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CC Newsletter August 2021
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COMMUNITY CHOICES

monthly newsletter  //  august 2021
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SPOTLIGHT: NEW PROGRAMS

We are excited to announce that Community Choices will be starting two new programs this fall. 

The first is our new Workforce Empowerment Program. This is an intensive 12 week program that will give first time job seekers, those with previous negative job experiences, and those looking to increase their soft skills and work experiences the chance to gain skills and real-life experience. 

We have always believed that there are meaningful and fulfilling jobs out there for everyone who is interested in working. But the responsibilities and routines that come along with a new or first job can be stressful and overwhelming. This program is designed to give people the opportunity to approach entering the workforce with support and long term success in mind. 

The Program Includes:

Classroom Learning - A 12-Week curriculum taught by CC Staff that focuses on critical areas for all job seekers. This includes: 

  • ADA Basics
  • Working while on Social Security
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication
  • Attitude, Enthusiasm, and Professionalism
  • Routines, Schedules, and Priorities when working
  • Interview Skills
  • How to start your job search
  • 1st Job Expectation and Realities

Weekly Community-Based Job-Shadowing - Opportunities to experience many different types of jobs in our community through first-hand experience, and to learn from the people doing those jobs. We’ll be working with 2 partner organizations/job sites and program participants will get to shadow different jobs at each.

Reflection and Follow Up - A weekly review of classroom learning and it’s application at the job-site, reflection on what went well, what didn’t go well, and how that might impact future job searches and employment

Class will be held on Mondays, followed by a mid-week job shadowing shift at a local employer for 1.5-3 hours. On Fridays the group will meet for 1 hour on zoom to reflect on the topics and experiences of the week. Participants are expected to take part in each element of the program. 

Let us know that you are interested by filling out this INTEREST FORM. Our staff will contact you to discuss details and any questions you might have!

Read more program details HERE

Be on the lookout in September for the rollout of our new Community Living Programs- Sustained Community Support.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF
Marissa Terronez
I recently just graduated from San Diego State with my Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling. As both a recent graduate and fairly new resident to Champaign-Urbana, I am really looking forward to gaining more experience with you all at Community Choices. I have been working the last 5 years with individuals with a variety of disabilities through summer camps, the department of rehabilitation in California, and non-profit organizations in San Diego that worked with mostly people with brain injuries. Outside of school and work, I love participating in social activities, dancing, rewatching The Office and Friends for the millionth time, cuddling with my cat Samuel L. Catson, and being around my family and friends. I am really looking forward to working with you all!

John Cahill

I'm horrible about writing about myself.  I can do some bullet points:)...

  • Grew up in Southern Indiana
  • Went to University of Southern Indiana
  • Lived in the Champaign area since 2014
  • Worked in human services since 2005
  • My past work experience has included being a DSC community living specialist, and employment counselor, and also facilitating art groups.
  • Married and have a son, Jackson. Jackson is currently playing football.
  • I have chickens.
  • Bought a 116 year old house in Loda that I have slowly been remodeling with the help of my family for 3 years.
Gabe Stanton
I’m Gabe, the new Connect Coordinator (half time). I’ve been a homecare worker and personal assistant for people with disabilities for over 15 years and lived in Urbana for nearly 20 years. I grew up in Maryland but moved here to be close to my maternal grandparents. I moved into their house in the country while they moved into a nursing home. I took classes at Parkland and helped them make visits to the family home. I really enjoyed getting to know my grandma and grandpa Sawyer and I was surprised to find that they were very well known in the area in certain circles. I enjoy dancing, swimming and spending time with my family. I am married with a five year old son and we are expecting another little one in September. I am looking forward to working with and getting to know everyone at Community Choices.
We’ll have one more person starting soon too!
Please help us make them all feel welcome!

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The Champaign County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Boards are looking for your perspective on the needs of our community! 

They are looking for feedback about needs and barriers to accessing services for people with I/DD and those with mental health diagnoses. The results will help the board members identify priorities for funding programs in our area!
 

FLORAL 411

Flowers, flowers everywhere… they make the world more beautiful.  Floriculture is defined as an important branch of horticulture, which deals with the care and processing of cut or loose flowers and ornamentals such as the following: foliage plants, shrubs, palms, bamboo, succulents, and others.  There are also several design careers related to flowers.  If you think you might be interested in working with flowers, come get the Floral 411.  In this three session workshop we’ll learn some plant care foundation skills, explore floral varieties, dip our toes into the pool of floral design, and discuss the ways that a specific interest such as this can be translated into a many different employment ideas.  See the flyer below for a place on the sign-up list.  This workshop will cost $25 for supplies.  

REGISTER HERE

CC NEWS!

THANK YOU TO THE GORSUCH FAMILY!
Photo of 4 people looking at the camera smiling. They are sitting and standing along the side of a picnic table outside in a green plant-filled background. 

On July 25th we were able to reconvene for our first in-person family party since the start of the pandemic. It was wonderful to see each other in real life and away from the zoom screen. Thank you to the Gorsuch family for hosting a delightful event on a hot day! Here’s hoping for many more of these opportunities!

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP AUGUST 26th

Our next Family Support Group is coming up on August 26th! All parents and family members of someone with a disability are welcome to join us! We’ll leave the conversation up to those who attend. Families often find that their peers have lots of good ideas about challenges they’re going through, resources they might need, or are just able to provide a listening ear. We’ll also be bringing some topic question along in case the group is looking for some facilitation, such as: 

  • Understanding the options available with new waiver funding
  • Discussion of new CC supports and if they might be a good fit for your family member
  • Managing transitions and tumultuous life events 
  • Supporting your family member to sustain friendships
  • How are YOU doing? 

BONUS - Hear some great local music from the Hobnob String Band while we meet. We hope you can make it!

DATE: Thursday, August 26th
TIME: 5:30-6:30pm
LOCATION: Rose Bowl Tavern in their outside tent, Urbana
PARKING: There are several lots very close. 
RAIN PLAN: We’ll Postpone and be in touch for a make-up date!

CO-OP CLUB COLLABORATIVE PLANNING SESSION

Have you wanted to join or start a co-op club with Community Choices but weren’t sure how to begin the process? Or, have you been missing seeing friends and exploring interests at our pandemic Zoom Sessions? If so, this might be for you! 

Community Choices co-op clubs are small groups that get together to enjoy a shared interest! While these groups start with support from CC staff, the ultimate goal is for CC members to host and enjoy their clubs independently, with little to no CC staff support. 

Next month (September), CC members are invited to a collaborative Zoom session to learn more about co-op clubs and explore potential interests they share with other CC members!

Do you enjoy:

  • Board games
  • Journaling
  • Cooking
  • Fantasy Football/Sports
  • Art
  • Local adventures
  • Video games

You should join us for the Co-Op Club Collaborative Planning Session! Contact Kaitland at kaitland.communitychoices@gmail.com (217) 419-6222 for more information!

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL - LAST CHANCE!

Our Membership Renewal Season is coming to an end! Starting in September, we'll be updating our email list and members who have not-yet renewed will stop receiveing information and invitations to our zoom and in person events. 

It's not too late to RENEW! 
RENEW NOW!

Membership has many benefits, including: 

  • Virtual Connecting opportunities on Zoom like our morning meetings, afternoon classes, and Saturday Chat Group
  • Participation in in-person events
  • Leadership classes, and Women's/Men's groups
  • “Members only” information – password to members only page on website, social opportunity calendars and reminders, updates on state and local policy changes, resources, training opportunities, and more
  • Helping to shape the current services and future growth of Community Choices

Our Members Only website helps to keep these opportunities organized. We’re excited that our Member Events Calendar now has all of our zoom meetings, classes, social opportunities, co-op meetings, and many other events that can be easily copied to your own personal calendar. 

(If you are new to Community Choices, we will also need to set up an intake meeting before your membership will be final. You can also get started by contacting Kaitland at kaitland.communitychoices@gmail.com) 

If you are a community member without a disability or the family member of someone with a disability who is not interested in being part of Community Choices, you can still become a Supporting Member! Please fill out this form or contact Kaitland, kaitland.communitychoices@gmail.com

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER HERE
A photo of a group of people at a restaurant table. There are nine people all looking at the camera and smiling. The photo is taken from a downward angle. 

IN PERSON SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
A picture of three people wearing masks sitting outside at a picnic table. They have drinks and are all looking toward the camera.

We've got In-Person Social Opportunities in August! We’ll be following public health guidelines, keeping numbers small, and prioritizing outdoor events when possible. Look for emails from Kaitland for the schedule and RSVP info!

This month we will be out doing the following: 
Lunch Club @ Guido's x2
Trivia at 25 O'Clock Brewing

RESOURCES AND EVENTS!

CUSR ADULTS' DAY IN PROGRAM

Are you looking for something new to help fill your weekly schedule?  CUSR will be offering an Adults’ Day In Program in the fall that will focus on skill-building, building healthy friendships, and social/community engagement.  The program will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8am - 11am, September 8th - October 1st.  The fee is $182 for Champaign-Urbana residents, and $273 for non-residents.  If you have questions, or would like to register, call Nikiaya at 217-819-3980.

Here is a sample day’s schedule:

8:00-8:30 Arrival and Breakfast (if you choose to bring breakfast)

8:30-9:00 Skill of the day: Meal prep activity

9:00-9:30 Abstract Canvas painting

9:30-10:00 Group power break: Resting, snacks, board games, gym time, etc.

10:00-10:30 Game/Activity: Karaoke

10:30-11:00 Community Engagement: Dance class lead by instructor

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY BOARD MEETINGS - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Champaign County Developmental Disability Board and Mental Health Board are funders of many extremely important human services in Champaign County. Their meetings are all open to the public. If you're interested in learning more consider attending their monthly meetings.

Then Next CCDDB Meeting: 
September 22, 2021 at 9AM
On Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81559124557 
312-626-6799, meeting ID = 815 5912 4557
and at Brookens in the Putnam Room

See the full CCDDB CALENDAR HERE
See the full CCMHB CALENDAR HERE 
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COMMUNITY CHOICES     44 E MAIN, SUITE 210    CHAMPAIGN, IL     61820