Barbara Rinella Returns

3rd Annual
Holiday Luncheon &
Book Review
Presenting Barbara Rinella
Book Dramatist

Join us: Monday, December 8, 2008 11:30 a.m. Social Hour ~ 12:15 p.m. Lunch Served
12:45 p.m. Presentation
D’Andrea Banquets & Conference Center
Rte. 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois

Tickets: $35
For more information call 815.759.7144
On-Line registration at www.pioneercenter.org

2008 Book Review Benefits
Horticultural Therapy at Pioneer
The Mental Health Division at Pioneer will soon include horticultural therapy, using plants, gardening activities, and the natural world in professional
therapy and rehabilitation programs.

A small insignificant seed or humble seedling can prosper, giving hope and joy and a feeling of accomplishment.

5th Annual Transition Resource Fair

The 5th Annual Transition Resource Fair

Friday, November 14th, 2008

McHenry County College

Building B-Commons Area

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Agencies serving McHenry County will be present to provide information and transition resources. There is NO cost to attend.

Sponsored by the McHenry County Transition Planning Committee, Pioneer Center for Human Services, and Family CARE Project

Please direct questions to Jeannine Bolton

815-790-2545 or jbolton@sedom.org

Come join us. TOGETHER we can make a difference.

More on Budget Cuts

We need you all to call again, ask friends family anyone to log into a phone call. He must restore the cuts!!! As you may have heard yesterday, a Governor’s spokesperson said the Governor does not plan to restore budget cuts until he is sure the spending plan can withstand an economic slide. The reality is the Funds Sweep bill (SB 790) that the Governor already signed into law provides enough funding, readily available to restore cuts to community services and has nothing to do with the economy, at this time. All the Governor needs to do is sign the Supplemental Appropriations bill (SB 1103) into law and there would be funding to restore our cuts. As we previously reported, the Governor’s office has been signaling for over a month that the Governor might sign the Funds Sweep bill into law and then see how much money could be swept out of dedicated funds before he decided what to do with the Supplemental Appropriations bill. We view this most recent statement about whether the state spending plan can withstand an economic slide to be nothing short of a political statement aimed at putting restoration of funding for community services in jeopardy again. We were previously assured by the Governor’s office that restoring cuts to community services remained a top priority. However, with the first round of cuts (DD program rate cuts) for community services slated for November 1, 2008 quickly approaching, we must make our strongest effort yet to urge the Governor to immediately sign the Supplemental Appropriations bill (SB 1103) into law. We need you to call the Governor at 217-782-6830 in Springfield and 312-814-2121 in Chicago. Cuts to community services begin November 1, 2008. We cannot wait for the Governor to take action! Urge the Governor to immediately sign the Supplemental Appropriations bill (SB 1103) into law to restore cuts to community services back to annualized FY 2008 levels. Lorraine Kopczynski, President/CEO , Pioneer Center for Human Services, 4001 Dayton Street McHenry, IL 60050, Phone: (815) 759-7056 , Fax: (815) 344-3815

The Halloween Party Question

We have been asked repeatedly, "Are we having a Halloween Party?"

The answer is NO! EDS is not organizing a Halloween party. We are scheduled to attend class like usual at McHenry County College on October 31st.

However, when we return from the college, you may choose to crash the DT party in the common area if you'd like. (Please note: it is not necessary to wear a costume).

Top Sales Award Goes to....

The AIM (Advocates in Motion) Halloween Candy is SOLD OUT!

Way to go Everyone! As a group, you have $150 dollars to use for your Self-Advocacy Activities.

Congratulations to Geoff for being the Top Seller. Geoff sold 75 suckers all on his own. He received a $5.00 gift card to McDonald's for his effort. Way to go.

EDS Presented to IARF

As most of you know, Jason and I presented the EDS program to the folks attending the IARF conference on Wednesday. What's IARF you ask?

IARF is short for the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

This photo was taken on Wednesday just after our 2 hour presentation. I have to admit, that I was very nervous to speak to a room full of people. But I reminded myself, that I expect good communication from all the EDS clients, so I better step it up!

I honestly had a lot of fun telling other agencies, like Pioneer, your success stories. I told them about the classes your taking, how you go to MCC, how you volunteer with us and on your own... and yes, THE PARTY BALLS!!!!

The best part of the conference was watching our own Pioneer President & CEO, Lorraine Kopczyncki, received her BIG award. Make sure you read the blog all about it!!!!

Eventhough it was fun, I'm happy to be back! Rachel

Lorraine's Award

At the IARF conference yesterday Lorraine was the recipient of The Don Burke Award for Executive Excellence. This is awarded in recognition of the standard set by Don during his career as executive of Crosspoint Human Services. He always had as his personal and professional mission to provide excellent services in an environment that respected and honored staff and consumers for their abilities.

The Don Burke Award for Executive Excellence is presented each year to an individual who has displayed outstanding leadership within their organization. Nominated individuals should have made an impact in the human service field by their commitment and contributions.

Lorraine Kopczynski, President & CEO of Pioneer Center for Human Services has been advocating on the behalf of people with disabilities since she began her career at Pioneer Center in 1986 as a case worker. She has worked her way through the ranks as program manager, program director, associate director, chief operating officer, and finally in July 2005 being appointed President/CEO, while completing her master’s degree during this time.

Lorraine has been the voice for people with disabilities in McHenry County for over 22 years. She has been involved by combating the lack of governmental supports for people with disabilities by participating in numerous campaigns, committees, and other organizations that promote fairness, equal opportunity, and to encourage people with disabilities to have a voice of their own.

Under Lorraine’s leadership Pioneer Center has changed its name and expanded services to serve a broader population of people. With a new name of “Pioneer Center for Human Services” Lorraine moved forward to add new programs and services. Lorraine adopted the ‘Voice’ program, the only certified Sexual Assault Services program in McHenry County and McHenry County’s largest provider of homeless services, McHenry County PADS, which are both now under the Pioneer Center for Human Services umbrella. As a result of the recent program additions, the client numbers have increased from 1300 to over 1700 people annually.

The award can be seen in the reception area of P. West. Please congratulate Lorraine next time you see her!

Monday and Tuesday!

Yes, Pioneer Center IS open on Monday October 13th, Columbus Day. Report on Monday, business as usual.

However MCC is closed on Tuesday October 14th, so all clients should report to Pioneer Center!

And to all of you Canadians, Happy Thanksgiving!

No MCC on Tuesday Oct. 14th

EDS Will NOT be going to MCC on Tuesday Oct. 14th. The college will be closed. We will resume classes at MCC on Friday Oct. 17th.

The Book Fair is Back!

Mark Your Calendar
The Book Fair is Back!
Pioneer will once again be hosting our bi-annual
Book Fair
October 30th 9:00-2:00
Training Room P. West
Get a Jump start on Holiday Gifts!

Remember that a portion of all sales comes back to Pioneer.

Letter to a Mom

A EDS client just lost his mother and has asked to post this letter to her.

Dear Mom,

I want to let you know that I love you a lot and thank you taking me in your home. And I thank you for raising me as your own son. You always took care of me since I was 8 months old and then for 22 years. You were my comfort when thing were rough. When I needed to talk to somebody, you listened. We would read bible verses together which made me feel good. We would sing songs together on the couch before bed. We sang, “The Good Old Gospel Train” do you remember? Mom, I want to let you know that I will do my best for you. I want to let you know that one day Mom I will see you in heaven when you can take care of me again.
Love, Your Son

Treasures & Trimmings Craft Fair

It seems the holiday season starts earlier and earlier!

It's already time for us to start advertising the Pioneer's Client Craft Fair.

The fair will be on November 14th from 9:30 to 1:00.

The proceeds will go directly back to the clients for their activity funds.

Immunizations

October 3, 2008
Dear Parents and Families,

Once again Pioneer is providing an opportunity to have you family member to receive their annual flu shot at Pioneer Center. A pneumonia shot will also be available, keep in mind those are given once every 5 years.

We are sending home a form that should be filled out and returned no later than October 27, 2008. If I can be helpful in answering questions you may call me at 815-759-7248.
If their insurance is Medi-care or Medi-caid there is no cost to you. If you don’t receive either, the flu shot is $20.00, the pneumonia is $40.00. Cash or checks will be accepted, make the check out to Dominick’s Pharmacy.

Keep in mind that side effects do occur in individuals receiving immunizations. Mild pain in the arm, low grade fever, and muscle aches may occur. Rest, Tylenol, and fluids should relieve the symptoms. Should symptoms get worse, or you have concerns you should call your Dr.
Hopefully we will all have a healthy winter season.

Thank you,
Sarah Walker RN
Nurse Manager
Pioneer Center for Human Services

EDS attends the Dare to Dream Workshop

Thurs. Oct. 2nd and Friday Oct. 3rd Pioneer hosted a Dare to Dream workshop. At this workshop clients discussed their Dreams and some of the "bricks" they may run into trying to achieve these Dreams.

"It was very interesting. They were telling everybody that even people with disablities can do what everybody else can. I learned people that have disablities can accomplish their dreams."
-Terrie T.

"I'm happy with it. I learned about myself and my dreams and people that can listen and help me with it. "
-Terri H.

"I learned that you can have more dreams, then if you have a brick wall in your wall your dream is harder to see."
-Geoff

"I was nervous to say what my dream was in front of the whole group. I realized that I have dream cheerleaders!"
-Anonomous

"I think it was the best workshop."
-Kevin S.

"Its the first time I ve ever been to a workshop with the group. I learned that a brick wall can block your dreams away, but I have to push the block away from me and then my dreams will come true."
-Wayne

"It was a wonderful workshop."
-Kim

"I thought it was a nice and helpful workshop."
-Tony

"My mom said I need to accomplish my Dreams and believe in myself."

-Sean G.

"To meet Dewayne Wade"

-Ben

Chicago Baseball

The state of the economy may be in the dumps, but let’s focus on the positive.

This is the first time since 1906 that both the Cubs and White Sox have been in the playoffs at the same time!

Let’s celebrate by wearing the colors or the jersey of your favorite team on Friday, October 3rd!

AIM Fundraiser

Starting TODAY
the AIM group (Advocates in Motion) will be selling
chocolate SUCKERS in the break room
from 10am to 10:15 am and again @ 12:00pm to 12:45pm
until October 31 2008!!!!!!!

They are selling for $1.00.

Bouns Deal: 6 for $5.00