Tag Archives: Alton

Community Relations, Grassroots

Illinois Must Do Better: Supporting Our Disabled Citizens

As the CEO of Challenge Unlimited, I see firsthand the challenges faced by the disabled community in Illinois.

My message to the Illinois General Assembly is simple: “Let’s do better.”

Let’s do better for the estimated 300,000 Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. The State has responded based on the advocacy work of our providers to support a year after year after year dollar-an-hour increase for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide community-based support — helping people with IDD with daily tasks like getting ready for work, eating meals, take medication, and have a good quality of life.

Yet, Illinois lags behind, ranking 46th among states and the District of Columbia in funding for community-based services. This isn’t just disappointing; it’s unsustainable. Can’t we aspire to at least reach the national average?  Don’t Illinoisans deserve that?

I applaud the state for raising the minimum wage; however, commensurate wages have not been provided to DSPs who are supporting people with IDD to be active community members across all Medicaid waiver programs. These professionals support individuals with IDD and their roles demand, knowledge, skill, and compassion, which are invaluable to the families they serve.

While I commend the state and acknowledge strides in raising the minimum wage, it’s crucial that wage adjustments for DSPs are aligned accordingly and commensurate wages have not been provided to DSPs who are supporting people with IDD to be active community members across all Medicaid waiver programs.

These jobs require a level of knowledge, experience, skill, professionalism, and compassion that is valuable to the families of the individuals we care for.

Without action this spring, DSP wages will have only risen 37 cents more than minimum wage over the last five years. This is insufficient given their responsibilities and the professional skills they bring to their roles. Let’s not wait any longer.

The seven state institutions are well-funded, but the trend and preference clearly lean towards community-based living. This country has made tremendous strides in deinstitutionalizing individuals living with disabilities by integrating them into neighboring communities. It is time for Illinois to continue to lead by example, advocating for modernization and improved funding for community services that support our most vulnerable populations. This will take the ongoing support and investment from the State of IL into a fragile community system and prevent any further deterioration.

Advocates — please call your legislators today. Tell them what you’re going through. And urge them to do better.

Community Relations

Local Artist Finds a Home for the Holidays: Tunstell Griffin’s Inspirational Journey 

Picture yourself in your sixties, having never known the warmth of a place to call your own. A haven to express your true self, a retreat after a hectic workday, a space to unwind, cook for friends, and host gatherings. Now, imagine a heartening twist of fate – Tunstell Griffin, a local artist, and Residential Options Celebrity, not only discovered a home for his artistry but also a place to call his own, just in time for the holidays. 

His story starts out with grief, the loss of his parents and younger sister at an early age, and unfortunately like many young black men lacking a support system, follows with an incarceration. Tunstell’s pursuit has been intertwined with his life at Residential Options, a local non-profit and affiliate of Challenge Unlimited, since December 2006. Tunstell received over 16 years of invaluable support. This program became the catalyst for his growth, offering services that encompassed financial education, medical guidance, and the essential skills needed for independent living. His journey, marked by unwavering dedication to his craft and triumph over personal challenges, recently reached a milestone as he was finally ready to move into his own apartment. 

For the past 16 years, Tunstell’s artistic pursuit has been interwoven with his life at Residential Options. This program became the catalyst for Tunstell’s growth, providing invaluable support in financial education, medical guidance, and the essential skills for independent living. 

About a year ago, Tunstell, guided by his treatment team, acknowledged the strides he had taken and declared himself near graduation from the program. During his discharge meeting, emotions soared as Tunstell, with tears in his eyes, expressed profound gratitude. “I appreciate everything ya’ll have done for me; it’s because of ya’ll that I got this apartment,” he said. 

Not long ago, Tunstell grappled with uncertainties about living independently. Yet, with the support of Residential Options’ staff, he overcame self-doubt. What once was fear has transformed into confidence and pride as he steps into this new phase of life. 

While a hint of nervousness lingers about the unknown, Tunstell is resolute and confident in his newfound independence. He recognizes that Residential Options will always be a part of his journey, maintaining connections with former housemates and eagerly planning to attend holiday gatherings. 

As Tunstell settles into his new home, he remains committed to his artistic passion, continuing to create and paint. Looking ahead, he is eager to find a new job near his home, showcasing his resilience and determination. 

Tunstell holds a Home Sweet Home sign that he recieved as a gift from Residential Options Staff
Tunstell holds a Home Sweet Home sign that he received as a gift from Residential Options Staff

Tunstell’s story is not merely one of artistic triumph; it is also a testament to the transformative impact of support programs in our community. This holiday season, as Tunstell infuses his new space with creativity and determination, his story stands as an inspiration for others, emphasizing the strength found in pursuing one’s passions and the profound significance of having a place to call home. 

Community Relations

Challenge Unlimited and Knights of Columbus Join Forces to Support Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Individuals are pictured in from of a Blue banner with Challenge Unlimited Logo
Pictured from left to right: John Becker, CU Vice President of Programs, Mark Droste, Knights or Columbus Alton Council 460, Andy Esterer, Executive Vice President of Finance

The Knights of Columbus annually hosts their “Tootsie Roll” Drive fundraiser. They organize and coordinate the event and distribute the funds raised to provide much needed support to local organizations who provide services and quality-of-life programming for people living with intellectual  and developmental disabilities.

This is a statewide fundraiser that has been going on for many years and it also helps to raise awareness, advocacy, the importance of diversity and inclusion for everyone.  Each year, the staff and clients from Challenge Unlimited, and other organizations volunteer to support the event and receive a portion of the funds.

Partnerships with local organizations like the Knights of Columbus Council 460, Illinois are so important to our mission. Today representative, Mark Droste, stopped in and presented a check from the 2022 fundraiser to our Executive Vice President of Finance, Andy Esterer and Vice President of Programs, John Becker.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Knights for your generous donation of $3,500. These funds will be used to support our programming for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year to increase the opportunities we can provide for the individuals that we serve.