Aunt Martha’s help for immigrants and new residents begins with a team that understands the importance of providing care that is trauma-based and focused on the unique needs of the people and families we serve. Our services for immigrants and new residents are part of the Illinois Welcoming Centers (IWC) program and are funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Welcoming Centers for Immigrants and New Residents
How can Aunt Martha’s Welcoming Centers Help Your Family?
Find help that is sensitive to your cultural and linguistic needs.
Help you get free or low-cost benefits like health insurance.
Coordinate care and services with other local agencies.
We are here to help!
New Driver’s License Law in Illinois
Effective July 1, 2024, standard driver’s licenses (and state IDs) will be available to anyone who was previously eligible for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL).
Illinois Welcoming Centers at Aunt Martha’s
Illinois Welcoming Centers are funded by
A Medical Home for Your Family
Our health centers – like the ones where our Welcoming Centers are located – do so much more than a traditional family doctor. Ask a Welcoming Center team member about our Patient-Centered Medical Home model, and learn how to make us your Medical Home today.
More ways our Welcoming Centers can help
Aunt Martha’s Welcoming Center staff are experts about the resources available in the communities we serve. If we cannot help you right here at Aunt Martha’s, our team is ready to connect you with someone who can.
Common referrals for immigrants and new residents are to places that offer:
- Specialty medical care
- Educational services like English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED
- Immigration services
- Help getting important documents like Illinois driver’s license
- Food assistance
- Other community services
Updated June 26, 2024
New Driver’s License Law in Illinois
Effective July 1, 2024, standard driver’s licenses (and state IDs) will be available to anyone who was previously eligible for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL).
Standard driver’s licenses and state IDs are valid for most non-federal identification purposes (picking up prescriptions, accessing financial services, etc.).
TVDL holders and new drivers will be able to go to any Secretary of State (SOS) facility to apply for a standard driver’s license.
TVDL holders will need to pay either:
- A renewal fee ($30) if their TVDL expires in less than one year OR
- A replacement fee ($5) if their TVDL is valid for more than one year
New drivers will need to:
- Be over 16 years old
- Go through the road, written, and vision exams
- Either
- Show a valid temporary visa OR
- Proof of one year of Illinois residence AND a validly issued passport or consular ID
NOTE: SOS is accepting passports or consular IDs that expired within the previous two years
Find an SOS facility near you at apps.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facility.
For more information about the new driver’s license law, visit icirr.org/drivers-licenses.
Resources for Community Agencies
If your organization serves immigrants or residents new to your community, the Illinois Welcoming Centers at Aunt Martha’s is here to help. We gladly accept your referrals and, in addition to the medical home and other services our team provides directly, we are also a resource to you, offering:
- Workshops and seminars. Offered virtually or in-person, in English or Spanish. Covering topics related to Health, Mental Health, and Community Services. Hosted by Aunt Martha’s bilingual Health Educator Oswaldo “Ozzie” Lopez.
- Community outreach. We participate in health fairs, back-to-school and other local events to make new connections, inform and educate community members about the services Aunt Martha’s provides as well as other area resources.
- External referrals to organizations like yours. When we can’t help them at Aunt Martha’s, we make it our mission to find someone who can. The most common needs we encounter include help obtaining a driver’s license, ESL courses, GED, legal immigration, ITIN, WIC, and food pantries.
- Community Alliance meetings. Please accept our invitation to join us via Zoom.
At Aunt Martha’s, you will never be turned away or denied services based on your income, health insurance, immigration or citizenship status.
