DSC supports people in living a rich and meaningful life.
Throughout the month of May, we are honoring our DSC Moms!!! All of you do so much each and every day, and we want to take this opportunity to share some of the inspirational moments and the challenges that you have faced. Happy Mother’s Day! We celebrate you!
Meet Kathy!
Throughout the month of May, we are honoring our DSC Moms!!! All of you do so much each and every day, and we want to take this opportunity to share some of the inspirational moments and the challenges that you have faced. Happy Mother’s Day! We celebrate you!
We had the opportunity to sit down for a visit with Kathy Kearney-Grobler, Mike Kearney’s older sister. She was selected to be featured as one of our Mother’s Day stories this year because she has been greatly involved in her brother’s care, since the passing of her parents in 2006.
Mike and Kathy grew up together in Kentucky. Kathy is 10 years older and Mike is the youngest of the four siblings. Mike was diagnosed with a heart defect at birth, but then at the age of 29, he had a stroke that resulted in 3-month hospital stay. Mike is lucky to have survived, but he lost some of his language use, though his comprehension abilities are still good.
Their father was involved with DSC’s golf fundraiser and encouraged Mike to help too. Together, they participated in other events, such as selling donuts to raise funds for organizations like DSC and Special Olympics. “We made a lot of money,” Mike told us.
After their parents passed away, Mike spent 50% of his time with his brother Pat’s family, and the other 50% with Kathy. Their sister in-law was instrumental in helping Mike get involved with social activities at DSC during Mike’s working years, while they all lived in the Champaign area. Then, about three years ago, Mike’s brother and his family moved to Florida. At that time, it seemed best for Mike to move in full-time with Kathy and her husband where he currently resides.
“Retirement for my husband hasn’t looked exactly like he’d originally planned,” Kathy said. “My husband is a God-send and a real trooper.” Mike travels with the couple now and he has his own room in a condo wherever they go. “We’ve been to California, Florida, Hilton Head and Hawaii,” Mike said. They have plans to travel to Colorado together later this summer, to visit with one of Mike’s longtime friends.
Mike is 57 now, and doesn’t always feel up to activities or work. “DSC has been wonderful in helping us adjust and understand this season of life for Mike. Mike is not a complainer, he is always happy, ” said Kathy. “I like to be thankful for everything. My sister is nice to be with. She is fun,” Mike said.
When the family isn’t traveling, Kathy and Mike try to visit the library every Saturday and Mike loves to go to Culver’s.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Moms, including guardians and caregivers!!
C-U in the Prairibbean and C-U Oktoberfest are already in the making for this year, and we would be sad if you didn't have them on your calendar. Whether it's a Caribbean themed party, or Bavarian pretzels and beer, we've got you covered! This year the dates are as follows:
C-U in the Prairibbean: August 3rd, 2019
C-U Oktoberfest: October 5th, 2019
Be on the lookout in the future for more information, but for now, Social and Prost!
Click below to enjoy the latest issue of the DSC Community News newsletter!
Safety Care for Families is a workshop that is designed to provide family members with a basic set of prevention skills for working with individuals who have developmental differences and exhibit challenging behaviors. For more information, please click the link below.
DSC and Community Choices are collaborating through the creation of LEAP (Leaders Employing All People) to advance the Employment First initiative.
Rockwell Automation was one of our first LEAP trained businesses, and when asked why they decided to become LEAP trained, Ms.Marty Miner, Senior Human Resource Representative, shared, “It’s just the right thing to do.” In working to make Champaign County an even more disability inclusive community, we are offering businesses to receive this training through the hiring, or interest in hiring, people with disabilities. For more information about LEAP contact Jamika Smith Employment First/LEAP Coordinator at 356-9176 or jsmith@dsc-illinois.org.
Congratulations to Ace Hardware Store for becoming LEAP certified!
LEAP stands for Leaders in Employing All People and is a free, 1-hr training offered to employers to educate them on best practices for employing a person with a disability in their business. DSC offers a variety of educational resources and tools to employers. If you’d like more information, contact DSC Employment First/LEAP Coordinator, Jamika Smith at jsmith@dsc-illinois.org or 217-356-9176.
Well we have just the thing for you! DSC Business Operations center recycles all kinds of cardboard and paper - including magazines, catalogs, office paper, etc. - as part of our effort to keep the environment clean and financially support DSC's programs. (We do not accept books at this time).
You can bring your recyclable paper to DSC’s Business Operations at 3102 W Clark Rd in Champaign, 8am—4pm, M-F. From Duncan, turn west onto Clark Rd (just north of Springfield). Turn right to go behind DSC’s Business Operations facility to drop off your items at the back loading dock door.
Our staff strives to provide quality supports and services to consumers, their families, and fellow employees each and every day and they deserved to be recognized for their exemplary work!
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