Molina Healthcare of Illinois Presents $50,000 Grant to the Inclusive Public Service Communities Project to Increase Access to Free Laundry for Students and Seniors
Media Contact: Rhonda Frazier, Rhonda.Frazier@MolinaHealthCare.Com, (562) 980-3849
Rockford, Ill., April 30, 2025 — Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”) presented $50,000 to Inclusive Public Service Communities Academy (“IPSC”) to fund the Fresh for Seniors program and Fresh for Learning Programs, providing seniors and Rockford students access to free laundry services on a weekly basis. The grant builds upon a previous $40,000 grant in 2024 from The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation. The Fresh for Seniors and Fresh for Learning programs are a collaboration between Molina, IPSC, Resident Officer Community Keepers Rockford Police Department (“R.O.C.K. House”), and 5 Alarm Coin Laundry. to ensure Rockford residents have access to basic necessities like clean clothes. to ensure Rockford residents have access to basic necessities like clean clothes.
“This program is more than just a service; it’s a commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of our community,” said Matt Wolf, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “Clean clothes are fundamental to maintaining good hygiene, preventing illness, and boosting mental health. By alleviating the financial burden of laundry costs, we are empowering individuals to lead healthier, more dignified lives.”
The Fresh for Learning Program was launched in 2018 by the R.O.C.K House. Since its start, 5 Alarm Coin Laundry has supported students at their facilities on Riverside Boulevard and Alpine Road. The program provides year-round services to 120 students per week, three days a week, providing a total of 120 baskets of clean clothes to community residents. Research shows an estimated 1 in 5 students do not have access to clean clothes, underscoring the critical need to address barriers and provide students with the clean clothes they need to feel confident in school.
“As the former School Resource Officer at Rockford High School in District 205, I witnessed firsthand how middle and high school students often missed school due to not having clean uniforms,” said Officer Patrice Turner, resident officer at Rockford Police Department. “I began the program to address this barrier, and through community partnerships, we have turned this vision into a reality, successfully supporting students and increasing school attendance.”
Through the new Fresh for Seniors Laundry Program, Rockford seniors can access free laundry services for two loads of laundry on a weekly basis.
“Thanks to Molina’s support, we’re reaching another under-resourced and historically marginalized population — our seniors,” said Robert (Bo) Chaney, president of IPSC. “We look forward to expanding the program further as we celebrate the opening of a new 5 Alarm Coin Laundry facility and the start of the Fresh for Seniors Program.”
Beginning on April 30, the new facility, located on Mulford Road, will offer the Fresh for Seniors Program every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Rockford Fresh for Learning Program will continue to operate on a weekly basis for Rockford students at the Alpine Road, Riverside Boulevard, and now beginning on May 1, Mulford Road facility.
“Through this collaboration, 5 Alarm Coin Laundry has continued to grow, supporting more students and families than ever before,” said Matt Felauer, owner of 5 Alarm Coin Laundry. “Clean clothes are crucial for maintaining health and dignity, and by providing access to free services, 5 Alarm Coin Laundry and our partners are bolstering the health and well-being of the community.”
About The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation
The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities.
About Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Illinois. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Illinois, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Inclusive Public Service Communities
Inclusive Public Service Communities (IPSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging under-represented groups and preparing them for public service careers. Guided by the mission of helping organizations contribute to the well-being of those they serve, IPSC strives to be a change agent in building healthier, more equitable communities by fostering diverse public service leadership.
About 5 Alarm Coin Laundry
5 Alarm Coin Laundry is a locally owned and operated laundromat dedicated to redefining the laundry experience in Rockford, Illinois. Founded by three Rockford residents with over 75 years of combined service for the local fire department, 5 Alarm Coin Laundry was established to meet a community need for a modern, clean, and customer-focused laundry facility. The owners, Dan, Matt, and Bob, bring their commitment to quality, service, and community to every aspect of the business.
About Rockford Police Department
The Rockford Police Department is under the command of Chief Carla Redd and has an authorized strength of 302 sworn officers. Rockford Police Department members are committed to reducing crime and enhancing the quality of life through an active partnership with our community.
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