Love. Integrity. Advocacy. Mentorship.
Together we can build strong foundations
A Place to Start | Community & Connection
At The LIAM Foundation, everything begins with our center.
We are a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to come as they are. Whether you’re looking for support, resources, community, or just a place to breathe. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you walk through our doors.
You can stop in, meet with someone who understands, and take things one step at a time. We’re here to listen, to support, and to help you find what you need, at your pace.
Groups & Gatherings
The center isn’t just a place to access services—it’s a place to build community.
We host a variety of groups and gatherings where you can connect with others, share experiences, and find support in a welcoming environment. These include:
- Peer support groups
- Identity-based groups, including trans and nonbinary spaces
- Youth and community gatherings
Whether you’re looking to make friends, find mentorship, or just be part of a supportive space, there’s a place for you here.
Check out our event calendar here.
What Happens When You Come in?
Center Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday | 10 AM – 3 PM
Walking into a new space can feel uncertain—we get that.
When you arrive, you’ll find a safe, affirming space to relax, connect, and get support. You can:
- Sit and talk with someone who understands
- Access essentials like clothing, hygiene items, and food from our pantry
- Get guidance and referrals to programs, services, and support tailored to you
- Join a group or community gathering
We also ask all visitors to follow our Community Agreements to help keep the space welcoming and respectful for everyone.
📝 Read Our Community Agreements
Second-Hand Pride | Free Boutique
Through our FREE store, you can access clothing and essential items in a respectful, affirming space.
Available items include:
- Clothing for all styles and sizes
- Gender-affirming items such as binders, tucking underwear, breast forms and packers (available by request.)
- New socks and underwear (all sizes)
- Hygiene and personal care products
- Make-up and skincare
- Period products
- Harm reductions supplies
- Items change often and seasonally
Stop by during our drop-in hours to browse, find what you need, and connect with our supportive community. Everyone is welcome to explore, pick up essentials, and embrace their identity.
Donations are accepted during drop in hours as well. For clothing donations, please confirm we are accepting them currently.
Access Program
Your path forward, with someone by your side.
For those who need more support, our Access Program offers personalized guidance to help you navigate life’s challenges.
Through the Access Program, you can get help with:
Housing Stability & Advocacy
Support for those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, including guidance, advocacy, and connections to local resources.
Healthcare Navigation
Access to physical and mental health services, including gender-affirming care and HRT guidance.
Wellness & Companion Services
Assistance with abortion support, doula services, and other wellness needs.
Family, Friends, & Community Support
Resources and guidance for strengthening your support network.
Financial Assistance via LIAM Fund
Help with urgent needs and participation in programs.
We meet you where you are, providing one-on-one support and helping you access the resources you need to feel safe, supported, and connected.
How to get started: To participate, please register and schedule an appointment with our team. We’ll meet you where you are and help connect you with the resources you need to feel safe, supported, and connected.
LIAM’s Fund
Flexible Micro Grants to Support LGBTQ+ Lives
At LIAM, we know that every journey is unique and sometimes life throws unexpected challenges in the way. LIAM’s Fund offers flexible micro grants designed to break down financial barriers and help LGBTQ+ individuals thrive with dignity and confidence.
Who Can Apply
- LGBTQ+ individuals living in Boone or Winnebago Counties
- Experiencing financial hardship
- Registered in our Access Program
Grant Details
- Up to $300 every six months
- Individuals may receive up to two grants per year
- Grants are tailored to your needs and reviewed quickly
What We Can Help With
- Food and groceries
- Housing support (utilities, short-term assistance)
- Healthcare costs (copays, prescriptions, gender-affirming care)
- Transportation (gas cards, bus passes)
- Vital records (ID, birth certificate, name change fees)
How to apply
- Complete registration for our Access Program (select LIAM’s Fund)
- Submit a short request describing your need
- Our staff will review and respond within 5-10 business days
All participants remain connected to the Access Program for ongoing guidance, advocacy, and support.
Program Availability
LIAM’s Fund opens and closes based on available funding. When funds are exhausted, applications will be accepted again once new resources are available.
Since launching, LIAM’s Fund has provided over $92,000 in micro-grants to support LGBTQ+ individuals with essential needs, gender-affirming care, and crisis assistance. This fund is made possible through the generous support of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois | Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund, allowing us to extend vital resources to those who need them most.
The Name Change Project
We have been supporting transgender and nonbinary individuals through the legal name change process—long before our nonprofit officially launched in 2020.
We provide pro se assistance, guiding individuals who are filing on their own without a lawyer.
This service is limited to Winnebago and Boone County residents who have lived in Illinois for at least 3 months.
Illinois residents outside our service area can contact the Transformative Justice Law Project’s Name Change Mobilization Program.
How Our Process Works
Step 1: Complete the Name Change Registration Form
All initial requests for name change assistance must be submitted through our online registration form.
Step 2: LIAM Determines Your Eligibility for Assistance
Sometimes, we may need to complete a follow-up intake, to gather additional information about your financial standing or to prepare you for the required documentation if assistance is needed.
Step 3: Set-up an appointment
You can set up an appointment to meet with our staff member, Eden about filing your name change. Virtual meetings are an option as well, please let us know if you need accommodations. You’ll be asked to confirm you understand our Participant Agreement, which outlines key details of our program. Schedule your appointment directly with Eden through the link below.
We look forward to helping you, meet your goals! Please contact us with any questions.
Self-Help Resource Hub – Name Change for Illinois Residents
If you’d like to file your own legal name change, we’ve created Name Change Self-Help Guides for both adults and minors. These guides include official statewide court forms, step-by-step instructions, and important tips — all in one place.
Important: These resources are for informational purposes only. The LIAM Foundation does not provide legal representation.