Outreach

College For Life – Lewis & Clark Community College – Godfrey, IL

The College for Life (CFL) program at Lewis and Clark is designed for students who may have had limited inclusive experiences during high school. CFL offers engaging, non-credit courses that spark curiosity, build self-advocacy, and foster meaningful social connections in a welcoming post-secondary environment.

Students in the program enjoy full inclusion on campus, with access to the library, dining services, computer labs, and a wide range of student events and activities. CFL is more than a program—it’s a pathway to confidence, community, and lifelong learning.

College for Life (CFL) Performance Day at N.O. Nelson: A Showcase of Student Achievements

The CFL Performance Day at N.O. Nelson showcased the remarkable talents and achievements of our students. A special video was created to highlight one of the standout presentations from the event.

A young man, who participated in the program, delivered an engaging presentation to the audience, detailing the various classes and activities that students are involved in. His enthusiasm and dedication were evident as he shared insights into their educational journey.

CFL-College for Life is more than just a program; it’s a community dedicated to empowering students with practical skills and knowledge. The inclusion of tools like the sewing machine is a testament to our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for life beyond the classroom.

Witnessing the students’ growth and enthusiasm during CFL Performance Day reaffirms the impact of our program. We are proud to support and celebrate their achievements, and we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for their success.

Check out this article written about the College for Life program! The Lynne F. Solon Foundation is proud to support this amazing program, which gives students who have an intellectual or developmental disability the chance to be involved in a college setting.

Click the link below to read the article!

Community, Life Skills for Students Important Part of L&C College for Life Program

Streator Unlimited – Streator, IL

Streator Unlimited, Inc.’s mission is to enrich the lives of adults with disabilities by teaching essential skills that empower them to live independently, pursue meaningful goals, and thrive as valued members of their community.

Founded in 1965 by a dedicated group of families and community leaders, Streator Unlimited began with a simple but powerful vision: that every person deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Over the decades, we’ve grown into a trusted resource offering vocational training and residential services across six locations in the Streator area.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they are guided by an 11-member volunteer Board of Directors who share our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. The foundation’s support helps them continue to build pathways to independence—one skill, one relationship, and one success story at a time.

Pickleball Courts

Contribution made to the completion of Pickleball Courts at The Plummer Family Park in Edwardsville, Illinois. Because of this donation, we are able to use the courts once a year. This is where we hosted our first annual Pickleball Palooza!

Diabetes Education

Juggling Jeff: a program explaining Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as well as healthy choices for healthy living presented to a local grade school.

Boundless Playground

Boundless Playground project spearheaded by the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Junior Service Club, providing inclusive playground facilities for the local community allowing children with and without disabilities, to play together in an accessible environment.

Camp GranADA – Monticello, IL

For more than 25 years, Camp GranADA has welcomed children to an unforgettable overnight experience filled with swimming, crafts, basketball, fishing, archery, campfires, and more.

As an ADA Camp, GranADA serves as a lifeline for children living with diabetes, empowering them to build the skills they need to thrive. Through shared experiences and expert guidance, campers gain independence, self-confidence, and lifelong friendships. They connect with others who understand their journey while learning the foundations of a healthy lifestyle through education, nutrition, exercise, glucose management, and emotional well-being.

Camp GranADA is more than a summer getaway—it’s a place where kids discover their strength, celebrate their uniqueness, and grow together in a supportive, inclusive community.

Rae’s Cafe – Edwardsville, IL

Rae’s Café is committed to creating a supportive workplace where individuals of all abilities can work side-by-side in inclusive, community-based job settings. By fostering opportunities for meaningful employment, we aim to bridge gaps in adult services and enrich lives—building strong social, vocational, and educational connections that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive within their communities.

The Lynne F. Solon Foundation Scholarship

The Lynne F. Solon Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by diabetes and its related complications, as well as those living with other physical or learning disabilities. In keeping with this mission, the Foundation has established a scholarship fund to support students pursuing post-secondary education.

The Foundation honors the memory of Lynne Solon, a 1968 graduate of Streator Township High School, who passed away in 1993 at the age of 42 due to complications from diabetes. Diagnosed as type 1 diabetic, Lynne faced the disease and its challenges for more than 30 years. Despite her health struggles, she remained a caring, sensitive, and thoughtful person—always putting others first and embracing life with a positive spirit.

Scholarships are available to students living with diabetes and/or other physical or learning disabilities who plan to enroll in a college, trade school, or professional training program. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate a commitment to their educational goals.

Awards include:

• $1,500 for a qualifying high school senior entering their freshman year of post-secondary education.
• Up to $1,500 for previous recipients continuing their studies who reapply in subsequent years.

The scholarship committee seeks applicants who exemplify dedication, determination, and perseverance—students who have overcome personal challenges and are striving toward meaningful academic and professional futures.

2025 Scholarships

Scholarships for students with a physical and/or learning disability

The Lynne F. Solon Foundation, whose mission is to help improve the lives of individuals affected by diabetes and its related complications, and also individuals living with other disabilities, has established the scholarship fund.

The Foundation was formed to honor the memory of Lynne Solon, a 1968 graduate of Streator Township High School, who died in 1993 at the age of 42, from complications of diabetes. Lynne was a juvenile diabetic who endured the disease and related complications for over 30 years. Throughout her life, Lynne exhibited a positive spirit and outlook on life, never letting her health problems deter her from being a caring, sensitive, loving and thoughtful person who always put the needs of others ahead of her own needs.

Scholarships are available for students who live with diabetes and/or other physical and/or learning disability, who are pursuing post-secondary education, meet application criteria and requirements, and plan to enroll in a college, trade school, or other professional school.

Award is $1500.00 for an applicant’s freshman year for a qualifying high school senior, and up to $1500.00 for a previous recipient in a post-secondary program, who applies in a subsequent year.

The scholarship committee is looking for students who show dedication, determination and perseverance to triumph over their life challenges who have become accomplished students with future collegiate and/or professional goals in mind.

• New scholarship applicants – deadline March 31, 2025.
• Returning scholarship applicants – deadline May 31, 2025.

Application Criteria

• Applicant must be a current high school, post-secondary school-bound senior, who has submitted applications to and is planning on attending an accredited college or university or post-secondary program, or a past recipient of this scholarship.
• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Applicant must have a documented physical and/or learning disability.
• Applicant must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4 point scale (or equivalent).

Application Requirements

• Applicant must provide a Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages) including a brief personal history, educational/career goals, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work/ community service and reasons why he or she should be selected by the Lynne F. Solon Scholarship Committee. This statement must be written solely by the applicant. Past recipients must provide an updated personal statement.
• Applicant must provide a letter of reference from a teacher, counselor, or administrator of present school.
• Applicant must provide current documentation of a disability. This documentation may include the diagnosis page of the I.E.P. and/or 504 plan. Not required for past scholarship recipients.
• Applicant must provide a most recent school transcript. Please contact the counselor of your school to receive a copy.
• Applicant must agree to allow Lynne F. Solon Foundation to use his/her name, photo and/or story in future scholarship materials. If chosen as an award winner, the recipient must provide Lynne F. Solon Foundation proof of registration to accepted trade school, college or university for the scholarship to be issued the fall semester of the same year that the award is presented.
• Download Scholarship Application (pdf), or complete the online application.

Application and supporting materials may also be emailed to:  lynnefsolonfoundation@gmail.com

Please send printed application and supporting materials to:

Lynne F. Solon Foundation
P.O. Box 99
Edwardsville, IL 62025