DSC supports people in living a rich and meaningful life.
April is National Volunteer Month and as we head into the month, we would like to highlight a few of our amazing DSC volunteers. While it is impossible to individually recognize everyone, we are truly grateful for all of our volunteers and the wonderful work that you each do to benefit our agency and the people who receive our services. Thank you!!
Meet Kelli!
In June of 2019, Kelli Martin will celebrate her 19th year of employment with DSC. She is the Training Coordinator, as well as the Behavior Support Chair (BSC) and the OIG Liaison. Her role is to ensure that staff are trained according to the Department of Human Services guidelines, as well information that DSC deems important for employees to have.
Beyond Kelli’s role as an employee, she is also a volunteer, at DSC and in the community at large. She has volunteered to do many tasks at DSC fundraising events including selling tickets, working check-in and helping self-advocates to sell event merchandise.
Employees who work for a non-profit already give a lot, so it can feel like there isn’t much time or energy left to volunteer, so we asked Kelli why she continues to volunteer. “It’s fun and I like being around co-workers in an environment outside of work. Sometimes I will sign-up to volunteer alone, instead of with a friend or co-worker. This allows me the opportunity to meet people that partner with DSC. It’s great to engage with the public at events and have the opportunity to share the DSC mission. I love when they ask you what the money is going towards and I get to tell them what DSC is all about. I also don’t volunteer for everything, but pick and choose what I enjoy the most.”
As an example, Kelli helps support, or helps with The Prompting Theater at DSC, which matches her love for theater. She has also been a member of the Champaign-Urbana Junior Woman’s Club (CUJWC) since 2001. The CUJWC has a long-standing history with DSC, and their core mission involves partnering with organizations that work with women, children and people with disabilities.
Outside of Kelli’s work and volunteering activities, she likes watching and participating in theater. Her favorite way to relax is on the beach, while reading a book with a medical-themed storyline.
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!
Want to learn about adult and transition services for individuals with disabilities in Champaign County? Plan to attend this free, informational event on March 8th. No need to register. Click the link below for more information.
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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