CHICAGO – A newly launched public-private partnership is designed to improve services for Illinois veterans, service members and their families.

Gov. Pat Quinn said Friday in Chicago that Illinois Joining Forces will increase collaboration and make sure veterans find out about services available to them. More than 250 groups are participating, including the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Illinois Joining Forces website is up and running, but its home page says Superstorm Sandy "caused technical difficulties and has delayed the launch of the full online platform" until Nov. 19. It ultimately will include a searchable database for resources in education, job training and other services.