EDS Food Drive

A while back, the EDS clients were looking for community volunteer opportunities. One of the ideas that the client council came up with was to participate in a food drive. Then along came The Festival of Trees event in Lake In the Hills. This event is to collect food for the Interfaith Food Pantry. The EDS clients thought that this was a great idea and quickly volunteered to be one of many local organizations to participate in tree contest.

Each EDS client made a personalized ornament with a special holiday message inside. Then, on November 29th, the EDS clients went out to the site and started decorating the Pioneer Tree.

Starting December 3rd, the EDS clients will collect non-perishable food items and cleaning supplies. On December 12th, the EDS clients will be turning in the items to count for their "votes". We would like to encourage our family and friends to donate a item or two. Items will be accepeted in the EDS classroom December 3rd thorugh December 7th.

For more information on the event, please see the Northwest Herald article below.

http://nwherald.com/articles/2007/11/29/news/local/doc474e5aeba114d419961846.txt

Requesting EMAIL addresses

A typical day in EDS is usually very action packed and truthfully we rarely answer the phone when in class. If you leave a voice mail message, we are usually good at responding quickly. However, we would like to remind you of another avenue of communication. Email is a quick way to stay in contact and send out information.

We are beginning to compile an email address book of families, guardians, clients and agencies who would like to give out their email address. If you would like to be in this address book, please email Rachel at rmerke@pioneercenter.org.

Curtis Gallery Art Show

As most of you know, Bridges had it's second art show last Friday at the Curtis Professional Building. The Northwest Herald covered the event. Below is the link to the article published on Saturday. The painting in the lower left of the photo is one of the six Bridges pieces showcased.

http://www.biz-journal.com/articles/2007/11/09/local/doc4735251a521ea589106961.txt

November Holiday Schedule

Pionner Center will be close November 22nd and 23rd for Thanksgiving.

Feel Free to Comment

EDS would like to encourage you to make comments on this blog.

The hope is that this is a site that you will check often just to see what we're up to.

It's very easy to post a comment, so please take the time to give feedback.

Thanks,

The Blog!

Direct Deposit

Tired of running to the bank to cash or deposit your paycheck? Why are you not taking the easy route? Maybe it's time to consider direct deposit. All pioneer clients have the opportunity to have their paycheck deposited to an account of their choice. Clients would still receive a paycheck envelope with the amount deposited every other Friday. Direct deposit would hopefully eliminate the hassle of lost checks or time out out of your day for checks that are less than a dollar.

If this is an option you would like, please call or email for one simple form that needs to be completed. 815-759-7180.

Ombudsman Supports

Clients who receive services at Pioneer have access to Ombudsman Support.

According to the dictionary, an ombudsman is "one who investigates complaints, as from consumers. Assisting in achieving fair settlements."

Currently, there are 12 individuals identified throughout Pioneer who are trained Ombudsman. Clients have access to this list of people and may select whomever they would prefer assistance from.

Examples of when a client may chose to have an ombudsman:

• facilitate a meeting when one is dissatisfied with services provided
• assist with the grievance process
• assist with requesting additional/new services
• provide a list of outside agencies
• assist with understanding the client handbook
• assist with accessing other supports in the agency
• assist with understanding any agency documents.

The Risks of Being in EDS

With all of the exciting things happening in EDS, it's important every once and a while to think about the programming. There are some risks of participating in this particular program and they are...

Top 5 risks of EDS:

5. Dependency on Center: EDS is a time limited program, and some client become too dependent on the program or too comfortable.

4. Inadequate furniture: Updated furniture needs to be added to make classroom more accessible/safe (include armed chairs for safety).

3. Feeling of rejection/disappointment: Many clients become very disappointed or hard on themselves when they observe peer’s success in obtaining a community job.

2. Consequences for Choices: EDS is an opportunity for clients to learn about choice making in relation to good/bad consequences. Clients may make harmful choices (such as buying pop even when on a restricted diet, or spending too much money).

1. Unsupervised: There are times when clients are expected to be independent in Pioneer or in public places; (Staff does not monitor “off” hours at MCC, loading on and off busses, etc.)

Good Hair Day

Attention Clients:

On November 15th, a professional photographer will be coming to Pioneer Center to take photos for the upcoming 50th anniversary booklet. The photographer is looking to take a variety of photos of both staff and clients. Just in case you might want to be in some of the photos, I would suggest that you try to have a good hair day. Dressing up is not necessary, but it would be nice to look "put together." Please note, no photos would be published without a signed release.

Employee Performance Evaluation

This November, marks my third year anniversary at Pioneer Center. Typically performance evaluations are completed by my manager. This year however, I asking for the individuals who receive services to also complete an evaluation. I am putting myself in this position as part of my goal to facilitate client self-advocacy. The evaluation will give clients an opportunity to speak-up for themselves and the quality of services they receive in EDS. The survey developed by Illinois Voices has nine questions and responses will remain anonymous if requested. Thanks, Rachel

November 16th Reminder

This is just a friendly reminder that the EDS clients will NOT be attending MCC on November 16th due to the Craft Fair. Thanks

Fallen Soldier Exhibit

If you haven't heard, EDS classes are held off site at the McHenry County College on Fridays. (The focus of the curriculum is around commonly required trainings for anyone who obtains a community job.) Last Friday, it was very exciting because there was a special exhibit and presentation on Fallen Illinois Soldiers. We had an opportunity to look at sketches of portraits and meet several Naval officers.

The Northwest Herald wrote an article on the event. Below is the link for that article.
http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2007/10/27/news/local/doc472301979aae2247464225.txt

Self-Advocacy Training

On October 31th, the EDS client participated in Self-advocacy training run by Illinois Voices.

Illinois Voices is a state-wide self-advocacy initiative designed to empower people with developmental and other disabilities to make their own decisions, stand up for their rights and speak for themselves based on their strengths and desires.


It was a fun filled day was for persons with disabilities, family members, and agency staff. The information included in the training was the following: ideas needed to begin building capacities, changing lives, and recognizing the value of persons with disabilities through: a celebration of gifts, group activities, videos
scenarios, ways to support self advocacy.

For further information regarding this impressive self-advocacy program log onto the web site:
www.illinoisvoices.com

Job Opening in EDS

At this time, EDS is looking to fill the open staff position of an Employee Development Specialist. The EDS clients will again be part of the hiring process for this position. There has been many discussions on what type of qualities they will look for in a potential employee.

The EDS clients have stated that they are looking to hire someone with the following criteria:

• experience working with people with disabilities
• experience teaching or training
• an understanding the needs/dreams of the EDS clients
• a good sense of humor

The clients have begun the process of reviewing job criterias and developing interview questions. Keep your eyes open for updates on this process.

The Posting for the open position can be found on the Pioneer Center for Human Services Website:

http://www.pioneercenter.org/EmploymentOpportunity/EO.ASP?Param=ID&Data=766

Workouts

The clients in EDS have been utilizing the new exercise room in the Pioneer Central building. They have been consistently working out daily Monday through Thursday. Each workout session is for 21 minutes. The clients have the choice to use cardio equipment or to follow along with a video. The choice is theirs to participate, but everyone is strongly encouraged.