Author: Melanie Baron

One of the not so known services that we have been providing the last year or so, is our Agency Homebased PSW work. We have 3 current consumers that come to our Day Services, that we also do Personal Support Work with in the community and in their homes. This ranges anywhere from grocery shopping, going to the movies, out to eat, helping support them getting to their Epilepsy Support Group meetings, to making homemade pizza in their home. Looks delicious Theresa and Ginger!

New job in the house this am!!! Thanks Maze Nails with this work opportunity! Many of the consumers working this one usually do not make a paycheck. You cannot imagine how they are feeling today. Such pride and sense of accomplishment. Love it!!

 

We had a great time today making our own Murals, and a plus.. our hallways look beautiful as a result. Two of the Walldogs got wind and paid us a visit also, which was super cool. They were very impressed by everyone’s work, and everyone loved to hear the comments and praise from the two artists and from everyone in the building. It was a proud day for many

 

Today we were honorably asked to be a part of the opening of Streator’s New Splash Pad. It is donated in honor of Bob Dieken’s Brother Paul, who had Special Needs.  We could not wait to get in the water!!! Swimsuits obviously an after thought.. 🙂

The Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, based at the University of Illinois, hosted 11 Individuals and 5 staff to a Chief’s baseball game in Peoria and lunch. This event came about because of Avalon Dittmer, who is an APO sister and a seasonal DSP at Streator Unlimited/Kent. Avalon indicated that she wanted to do something nice for the Individuals and introduce her APO brother and sisters to the Individuals who have come to mean so much to her. The Individuals and staff had an amazing day with Avalon and APO. Judy Whitney indicated that the Avalon and her friends made everyone feel special and made time to talk with each one of them. The game picked up in the fifth inning with the Chiefs winning 7 to 5. Thank you Avalon and APO!!! We had an AWESOME time.

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Senate Bill 3508 would increase the wages of the SU staff who do the truly important direct care. We’ve had great staff who love working with the people we serve who have had to leave to make living wages, which is awful for everyone. Please encourage your State Senator to support this critical bill.

See the Below Video from theydeservemore.com

What does Nathan’s DSP mean to him and his family? It means his mother can be reassured that Nathan is loved and cared for when she is not present. Rosa provides comfort to Nathan’s family because his mother can see how genuinely happy Nathan is in his group home. #TheyDeserveMore