DOWNERS GROVE — Synapse House, a nonprofit helping people rebuild independence following brain injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions, has received a $10,000 Illinois Charitable Trust grant to expand its employment training programs.

The award was announced Tuesday, October 20, 2026, when Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs visited the Downers Grove organization to announce a new round of grants for small nonprofits.

The funding will help Synapse House develop practical, industry-specific training modules for three fields: customer service, janitorial services and food service.

These areas can offer participants opportunities to practice workplace skills and prepare for meaningful, paid employment.

Helping People Return to Work

For someone recovering from a brain injury or stroke, rebuilding the skills and confidence needed to return to a job may be a long process.

Deborah Giesler, executive director of Synapse House, said that journey can take two to three years for some clients.

“Returning to work is a critical step toward independence,” Giesler said.

The nonprofit's existing services include individualized employment planning, job coaching, workplace support and coordination of accommodations with employers.

Part of a Statewide Investment

The Synapse House award is part of $178,210 in grants to 10 Illinois nonprofits providing food assistance and workforce development services.

The recipients were selected from 75 applicants for the latest grant cycle.

The Charitable Trust program supports smaller nonprofits, using fees paid by larger nonprofit organizations when they file annual reports with the state rather than personal or property tax revenue.

For Synapse House, the investment means another way to help participants prepare for employment and pursue long-term success in the workforce.

Located at 3130 Finley Road, Suite 520, in Downers Grove, Synapse House can be reached at 630-297-8002 for information about its services.