Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham County 377 Board has agreed to renew their 3 year agreement with Community Support Systems (CSS), a program that helps special needs kids coming out of high school become part of the workforce and assist them in numerous other ways. CSS contracts with the Illinois Department of Human Services to help provide support for individuals with developmental disabilities in Effingham County.
The State services are limited to those who are awarded funding through the Medicaid Waiver system. This program is to help those who do NOT qualify for the state Medicaid Waiver system. At this time, CSS provides support services to 18 individuals. CSS anticipates no less than 20 individuals will need support in the coming years.
The Board also gave a small presentation about Kendall (pictured below).
Kendall is a young man who graduated from Teutopolis High School a few years ago. After graduation, he and his parents were a little unsure about the next steps to take. They had signed up for State funded services and were put on the ‘PUNS’ waiting list. They attempted to find Kendall a job, but were unsuccessful. That is when they turned to Community Support Systems. With Effingham County 377 funding, Kendall was able to attend facility-based programming at CSS where he was able to earn a paycheck and learn valuable job skills. Soon, Kendall met with a job coach, who learned that he loves George Strait, Ford Trucks, and Honda four wheelers. With support from that job coach, paid for by funding from 377, Kendall soon had a job at Werhle Bros Honda in Teutopolis where he has been working for over 2 years.
The 377 Board is comprised of 5 members, Gerald ‘Jerry’ Jansen, Sandra Gillet, Faith Griffin, Natalie Bailey, and Board Chair Michael Tate. Faith was absent from today’s meeting.
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