GODFREY, Ill. – The RiverBend Growth Association welcomed five membership newcomers to its roster in recent weeks. They include A Sacred Space Home Care Services LLC, Central Illinois Cougars, Factory Connection, Madison County TRIAD, and Treehouse Wildlife Center.

A Sacred Space Home Care Services is a family-owned and operated in-home care agency, providing compassionate in-home care to anyone who needs extra help with daily living. They provide a full range of home care services to meet each client’s unique needs, from companionship and personal care to shopping and errand running, senior care, and Alzheimer’s care. They are licensed and regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Administrator/CEO Cheri White noted, “Our goal is to help our clients maintain independence and provide a safe, happy and comfortable environment for our clients in that sacred space called ‘Home.’ At A Sacred Space, we believe that caring is more than just a job– it’s a way of life. We deliver professional and compassionate care in the comfort and familiarity of home.”

“We joined the RBGA so that we could network and partner with other community business owners,” White added. “We hope to gain lasting friendships and partnerships within our community. We are a new business, so we feel the RBGA would be a valuable resource to help get our name out into the community.”

Located at 1726 Main Street in Alton, visit asacredspaceservices.com online to learn more, or call (618) 661-8222.

Central Illinois Cougars football is the official farm team for the STL Bandits Professional Indoor Arena team. The Central Illinois Cougars, founded in 1999, plays their games at Gordon F. Moore Community Park in Alton.

The Cougars started their inaugural season in 1999, and in 2000 were division and conference champions, finishing second in the Midwest football league championship games. Cougars Coach Kinney Myles was also recognized as Coach of the Year.

Shane Nettleton, assistant head coach and director of operations for the Central II Cougars, noted, “We are joining the RiverBend Growth Association to become more community involved and do more public outreach. We hope to connect with other businesses for sponsorships and growth in our efforts to increase tourism to the city.”

For more information about the Central Illinois Cougars, call (217) 556-7364.

Factory Connection is located at 5735 Godfrey Road in Godfrey, in the Monticello Shopping Plaza across from Lewis and Clark Community College. The retail store offers name-brand overstock clothing for juniors, misses, plus, men, accessories, and ladies’ footwear.

Store Manager Roni Jenkins said, “We offer fashions, great brands, and discount prices. We encourage the community to stop in and let our store associates help find the looks you love for less. Factory Connection’s mission is to provide quality family clothing at an affordable price. Our customers are our reason for existence; we will treat every customer with dignity and respect.”

“By joining the RBGA, we wish to reconnect with our community and build strong and supportive relationships,” Jenkins added.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit factory-connection.com online or call (618) 433-8245.

Madison County TRIAD brings together law enforcement and healthcare agencies to educate and protect senior citizens while keeping their independence.

The Madison County TRIAD is made up of members from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, area senior citizen service providers, and senior citizens from the area. As part of the Madison County governmental unit, its SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Council leadership team works out of Edwardsville at 405 Randle Street. Debra Frakes serves as the council’s vice president.

“This organization exists for one reason, and one reason only: to improve the lives of Madison County senior citizens,” Frakes shared. TRIAD’s primary goals are to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and enhance the delivery of services to this population. TRIAD provides the opportunity for an exchange of information between law enforcement, support services, and senior citizens. It focuses on reducing unwarranted fear of crime and improving the quality of life for seniors.

For more information about Madison County TRIAD, call (618) 296-2800 or (618) 830-0236.

Treehouse Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and the educational promotion of environmental stewardship and awareness.

Established in 1979, TreeHouse has been serving the southwestern Illinois community for over 40 years as a professional resource for those who encounter a wild animal in need. It also engages in interactive public education programming. The center partners with Hawthorne Animal Hospital to provide medical care to its wildlife patients.

The center is open to the public 363 days a year; closed to the public only on Christmas and Thanksgiving Days. Visitors are welcome to walk among the outdoor facilities and education center to learn about native wildlife at no charge.

Located at 23956 Green Acres Road in Dow, TreeHouse Wildlife Center operates under permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Endangered Species Board, and is associated with the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.

Executive Director Sherri Easley noted, “TreeHouse does not receive government funding of any kind and operates solely on donations from the public, memberships, fundraisers, grants, and fees from education programs. Operated by a small staff of talented and knowledgeable individuals, we are also dependent upon a vital community of volunteers to help fill a variety of needs – from administering care and treatment of wildlife patients to building enclosures, educating the public, fundraising, and transporting animals.”

To learn more about TreeHouse Wildlife Center, visit online at treehousewildlifecenter.com or call (618) 466-2990.

The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, visit growthassociation.com online or call (618) 467-2280.