A non profit 501 c 3 organization

belonging. compassion. companionship

Coping Together is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Orland Park and expanding to Frankfort, IL, dedicated to
expanding access to emotional wellness and behavioral health services for individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD). We support healing by funding the care of therapy animals and providing trauma-
informed, inclusive environments where therapy can happen.

Our work is made possible through strategic partnerships:

• The Healing Center provides licensed mental health counseling for children, adolescents, and adults. They contribute
  in-kind rent support and clinical expertise, helping us create spaces where compassionate care thrives.

• Coping Together Services delivers therapy for adults with IDD through the Illinois Medicaid Waiver program. This
  program operates within a structured, Intensive Outpatient framework and is pursuing CARF accreditation.

• The Ranch / Club K9 at the Ranch offers in-kind use of their facility, serving as the home of our growing program,
  including the development of Therapy Town—a unique indoor therapeutic village designed for animal-assisted
  therapy and life skills programming.

While we do not provide therapy directly, Coping Together ensures that the animals and environments needed for high-
quality, licensed care are available, accessible, and sustainable.

WHO WE ARE

Coping Together supports emotional wellness and
independence by funding the care of therapy animals and
maintaining therapeutic spaces where licensed
professionals provide mental health and behavioral health
services.

We make healing accessible for individuals with intellectual
and developmental disabilities by partnering with clinical
providers who deliver evidence-based therapy, including
counseling, ABA, and animal-assisted interventions.
Through these collaborations, we create safe, trauma-
informed environments that foster growth, social-
emotional development, and meaningful community
connection.

WHAT WE DO

Services

Services our therapeutic partners provide:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Art Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Equine Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy

Social Skills Training

Trauma Informed Therapy

Who We Serve

• Age Range: Primarily adults aged 18 and older,
  encompassing young adults transitioning from
  school-based services to seniors requiring continued
  support.​

• Diagnosis Spectrum: Our participants include
  individuals with a range of intellectual and
  developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum
  disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other
  cognitive and adaptive challenges.​

• Geographic Focus: We serve individuals residing in
  the Chicagoland area, reflecting the region's rich
  cultural and socioeconomic diversity.​

• Diverse Backgrounds: Our community members
  come from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
  backgrounds, including many from underserved or
  low-income households.

THE NEED

Children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities face significantly increased
risks for mental health challenges and behavioral
disorders. These risks can result from biological,
genetic, and environmental factors such as social
isolation, disruptions in routine, and communication
barriers.

Key areas of therapeutic intervention include
enhancing communication skills, implementing
effective behavior modification strategies, developing
coping mechanisms, strengthening social interactions,
and fostering improved self-awareness and emotional
intelligence.

THE benefit

Participants in our programs receive essential social and
emotional support within a trauma-informed space
dedicated to healing and mental wellness, empowering
them to lead fulfilling lives with confidence and resilience.
Through compassionate, personalized therapeutic
interventions, individuals build vital problem-solving,
communication, and coping skills, enhancing their self-
esteem and independence.

At Coping Together, we gently guide participants to
clearly communicate their needs, desires, and emotions,
nurturing their growth toward greater autonomy,
meaningful community connections, and lasting
emotional well-being.

THE PROCESS

As in traditional mental health therapy, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop a trusting
relationship in a safe environment with a therapist who is trained to understand their needs. Consistent sessions and specific
goals help clients deal with emotions and challenges of daily life.

ABA therapy creates individualized Behavior Management Plans based on clinical assessment, observation and interviews.
Behavior plans consist of skill acquisition, replacement behaviors, data collection and reactive behavior protocols. Behavior
programs are used to teach and develop skills that promote independence.

In collaboration with Rich Township High School District 22, Elim and the iCanDream Center , Coping Together at The Ranch
offers a safe, therapeutic space for high school students to develop essential transitional work and life skills. Our structured
program runs five days a week, emphasizing community involvement and practical experience.

Students prepare for group therapy sessions and community outings at The Ranch, supported by school-provided job
coaches or aides, nurturing their independence, personal growth, and meaningful community connections.

Community Connections

If your school is interested in collaborating with Coping Together please contact us via
email: info@coping2gether.com

Our Clinical & Facility Partners

Our Model

Coping Together does not provide therapy services directly. Instead, we:

• Fund the care and training of therapy animals (horses and dogs)

• Support the rent and upkeep of therapeutic spaces

• Collaborate with licensed providers to expand access to therapy

• Host and support community wellness programming

• Manage a Transitions Program with schools 5 days a week

• Host a Ranch Youth Ambassador Program for Volunteers

A Therapy Town at The Ranch

Mock Representation
of Coping Together’s
Therapy Town

Website

Dinner

Tournament

$100 Event Ticket includes Dinner

$25 Jenga Tournament 2 Person
Team - Exclusive to ticket holders

Building Hope and Wellness
in our Community Fundraiser

The Ranch

9436 W Steger Rd Frankfort IL

Sunday

October 5, 2025

4 - 8 pm

Silent Auction & Raffle Supporters

Saint Joseph, MI

By becoming a sponsor of our “Building Hope & Wellness – One Brick at a
Time” fundraiser, you’re directly contributing to the development of a
Therapy Town—a first-of-its-kind therapeutic space designed to serve
individuals with emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs.

Your sponsorship supports:

• Access to affordable therapy and transition programs

• The care and housing of our therapy animals

• The creation of sensory-friendly, inclusive therapeutic spaces

Whether you're a local business, community member, or organization that
believes in mental wellness for all, your involvement makes a lasting impact.

Financial Snapshot

• 3,120 therapy sessions supported with access to animals
  and therapeutic spaces

• 70% of participants were adults with intellectual or
  developmental disabilities

• 90% of sessions included equine or canine-assisted
  supports

• Partnered with 2 licensed clinical providers to deliver care

• Zero cost for rent due to in-kind partnerships with The
  Ranch and The Healing Center

• Hosted school-based transition programs to build work
  and life skills for young adults with disabilities

• Facilitated community wellness, healing, and growth
  events open to the public

2024 Impact Highlights

Volunteer Programs: Coping Together has several volunteer programs for the community to be a part of to benefit
the clients of Coping Together. This includes opportunities to learn how to be a part of helping others with
disabilities. The Ranch Youth Ambassador Program (RYAP) is a volunteer program for grades 5 - 12 to help clean
the barn and prepare spaces that are used for Coping Together clients. The RYAP’s organize future day outings and
the activities that clients will be engaging in at a future time with the Coping Together Therapy Team. Students can
help plan future events that will happen at The Ranch.

Donation drives: Coping Together organizes donation drives to collect items like clothing, food, and school
supplies for individuals and families in need. These drives are held throughout the year and involve partnerships
with local businesses and organizations. Contact us if you would like to get involved!

Therapy Events and Outings: Volunteers at the not-for-profit organization Coping Together can participate and
help organize a variety of events and outings to enrich the lives of Coping Together clients.

These outings could include equine interaction, nature walks, picnics or even group classes. Through these
activities, volunteers can help foster a sense of community, provide opportunities for social interaction, and
promote personal growth and well-being for the individuals with disabilities.

Volunteer PROGRAMS

@copingtogether

leadership-Service-Engagement-community

when

3rd thurSday of the
month at 6 pm

join

https://coping2gether.betterworld.org/

support

coping
together

by donating
today!

Click the link below to
make a tax-deductible
donation

15127 S 73rd Ave Suite C Orland Park IL 60462

Office:

Phone Number

Email Address

info@coping2gether.com

708-740-5678

contact us

Providing Services throughout the Chicagoland Area

We are able to come to your day program or you can
come to us!

In office Individual Therapy locations: Orland Park,

New Lenox, Frankfort, Illinois

Providing Individual & Group Therapy at The Ranch in
Frankfort, Illinois

Group Therapy & Day Outing Program

The Ranch 9436 W Steger Road Frankfort IL 60423

Visit: TheRanchFrankfort.com

Board of Directors

Junior Board of
Directors

Lead Ambassadors

OUR TEAM LEADERS