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COMMUNITY CHOICES

monthly newsletter  //  may 2017

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT: MENTORING


Community Choices wants to recognize Sarah Demissie, Jennifer Buoy, and Eric Beasley for taking their community advocacy efforts to the next level by becoming mentors in the Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Program! Sarah, Jennifer and Eric have each been mentoring a 6th grade student with a disability at Jefferson Middle School this past semester.  Mentors and mentees meet once a week for an hour during the school year.  This is a rare opportunity for students with disabilities to receive support from an adult who can better relate to their experiences in school.  Mentoring is about building relationships of trust between a student and an adult for the purpose of providing support, encouragement, and guidance.  The goal is for relationships between mentors and mentees to continue through graduation from high school.  A well deserved congratulations to Sarah, Jennifer and Eric for demonstrating such great leadership and providing support to their student mentees!

Community Choices has received a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities to continue supporting members to be mentors in the Champaign and Urbana School Districts.  We will be reaching out to our members this summer, but you can also contact Hannah at hannah.communitychoices@gmail.com or Eric at eric.communitychoices@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more about becoming a mentor.
WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

INTRO TO TECH CLASS


This semester, five of our members from the Community Choices co-op were able to participate in our Intro to Technology class.  Our focus for this class was to support members in accessing different types of technology, learning the basic how-to's when using technology, and utilizing technology to build new practical skills.  Our student interns, Sam, Caitlin, and Nina helped teach our members to use technology to access transportation, build on healthy social interactions, and connect with safety tools.  Students learned things like: how to compose an email, use the CU-MTD app on their phones, and access emergency contacts.  We are hoping to offer this 6-week course again in the near future!  If you have any ideas for Life Skills/Personal Development Classes that you would like to see Community Choices offer, please contact Annie Bruno at annie.communitychoices@gmail.com.
THIS MONTH

TEA PARTY FUNDRAISER - MAY 21

Community Choices is excited to be hosting our 2nd Tea Party benefit!
 
When: May 21st, 2017
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Where: The Champaign Country Club
Cost: $30 Adults/$20 Kids
 
Get your tickets today: https://communitychoicesteaparty.eventbrite.com 
 
Help get the word out by liking and sharing the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1713147028987360/
 
Guests of all ages and abilities are invited to be our guest at a beautiful and beastly tea party in support of Community Choices!
 
Kids are encouraged to dress as the “Belle” or “Beast” of the ball, or other favorite characters, to enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, and delicious deserts. Characters from Beauty and the Beast will be at the event to pose for pictures and lead a singalong of your favorite songs from the movie. Local dancers and musicians will create a magical backdrop to a charming event where families can enjoy time and treats together!
 
Attendees can keep the fun going with the many family-themed raffle prizes.
 
This event is made possible with the generous support from our sponsors!
Tami Knell Counseling LTD
Broeren Russo Builders, Inc.
Beaumont Animal Clinic
Armstrong Lumber

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

THIS MONTH'S SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS:
Dinner at El Toro II
Community Choices Monthly Meeting
CC Trivia Team at Jupiter's at the Crossing
Urbana Park District Neighborhood Nights Concert


**Community Choices membership and RSVPs are required to attend social events. To discuss membership or to RSVP, contact Hannah Sheets, Membership Coordinator, at hannah.communitychoices@gmail.com or 217-621-1090.

MONTHLY MEETING

TOPIC:
"Home and Community Based Services:  What the New Rule Means for Us"

Description:  New federal rules on Home and Community Based Services have wide implications for community services for people with disabilities funded through Medicaid.  These rules tell the states what must be in their Home and Community Based Service system plans and rules by March 17, 2019.  While these new rules will impact the way CILA services are provided, they will also impact how we think about home based supports and services such as employment, self determination, human rights, and issues such as guardianship and supported decision making.

Presenter: Paul Blobaum - ARC Board Member

As always,our monthly meetings are free and open to the public. We hope to see you there! 

DATE: Thursday, May 11th
TIME: 7:00-8:30pm
LOCATION: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2200 Philo Rd., Urbana, IL
 
 






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Community Choices · 44 E Main, Suite 419 · Champaign, Il 61820 · USA

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