Basketball in the Park Returns

Chris has asked EDS to post a link to an article on the Northwest Herald website. The article titled Basketball in the Part Returns , features Chris's efforts to raise money for cancer research. http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2008/04/20/news/local/doc480b19630a29f380258676.txt
Chris has told EDS that he is half-way to his goal and is looking forward to the event!

When: 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:00-4:00, June 21st and 22nd
Where: Emricson Park, Woodstock

Sparrow's Nest Volunteering Opportunity

EDS established a regular volunteer site at the Sparrow's Nest Resale shop in McHenry.

Since April, two volunteers have had the opportunity to work on Wednesday afternoons with EDS staff. The volunteers are asked to sort and prep the clothing for the floor. This is an excellent training opportunity for individual interested in exploring the retail work environment and testing their skill set. The volunteer shift is scheduled from 1:00 to 3:30 and we are currently taking applications for new volunteers. Let us know if you are interested!

For more information about the Sparrow's nest: http://www.h-o-s.org/index.html

Jon's Party

Yesterday, we had yet another Pizza Party to celebrate Jon and his new community job. It was an extra special success because Jon was laid off from his community job last year due company finances. But now he's back out in the community making the big bucks!

EDS is so very proud of the way Jon conducted himself over the past several months and feel that he is a great role-model for his peers. Keep up the good work!!! We wish you much success.


During the the party, EDS clients had a chance to bowl on the new Nintendo Wii system in the common area. It was awesome and so much fun!

A Little Laugh for the Day - By Terrie T.

Knock Knock!

Who's There?

Atch.

Atch who?

Bless you!

Why are movie starts so cool?

Because they have so many fans

When things go wrong, what can you always count on?

Your Fingers.

What do EDS clients do in a clock factory?

They sit and make faces all day.

A Little Laugh for the Day - By Terrie T.

EDS Cell Phone

Starting today, EDS will be at MCC on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Since the MCC classroom does not have access to a phone, we now have a dedicated EDS MCC/Community Cell Phone in place.

The number is ….815-861-6219.

Please add this number to your phonebooks.

Thanks, Rachel

Cheerleading

FIRE House All Star Cheerleading is proud to join 160+ AllStar Gyms throughout the USA in offering this very special program to some very special athletes! Program open to children and young adults, boys and girls, ages 5 – 25.


Why choose competitive cheerleading as the sport for your special needs child?

Social Interaction in a Team-Oriented, Positive Environment
Build Self-Esteem, Motivation, Work Ethic and a Sense of Belonging and Accomplishment
Practice Cognitive Skills with Dance Steps, Formations, Tumbling and Timing Exercises
Fun, Energetic Workout

Competitive cheerleading builds physical fitness, coordination, self confidence and discipline. FIRE will provide well-qualified staff dedicated to providing an enriching, rewarding and of course fun experience for your entire family!

Special Needs All Star Cheerleading Teams bring out the best in all…

According to a Harvard University professor, Allen Crocker, “this (phenomenon) has a social significance…this is a breakthrough…it is the antithesis of isolation. We all hope that our youngsters with special needs will be welcomed in activities that are part of our culture.”

The article continued by stating that, “…inclusion – or giving differently-able individuals opportunities to shine – is not about doing a favor for those who are ‘less than,’ but about opening ourselves to experiences through which encourage the release and recognition of everyone’s gifts.”

At FIRE, we are grateful for this opportunity to build a community where everyone can be an AllStar!

Practice starts in June! Join us at our Open House on June 8th to meet the staff and view our facility. To learn more, contact the FIRE House office at 815-759-1400 or Lyn Purpura at 815-651-1125 (cell) or lyn@fireallstarcheerleading.com.

Volunteering for Donut Days for the Salvation Army!
Friday June 13th
9:00-11:00

EDS clients will be outside of Wal-Mart, Jewel, and Dominick’s in McHenry.

Please dress for the weather and wear shoes comfortable to stand in for a long period of time.

After Volunteering we will be going out to lunch.

Please bring money if you wish to buy lunch.

About $10.00 should cover lunch.

Everyone will be back to Pioneer by 1:00pm.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact Britt or Rachel at 815-759-7180.

Summer At MCC -Tuesdays and Fridays

Check it out!!!

Conducting the EDS classes at the college has been a great experience for clients and staff alike. The clients have stated that they enjoy the environment and integrating with students. The staff has observed clients becoming more independent navigating the school and the cafeteria. The staff feels that the clients take class more seriously as well.

Therefore.....

EDS has added a second day at McHenry County College.

Beginning May 27th EDS will be at MCC on Tuesdays and Fridays!!!

Transportation at this time will remain the same. The clients who are finding alternative ways to MCC please continue to do so. The rest will be riding a shuttle from Pioneer to MCC at 9:30 and the back by 1:30. This will not be continuing indefinitely. Clients and families will be contacted individually about investigating other options. After looking at Pace Routes 806 & 808, there seems to be some opportunities to ride from home straight to MCC. We are also investigating a second option. Clients who can not take Pace to the college, will be shuttled from Pioneer to the Crystal Lake train station where they can take a route bus to MCC. It’s not a secret that it’s tricky to navigate the Pace system. And since this is the way most client get to and from their community jobs, it’s important to learn. We will keep you posted. Please remember if you have any questions, you can always call or email!

Please note: The Room has been change to E203.

MHB - Public Hearing

PUBLIC HEARING

The McHenry County Mental Health Board is holding
a Public Hearing in preparation for their 3-Year Plan.


The public is invited to address the Board
with their experiences regarding:

SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH:

Mental Illness
Developmental Disabilities
Chemical Dependency
Traumatic Brain Injury


DATE: May 19, 2008

TIME: 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

LOCATION: McHenry County College Conference Center
Building B — South Entrance
Crystal Lake, Illinois

Spanish speaking and American sign language interpreters will be available.

Anyone wishing to speak may register at the door between 6:15 p.m-7:00 p.m.
Written Testimony will be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL:
The McHenry County Mental Health Board
(815) 455-2828