Creating a sense of home while helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live successfully in their communities is the goal for LSSI’s 10 group homes across Illinois.
Collaboration with community organizations strengthens this goal. One example: LSSI’s Sterling Group Home has a long-time partnership with Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with special needs.
Sterling Group Home residents participate in Community Day Services there, where they learn new skills and can socialize. Many clients also secure employment through Self Help.
Self Help, also in Sterling, hosts an annual banquet recognizing participants for membership anniversaries and accolades such as most respectful, best team player, and nicest to peers.
Sterling Group Home residents, their families, friends, and staff attended the event. Recently, four Sterling Group Home residents received awards for dedicated years of service, MVP of the Year, and significant membership anniversaries.
Sterling Group Home resident Bryan received a service anniversary award for 40 years of membership. When they announced his award, Bryan jumped out of his seat, hands waving triumphantly in the air. Bryan’s pride and excitement illustrates that the partnerships LSSI shares with other community organizations help group home residents thrive.
“There’s evidence that holding a regular job and attending day services to build skills and having good social interaction are so beneficial,” said LSSI Program Director Johnnisha Golden. “It was great to share that moment.
