The MolinaCares Accord Invests $50,000 to Expand Fresh for Learning and Fresh for Seniors Program

The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), granted $50,000 to Inclusive Public Service Communities Academy (“IPSC”) to support the Fresh for Learning and Fresh for Seniors Programs. This grant marks the sixth year of the partnership with IPSC, the Rockford Police Department, and 5 Alarm Coin Laundry to provide free laundry services for students and seniors in the Rockford area.

Clean laundry can have a surprisingly positive impact on health, dignity, and overall well-being. Laundering clothes helps prevent the spread of bacteria and other pathogens that cause illness and reduces the risk of re-exposure in the home, classroom, and community.

“When this program was created, the goal was to help address the growing issue of truancy in Rockford, but it has evolved into something much bigger,” said Patrice Turner, resident officer at the Rockford Police Department. “What started with a simple idea – providing free laundry services – has become an initiative that is increasing school attendance, building confidence, and making a meaningful impact on students and their families.”

Since launching in 2020, the Fresh for Learning Program has expanded from serving a handful of students to supporting approximately 120 students per week, three days a week at the 5 Alarm Coin Laundry locations on Riverside Boulevard, Alpine Road, and Mulford Road. Together, these sites provide an estimated 14,000 loads of free laundry to Rockford residents each year.

In 2025, the program expanded as Molina and community partners worked together to officially launch the Fresh for Seniors Program. Since program kickoff, more than 2,500 seniors have accessed free laundry services, helping them manage fixed incomes while maintaining their health and independence.

“This collaboration would not exist without community partners like MolinaCares that are helping turn our vision into a reality,” said Robert (Bo) Chaney, president of IPSC. “As we continue to work with MolinaCares to grow the Fresh for Learning Program, our commitment remains centered on the communities we serve, ensuring students, seniors, and families have what they need to be healthy.”

In 2026, Molina introduced tailored laundry days that pair free washes with resources specifically designed for moms, seniors, veterans, and youth. The first event, held in May, brought together moms and families for a dedicated laundry day, offering clean clothes alongside information about local services and support.

“Molina prioritizes partnerships that help solve real, day-to-day challenges affecting health and well-being,” said Kris Classen, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “By pairing care with support for basic necessities like clean clothes, this partnership helps students, families, and seniors show up more confident in their daily lives.”

“As firefighters and longtime Rockford residents, we’ve built our business around the belief that you have to know your community to truly serve your community,” said Matt Felauer, owner of 5 Alarm Coin Laundry. “This program is a direct reflection of that belief, enabling us to open our doors to students, seniors, and families who deserve access to basic necessities.”