designed to diagnose and treat mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD. Funded by the Avalon Action Alliance, it offers a comprehensive, 3-week, interdisciplinary, and free or low-cost, approach for military veterans and first responders dealing with these "invisible wounds".
ROSECRANCE BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH
Few programs offer the same level of depth and experience as Rosecrance. For those who are ready, Rosecrance is your path to turning hope into reality.
Rosecrance offers comprehensive behavioral health services to people and families experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Our outcomes-based treatment programs are personalized to you, ensuring a plan tailored to your needs.
NORTH CENTRAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Everyone can identify a point in their life when they became overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression or addiction. Even if these symptoms disappear, the underlying problems often don’t. Confidential, expert counseling from NCBHS can provide you with the tools to know yourself better and restore lasting balance in your life.
AURORA VET CENTER
The Aurora Vet Center, located at 750 Shoreline Drive in Aurora, IL, provides confidential, free-of-cost readjustment counseling and outreach services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. As part of the VA, it focuses on transitioning from military to civilian life, offering support for PTSD, military sexual trauma (MST), and family counseling.
THIS LIST IS UPDATED FREQUENTLY.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Disability benefits provide modest coverage for severely disabled workers and their dependents, including our wounded warriors. Some wounded warriors and Veterans who have a compensation rating of 100% P&T are unaware that Social Security may expedite the processing of their disability claims. In addition, Veterans may not realize they can sometimes qualify for both VA and Social Security benefits.
BRIDGES/ALTERNATIVES
HEALTHCARE
Bridges is a senior community center that offers information, education, recreation programs and support for older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers. We provide support to Peru and the lower 27 townships in LaSalle County, IL. It is funded in part by United Way of Eastern LaSalle County and United Way of Illinois Valley.