Staff will complete outreach to high school professionals and families in Champaign County before IEP meetings, providing information about Transition Consultant Services. Staff will attend scheduled events in the community to engage underserved populations, providing the opportunity for preference assessment. Online survey opportunities and focus groups will also be modes used to gather data from individuals about their I/DD service preferences.

CCRPC will compile this data to provide to CCMHB/CCDDB to inform future funding decisions and assist providers with developing services base on consumer input. CCRPC will provide conflict-free person-centered planning and case management services to eligible individuals. Capacity for this program will be limited to 120 individuals to ensure quality of services provided. Persons served throughout the Decision Support Person Centered Planning Program must not have DHS Medicaid Waiver funding. CCRPC will provide services to individuals in this program until notification that Award Letter for Medicaid-Waiver funding has been received.

Dual Diagnosis Case Manager will meet with dually diagnosed persons to provide case management in home or community setting. The case manager will utilize evidence-based approaches, such as motivational interviewing to increase service engagement. Case Manager will work with clients on development/achievement of desired goals. Finally, case manager will be knowledgeable of Developmental Disability and Mental Health resources within the community and work closely with providers to make referrals as appropriate for individuals.

Services are chosen by the participant after an in-depth planning process that identifies the ideal community-based living arrangements and the needs critical to making that possible.

Personalized supports are available in the domains of HOUSING, SKILLS, CONNECTIONS, RESOURCE COORDINATION, BENEFITS AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT, HEALTH, DAILY LIFE COORDINATION, AND COMPREHENSIVE HOME-BASED SUPPORT (HBS) ADMINISTRATION.

After the planning process participants and their families, if involved, are able to choose one of three tracks of support:

1) Family-Driven Support: Families are able to use our planning process as a starting point for their fully self-directed community living model.

2)Sustained Community Supports - Ala Carte Services: Individuals can choose as many or few specific services and supports in any of the domains on a short or long term basis. These could include routine support such as health management, or short-term skill building support such as 1:1 bus training, or cooking.

3)HBS Basic Self-Direction Assistance (SDA): Individuals with state-funded HBS may choose an SDA to aid in the basic management of their personal support workers. (Paid for through Waiver Funding)

Program Design - Support will be provided by a team up to 5 times per week.

Personal Development Classes: Stand-Alone classes are held on topics such as cooking, transportation, community and home safety, friendship building, and others.

FAMILY SUPPORT AND EDUCATION: Community Choices is intentional about educating families on the service system, helping people support each other, and advocating for improved services. CC offers public quarterly resource meetings, community parties where families can gather informally, and a family support group aimed at providing strategies and community connection. Finally, CC provides individual consultation for families during times of transition or challenge.

LEADERSHIP AND SELF-ADVOCACY: Adults with disabilities are in need of opportunities to learn and demonstrate self-determination and self-advocacy skills. Community Choices will offer 1 Leadership Class, a Human Rights & Advocacy Group, facilitation of ongoing projects and opportunities

BUILDING COMMUNITY: Community Choices offers options for adults with disabilities to discover what type of engagement they enjoy having with others, and interests they’d like to pursue. CC will offer the following ways for members with I/DD to build community:

Social Opportunities: Adults with I/DD can explore their communities through CC organized events.

Urban Explorers: Opportunities for adults with I/DD to access and participate in their community with ongoing support from CC staff. Two, 6 week sessions will be offered during the year.

Community Coaching: 1:1 personalized support to build the skills, develop the focus, and engage in the steps needed to build and sustain relationships and community connections. This can include support for:

Social Skills Development

Tech Training

Interest Exploration

Individual and group connections

Cooperative Facilitation: Management of resources to build cooperative communities, including member online platforms, individual membership connections, and the dissemination of coop news and opportunities.

Because of the community-based, progressive nature of our services, we need staff who can handle challenging situations, develop creative solutions, and work independently to provide each of our members support. This is not possible without a committed and seasoned staff. We are finding these individuals more and more difficult to attract, while feeling increased competition with positions at other organizations and employers that pay more money for less challenging work.

This funding would allow us to offer the following:

NEW HIRE BONUSES - In order to attract and hire well qualified staff in a timely manner, we would offer a $500 bonus to all new employees who successfully complete their training and 90 day probationary period.

RETENTION BONUSES - In order to retain our high performing employees, current staff would be eligible for a quarterly bonus of $500 for maintaining their good-standing, active employment, which includes ongoing professional development applicable to their individual positions.

TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION AND TRAINING: A dedicated staff person will manage, schedule, and train participants on the use of our transportation options as well as existing options (MTD, Uber, Lyft, etc) and the additional tools, technologies, and apps that can make those options safer and more accessible.

PERSONALIZED DRIVER SERVICES: Community Choices drivers will be available from 8am-8pm on weekdays to provide scheduled rides to members according to their needs and preferences. Rides can be set up (at a minimum the day prior) with the Transportation Coordinator for work, routine errands, appointments, community events, trips to meet friends, or any other activity desired by the person.

1:1 rides will be provided by Community Choices staff, known to members, in passenger vehicles typical to those used by the general population. The cost-free rides will be door to door with personalized reminders/arrival confirmations according to the person’s needs. Additional group rides will also be made available for Community Choices structured events. Rides will be tracked using a voucher system where each member will have access to a set number of rides each month, with additional vouchers available if certain life events occur, such as obtaining a new job, experiencing an increased medical need, or a change in support from a primary support person etc.

• Staff Support Specialist; priorities for this position would include staff training and dedicated resources to improve behavioral supports and enhance participant engagement;

• Counseling assessment and planning; individual, family, and group counseling; crisis response/intervention, short-term, long-term counseling; in person and telehealth options available.

• Initial/annual psychiatric assessment, quarterly medication review; Individual Planning consultation (included as a component of consultants’ billed service); in person and telehealth options available.

• Psychological assessment, including new prospective participants whose eligibility must be established or re-established periodically, and for those whose level of functioning may have changed;

• New for FY 25 - Occupational Therapy assessment and planning; OT assessment to support an individual and their team with functional adaptations and activities, sensory regulation options to decrease maladaptive behaviors, and environmental modification suggestions to enable the person to lead a more fulfilling life.

• DSC seeks clinicians and options beyond the consultants enlisted to support people seeking/receiving services and state funding is maximized prior to use of county funding, which may be reflected by person or by service.

• Resume development: Interview preparation and support; contact with potential employers; soft skills education and practice.

• Application process/follow-up: Traditional and non-traditional approaches are used to foster success. Job developers may introduce the person to employers to support personal connection. An employer is often more likely to hire someone they have made a connection with rather than through typical application comparison.

• You’re hired!: Job orientation, skill acquisition including transportation, mastery of specific job responsibilities, potential accommodations, adaptive tools, development of natural supports with supervisor and coworkers.

• On-going job coaching: advocacy, development of self-advocacy skills, identification of potential new responsibilities or promotions, monitoring environment for potential risks to job security; identify and facilitate natural supports to promote long-term success.

• Supported Employment: establish volunteer/paid work options for a wide range of people including those with significant support needs; increase people’s skills in work preparedness; create niches for a small group of people within local businesses.

• Employment Plus: Employment Plus addresses work/life balance. Planned get-togethers function as a peer support forum. Topics and activities will be driven by those in attendance.

CCDDB funding covers these functions unless the person is in open plan with the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services.

This program continues to be propelled by participants with DSPs creating opportunities aligned with participant input, drawing and expanding from their experiences, or learning alongside those requesting a particular group offering. Exposure to new experiences are as ambitious and diverse as those who are choosing to participate. A few examples include Nikkeijin Illinois, multifaceted stories of Japanese immigrants and their descendants; Paintings of Hope, Syrian-American exhibit intended to reflect the interconnectedness of cultures; Violins of Hope, a collection of surviving violins from the Holocaust; Bronzeville to Harlem Exhibit, Stories of American Immigration, Hope and Opportunity, Freedom, and the Struggle for Equality.

· Life: Skills needed to live independently may include cooking, cleaning, shopping, dietary/exercise support, hygiene, self-medication, safety, communication and technology, and intermittent crisis support.

· Health and Wellness: Medical support related to scheduling/attending annual, routine, and unplanned appointments due to illness/injury; sharing accurate information with medical providers/family members; securing/monitoring medications; and education/advocacy is available. The Health Advocate position provides enhanced support for those with emerging medical needs and concerns.

· Community: access and participation in social, leisure and hobby activities; MTD/transportation exploration and training; self-advocacy; securing/moving to a new home. Community Experiences are group community activities chosen by the participants, are offered for those who choose to attend. Learning about community events and how to plan to attend are some of the skills introduced/supported for participants to become more adept at navigating plans on their own in the future.

· Financial: Support/training related to balancing checkbooks, paying bills, saving/spending money responsibly, budgeting, taxes, and banking are examples of supported activities. Some people opt for more formal support with CLP serving as representative payee. Responsible saving and spending is a common area of need.

· Emergency/Crisis: Response system for after hours and weekends is provided.

· Technology: The use of telehealth, accessing electronic medical records, online banking, apps to refill medications, and apps for transportation with and without staff support. Training in safety precautions in using such technology is also provided. Additional support is offered as individuals express interest in using technology to meet other personal or social needs.

Creativity remains a modem for personal growth and life enrichment for many people. While there is no requirement for the artists to sell their work, it is an interest and source of pride and income among many. The space is eclectic, deriving ideas, style, or taste, from a broad and diverse range of sources. The Crow encourages people to be creative and offers a welcoming venue for various events. Groups and classes requested by program participants have included:

• Card-making

• Soap, wax melts, and candle making

• Painting – such as pop art, folk art, still life, and landscapes,

• Digital art, recycle art, studio art, comic art, anime and Manga drawing, fiber art, pottery, photography, photoshop, crochet/knit/sew, graphic design

• Poetry, expressive writing, song writing, ballet, theater

• Alternative employment opportunities via sale of artwork, cards, soap, candles, wax melts, T-shirts, canvas bags, wood crafts, etc. personally made by participants

• On-site events to promote collaboration and a venue for like-minded community artists such as the Boneyard Arts Festival and a Taylor Swift bracelet-making event

• Outreach and incentive for the business community promoting inclusion and prioritizing employment for people with disabilities. Through the LEAP (Leaders Employing All People) presentation and the offered frontline staff trainings, businesses learn about the benefits of inclusive employment and the host of services available when hiring individuals with I/DD. The LEAP program continues to offer these presentations in person, virtually and pre-recorded.

• The Champaign County Directory of Disability-Inclusive Employers is a newer endeavor which reflects and promotes businesses identified as inclusive. This Directory’s purpose is to serve as a means of identifying employers who wish to hire qualified individuals with disabilities; serve as resource for those seeking employment to identify local businesses who may currently be hiring and want to hire qualified individuals with disabilities; and to be a learning platform, providing employer education in a self-directed manner through the resources on this website which can also be facilitated by program representatives. Directory – Champaign County Directory of Disability-Inclusive Employers (leapdirectory-cu.org)

• Advocacy and ongoing dialogue with various agencies such as the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), local Rotaries and Chambers of Commerce as well as continuing to research the national progress of the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) to further employment opportunities for those with developmental disabilities.

Additionally, this program solicits input from adults interested in expanding their knowledge, skills, and interests in areas such as human rights, sexuality, and advocacy. Advocates have been able to explore their interests and expand their roles in these areas with increased engagement, empowerment, and community involvement. Many have expressed a desire for more opportunities both in person and virtually. Advocates have stated they want to learn more about advocacy at the local and state level and they are looking for training opportunities to build upon their skills in speaking to other advocates, local boards, students, and legislators.

An array of services is described below which result in varied degrees of intensive supports:

• Intake screening for a variety of potential services available through DSC

• Advocacy: supporting skill development or advocating on behalf of an individual/guardian

• Medical support: routine and intense situational or emergency assistance

• Crisis intervention: unexpected illness/injury, avoiding eviction, assisting with urgent financial circumstances such as loss of benefits or employment

• 24-hour on-call emergency support

• Referral and collaboration with other providers

• Linkage to services: initial and ongoing maintenance of financial supports to include applying for DHS/Medicaid Programs, including, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program); Medical Card/QMB Medical; Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities

• Apply for SSDI/SSI including: complete and update extensive paperwork; obtain medical records; secure documentation for diagnoses eligibility; assist individuals/families with interviews and SSA appointments; maintain eligibility (assets, wages, maximum allowable wages); complete interviews/redeterminations; coordinate and assist with Medicare eligibility and sign-up; apply for and maintain enrollment in “Extra Help”; Representative Payee support; complete yearly reports; maintain records and files of all money spent; access tax professionals for filing federal and state taxes

• Legal Support: assist families with Special Needs Trust, Able Accounts, Power of Attorney, Supported Decision Making, guardianship, and support with various court proceedings

• Housing support: Assist with Housing Authority and Permanent Supportive Housing applications; support locating safe affordable housing; assist with lease signings; coordinate/assist with moving; yearly LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) enrollment for individuals

• Long term care search, referral and transition support

Membership - National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) membership and associated benefits to advance professionalizing the field; NADSP Membership encompasses a national movement to elevate the status of Direct Support Professionals by establishing an interconnected network of DSPs, Frontline Supervisors, self-advocates, family members, human service organizations, healthcare professionals, social workers, statewide groups, national associations, and more. Membership extended to all staff and includes exclusive access to information, resources, and training to improve the knowledge and skill set of the DSP workforce.

Professional Development – If funded as requested, continued access to training for DSPs will include sending two staff to the annual National NADSP conference demonstrating an investment in staff that can have a positive impact on staff retention. One NADSP training will occur each year to invite/include all direct support staff; Feedback from DSPs – appreciation for the investment in staff development and improved quality of services for those they support.

Hiring/New Employee Bonuses – Propose the continuation to incentivize new employees by recognizing their completion of training, with a $400 bonus as each employee completes required training. The new hire bonus has proven a successful hiring tool, elevating the starting salary with new employee and retention bonus eligibility.

Retention Bonuses – Retention bonuses offered as incentive to keep key employees in knowingly stressful positions. DSP feedback references being valued, and appreciated, as well as incremental bonuses to offset lower than desired salaries. Proposing $400 quarterly bonuses per employee in September, December, March and June in recognition of the challenges of a compromised work force and compensated for the long-term effects of high turnover and frequent vacancies – total $1,600 per employee per year.

The contract will fund the PSW registry and active recruitment. To add PSWs to the registry, they would need to attend a PSW orientation in person, online, and/or over the phone. The contract will fund associated services to assist in recruitment.

The PSW registry provides an opportunity for consumers with I/DD to search for PSWs of their choosing and is based upon consumers' preferences with consumer control as part of the IL philosophy and guides the implementation of their services.

Potential PSWs need to attend an orientation, pass the post-orientation quiz, and pass the Illinois and National Sex Offender, Healthcare Registry, and CANTS checks. Orientation includes topics to ensure the PSWs understand and honor the IL philosophy such as how the program works, PSW tasks, avoiding stigma (IL Philosophy), encouraging inclusion/integration, ID/DD/MI topics, and avoiding fraud, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The contract will fund services for the consumer with I/DD and PSWs in navigating the online platform, completing information, followed-up support, information available to PSWs (digital or paper), data entry, ensuring accuracy through communications with “Active PSWs,” follow-up on background updates, calls, and emails updates, working with PSWs for an opportunity in getting matched and with the drastic decline of PSWs inquires, robust recruitment efforts are needed for recruitment. Facilitators are responsible for referrals to consumers with I/DD for PSW referrals.

Clients requesting short term community life assistance may receive between 1 to 3 coaching sessions with an RPC Developmental Disabilities Case Manager. Coaching sessions focus on areas of resource education, preparing a budget, as well as development of self-sufficiency or social skills needed to provide an optimal event, activity, or travel related experience.

Direct purchase of the item or event will be made by Regional Planning Commission, where applicable. Clients will be provided a closing satisfaction survey following each instance of assistance to better gauge how RPC is meeting the needs through both assistance and coaching.

•Provide support, facilitation, and direction to Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless (CSPH) to support the body’s mission to end homelessness in Champaign County through a coordinated network of resources for individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.

•Coordinate efforts across the CSPH membership to support the CSPH goals and the Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act regulations.

•Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with CSPH membership and affiliates, working very closely with the CSPH Executive Committee.

The specific duties and responsibilities of the position include:

•Maintain CSPH membership compliant with the HEARTH Act.

•Participate in webinars and trainings addressing CSPH business.

•Develop CoC Board and CoC Executive Committee meeting agendas.

•Manage all responsibilities of the annual Point in Time (PIT) and Housing Inventory (HIC) Counts.

•Coordinate and support efforts of the CSPH Monitoring and Review Committee.

•Maintain working knowledge of services and programs for households who are homeless or at risk for homelessness in Champaign County.

•Support efforts to maintain up to date information of homeless specific services in the Champaign County 211 system.

•Provide community outreach and education about the CSPH and local efforts of the group.

•Coordinate trainings to enhance the work of CSPH membership.

•Lead and support a continuous quality improvement process focused on the Coordinated Entry System (CES).

•Responsible for completion of homeless funding applications required of the CSPH.

•Work with CSPH member organizations and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Administrator to generate meaningful data for review and use by the CSPH.

•Conduct regular outreach in the community with goal of increasing membership diversity and participation.

•Facilitate implementation and monitor progress of the CSPH Strategic Plan with priority areas of permanent housing, data quality and utilization, equity, permanent housing, and lived experience representation.

-support at-risk families of infants and toddlers in their efforts as their

child's first teacher,

-build a strong foundation for learning within enrolled families, and

-assist parents in preparing their children for success in kindergarten and beyond.

CU Early implements the Baby TALK model and curriculum and is a Baby TALK Quality Certified program. CU Early seeks to ensure families receive adequate prenatal and well-baby health care, complete their education, and have the resources and skills to foster the optimal development of their child. CU Early proposes to achieve these goals through: bi-weekly or more frequent home visits, depending on family needs; monthly play groups; weekly teen parent education/support and library groups; a toy and book lending library as well as a parent resource library.

CU Early also provides semi-annual child developmental assessments, vision and hearing screenings, and intensive case management services including Individual Family Service Goal plans.

CU Early believes that parents are their child’s first teachers and the experts of their baby. As such, CU Early “walks alongside” and partners with parents to advocate for themselves and their children.

CU Early is requesting $$80,723 (salary and fringes) from the CCMHB for 1 FTE bilingual home visitor to work with at risk children and families prenatal to age three including teen parents, and homeless families who are Spanish speaking. The CU Early website can be found here http://cuearly.weebly.com/ and here https://uecs.usd116.org/cuearly/

Child forensic interviews may be conducted by any certified investigator, however, research shows the benefits from speaking with one of the CAC-based forensic interviewers (CAC-FI) in the following ways: conducts multiple interviews per week, benefiting from repeated practice of a specialized skill (local investigators may conduct as few as one interview per year), regularly attends training on working with special populations such as children with autism spectrum disorders or physical disabilities, regularly attends interviewing peer review, which research has shown is the single most important factor for skills improvement, regularly updates her knowledge of forensic interviewing protocols, insuring that each interview, crucial to the pursuit of justice for the child victim, is conducted in a legally-sound manner.

The CAC contracts with four Master's-level clinicians certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to provide free crisis counseling services to the child and non-offending family member. The CAC conducts evidence-based trauma screenings and schedules mental health assessments for victims, coordinates monthly Multidisciplinary Team Case Review meetings and provides follow-up of open cases; coordinates and facilitates local and regional peer review for investigators who conduct child forensic interviews; and participates in and coordinates community education and prevention services.

With continued funding, CCCHC will be able to continue providing mental health care by compensating the psychiatrist that was recruited to work with CCCHC. Additionally, funding will assist CCCHC's Outreach and Wellness Director to meet with community leaders, churches, parachurch organizations, social service agencies, community centers and gathering areas, and other locations where people needing mental healthcare services can be reached.

The social-emotional development program provides the following evidence-based services to children, staff, and parents:

1. Collaborates with parents and teachers through the S-E Committee to identify social-emotional strengths and areas of need in the children in their care, using assessments, observations (video when necessary), and reflective conversation.

2. Reviews and monitors developmental screenings for all students enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start. Consults with staff and supports the referral process to School Districts or Developmental Pediatricians when necessary.

3. Supports RPC staff and parents in writing individualized social-emotional goals and action plans.

4. Supports RPC staff and parents in reflection around inter/intra-personal skills used with children to improve co-regulation, attunement, empathy, and compassionate limit setting.

5. Collaborates with RPC staff and parents in identifying individualized inter/intra-personal goals and action plans.

6. Collaborates with stakeholders to develop Support Plans for children who engage in challenging behaviors to communicate their needs.

7. Facilitates workshops, support groups, and coaching for RPC staff and parents on social-emotional development, compassionate caregiving, stress-management, functional behavior assessments, trauma-informed practices/leadership, and cultural competency.

8. Supports staff in monitoring children’s progress and outcomes.

9. Offers parenting consultation and coaching through Facebook groups and Zoom meetings.

10. Reviews developmental screenings and makes recommendations regarding referrals, goals, and services.

11. Creates unique virtual stress management and equity-related content for local Champaign residents in collaboration with CU TRI.

• Enrollment in Medicaid health insurance (including Medicaid Managed Care) or private plans through the Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (as well as Medicare programs for those who are eligible by virtue of age or disability status);

• Enrollment in Medicare Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program to help reduce the out of pocket costs associated with Medicare;

• Enrollment in hospital/clinic financial assistance programs, such as Carle’s Community Care Discount Program, and OSF’s Financial Assistance Program;

• Help applying for Promise Healthcare’s sliding scale and for completing the new patient packet;

• Help with prescription drugs through our in-house Rx Fund program which covers the costs of co-pays and prescriptions for low-income individuals, and, where appropriate, enrollment in pharmaceutical assistance programs to help cover the costs of prescription medications;

• Enrollment in SNAP (food stamps);

• Enrollment in SafeLink phone program;

• Access to affordable dental care and vision care; and

• Additional case-management, including warm-referrals and advocacy services as needed to help clients access other benefits and social services, including housing programs.

CCHCC will provide one full-time equivalent Community Health Worker to provide these services to the target population. Services and materials will be provided in English and Spanish.

* Evaluations of disabling conditions and determinations of whether to apply for SSI or SSDI or both (depending on client's work history);

* Assistance applying for SSI;

* Assistance applying for SSDI;

* Appealing adverse SSI and SSDI decisions; and,

* Coordinating with attorneys for these clients in the event that the client needs an attorney for appealing a decision.

* CCHCC will also provide emotional/psychological support for individuals applying for SSI or SSDI. Often, the decision to apply for disability, and the process of doing so, can be challenging to the individual as they must come to terms with the idea that they are "disabled".

Additional services to be provided in order to help facilitate approval for SSI/SSDI will include helping these clients to access the various health services that they need in order to document their disabling conditions, and get the care that they need. We will also help them with all the usual services that CCHCC provides to our other MHB clients, including applications for health insurance, prescription assistance, food stamps, etc. - however, those additional services, if needed, will be provided under CCHCC's CHW Enrollment and Outreach, or our Justice Involved program. This program, and the staff for this program, will focus on the very intensive work of doing the SSI/SSDI applications.

CCHCC will provide one full-time equivalent Disability Specialist to provide these services to the target population. Other staff at .30 will supervise and assist the Disability Specialist. Services and materials will be provided in English and Spanish.

This Program will address Goals 1-4 in the MHB PY 2025 priorities by providing support and resources that help stabilize individuals and families, including those who have experienced violence.

• Enrollment in Medicaid health insurance (including Medicaid Managed Care) or private plans through the Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (as well as Medicare programs for those who are eligible by virtue of age or disability status);

• Enrollment in hospital/clinic financial assistance programs, such as Carle’s Community Care Discount Program, and OSF’s Financial Assistance Program;

• Help with prescription drugs through our in-house Rx Fund program which covers the costs of co-pays and prescriptions for low-income individuals, and, where appropriate, enrollment in pharmaceutical assistance programs to help cover the costs of prescription medications;

• Enrollment in SNAP (food stamps);

• Enrollment in SafeLink phone program;

• Access to affordable health care, including physical health, behavioral health, dental care, and vision care; and

• Additional case-management, including warm-referrals and advocacy services as needed to help clients access other benefits and social services, including linkages to housing programs.

CCHCC will provide one full-time equivalent Community Health Worker to provide these services to the target population. Chris Garcia has been in this position and will continue in this position. He will deliver services to the target population both inside the Champaign County Jail, and in the community.

• Case management and follow-up for frequent users of the food pantry and other basic needs services.

• Client advocacy (as needed) with referrals, difficulty in getting services, etc.

• Screening and referral for the Kids’ Foundation youth recreational scholarship program.

• On-site emergency food pantry 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., M-F.

• Food delivery for those unable to source food due to mental, physical disability, etc., through our collaboration with United Way's Ride United.

• On-site food pantry for Rantoul Township High School students in collaboration with RTHS and The Carter Foundation.

• Financial assistance with utility payments (1/2 yrs. when funds available).

• Assistance with prescription payments (1/yr./individual).

• Senior transportation - (1/month 1 round trip CCARTS ticket)

• Clothing/shelter coordination and referral to local clothing center and emergency one night’s food and lodging for transients and homeless individuals.

• Holiday Bureau food baskets/vouchers and toy distribution at Christmas time.

• Translation, advocacy, and related services for Latino population (through CSC, the Multicultural Center, Refugee Center, New American Welcome Center, and the Community Health Partnership of Illinois).

• Clothing Center referrals for free clothing and school supplies

• Public phone service (local calls, no charge)

• Fax and copy service for a nominal fee

• Computer access/assistance service to download forms, LINK applications, etc.

• Information and referral services provided by phone and for walk-in inquiries, M-F 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Includes the distribution of information provided by other agencies and program brochures with focus on COVID info and all social services.

• Bi-lingual information, referral, and intake program brochures and services.

• Free notary public service

All staff positions are at least partially funded by CCMHB. However, these activities are supported using CCMHB monies for salaries not for program supplies or services.

- Information, referral, safety planning, crisis intervention through 24-hour hotline

- Emergency shelter for victims fleeing a domestic violence situation

- Transitional Housing for domestic violence survivors and their children

- Support and education for rapid rehousing

- Individual and family domestic violence counseling and therapy

- Advocacy-based support services

- Bilingual Services + services for all ESL clients

- Community education and engagement

- State-mandated cosmetology/nail-technician DV training

- Legal advocacy

- Children's programming

- Groups (Domestic Violence Education Groups, Parenting Groups, Economic Empowerment Groups, Building Resilience, And Victim Education (B.R.A.V.E.) class)

All services offered are free and confidential. Demographic information is gathered during the intake assessment, which is completed with all clients who receive services through Courage Connection. All client information is entered into the state-wide victim service provider database, InfoNet. The majority of services funded by CCMHB are our individual and family counseling and therapy services. We provide therapeutic services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence. Our therapists are trauma-informed and have extensive knowledge of the cycle of abuse. We offer brief crisis counseling services; cognitive behavioral therapy; yoga/meditation; domestic violence support group; BRAVE(Building Resilience And Victim Education) classes; empowerment group.

CCMHB also funds a portion of our hotline services, emergency, and transitional housing services, advocacy-based support services, and children’s programming. All of these services are provided to our residential clients. In partnership with Client Advocates, Clients complete a service plan to identify goals they want to achieve while they work with us. This is done in accordance with Courage Connection’s primary function of providing services that empower clients to regain control of their lives and live independently of abuse

Services are provided in non-traditional settings including clients' homes and neutral sites throughout Champaign County. Home visiting, Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) groups, and parent support groups reduce social isolation and provide education on perinatal depression, child development, and parenting skills.

Program Components:

-Screening for perinatal depression or risk of with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (an evidence-based tool) at Crisis Nursery intake.

-Home visiting to assess symptoms, education about impact of perinatal depression, and provide crisis counseling.

-PCI groups to engage the mother and baby, promote bonding and reduce social isolation, discuss child development topics, demonstrate positive mother and child interactions, and enhance mother's self-reliance and baby's self-regulation. To reduce stigma, groups are open to all parents in the community.

-Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQs) and ASQ-SE (social emotional) are evidence-based tools to track child development and early identification of social-emotional challenges.

-Support groups to address social isolation, educate about perinatal depression, and promote the development of support networks.

-Crisis care when no other resource is available, provided for free 24 hours/day 365 days/year.

-Respite care provides caregivers with a break and reduces stress.

-Linkages with health services, early childhood programs, resources for basic needs, utilities, legal services, transportation, housing, and intensive therapeutic services as needed.

-Community and healthcare provider education on perinatal depression to reduce stigma and outreach to inform individuals about needed screening and the Beyond Blue program.

-External consultation for related staff by a mental health professional, addressing clinical assessment of perinatal depression and appropriate interventions.

• Housing linkages through partnerships with local landlords offering affordable housing. Housing assistance includes help with subsidy/voucher applications, apartment seeking, navigating lease arrangements, household set up, and mediating housing conflicts.

• Employment supports including career assessment, resume development, job and life skills, coaching, counseling, and linkage to occupational training. For clients who may be eligible, ECHO will access vocational programming for participants who would benefit from a subsidized job placement and more intensive on-the-job coaching.

• Participants potentially eligible for social security receive application and advocacy support throughout the process of social security eligibility.

• A holistic approach to supportive services by resolving any barriers to housing and employment stability (e.g., basic needs, child care, legal issues, documentation needs, physical health, substance abuse and mental health).

•One full time case manager will provide assessment, planning, skill development, and resource connections. Supervisory staff will be available as back up when assigned staff are unavailable (e.g., crisis situations, vacations, medical leave). One part time case aide will assist the case manager in providing supports, hard goods, needed transportation to appointments. Through the last grant cycle, we learned the value of this needed part time position for a case aide to allow us to provide more intensive services to this population while the case manager carries a complex case load.

•Flexible funds are available for expenses that often accompany a new job or move (e.g., interview clothing, uniforms, apartment application fees, security deposit, basic hygiene, household items) or to provide engagement incentives. For additional assistance related to rental deposits, utilities in arrears, or furniture, we leverage community partnerships as available (e.g., churches, RPC, townships).

For Treatment Plan Clients (TPC), an array of therapeutic services will be provided in alignment with the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) treatment framework and include:

●Intensive family engagement services

●Individual therapy services for the youth

●Family therapy services for the youth and their family

●Psychoeducation services for the youth

●Psychoeducation services for the caregivers

●Community support services

●Referral and linkage services for the youth and caregivers

●Hard goods and services

For Non-Treatment Plan Clients (NTPC), services will focus on engagement as well as referral and linkage services and needed resources to address the youth and/or family’s immediate needs. Some youth may also be enrolled in other community-based programs (e.g., LIFT, Boys & Girls Club, JDC) where Families Stronger Together staff may participate in child and family teams and provides groups and/or activity based services, but do not engage in assessment and treatment plan development.

After exhausting community resources, flexible funds will be available to cover expenses related to therapeutic supplies for families that support regulation skills. These funds will also be available to help youth and family members access community activities and/or resources that potentially serve as protective factors (e.g., helping youth build healthy interpersonal connections).

Developmental screenings occur in a variety of community settings, the family home, and in collaboration with a host of community agencies that serve underrepresented populations.

Early Intervention services include Developmental Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Developmental Play Groups, Parent Support Groups, and PLAY Project.

Service linkage and collaboration is offered due to limited skilled providers across early childhood settings (e.g., speech and physical therapy, social emotional providers).

FD staff assist in identifying areas of need, supporting families in home programming, and consultation. CCMHB funding supports the work of skilled providers in order to offer wrap-around support for children and families. State reimbursement through EI is always the primary source of revenue for EI services. Private insurance is also billed when available. However, several community supports that FD provides, including developmental screenings and assisting families in connecting with referral sources, are not billable. These services and supports are crucial in assisting with Child Find efforts and helping children and families connect to necessary systems of support.

Objectives:

• Foster stable, school-centric support system for at-risk youth

• Create safe environment for open discussions and addressing challenges

• Provide comprehensive mental health and social service support

• Enable active youth participation in tailoring intervention plans

• Empower participants to overcome peer pressures and make informed decisions.

Impact on the Community:

By utilizing a strengths-based approach we will contribute to a more resilient community, wherein all youth have access to needed resources and tools to overcome obstacles, break down barriers, and achieve lifelong success.

Empowering Participants:

Regular engagement with participants will enable us to foster open communication, address individual challenges, and empower the youth to take control of the support they receive, shaping the program to suit their unique needs/goals.

Support Activities and Program Implementation:

Mental Health Support: Assessments will identify mental health and social service needs of the youth and their families. We will create personalized interventions, engage in progressive reviews, and address family dynamics that could impact overall well-being.

Life Skills Development: Problem-solving, decision making, goal setting, and effective communication to equip the participants for successfully tackling personal challenges, maintaining healthy relationships, and navigating their lives skillfully.

Financial Literacy: Budgeting, managing expenses, savings, and credit management to fortify financial understanding and promote responsible financial behavior.

Career Development: Workshops on resume writing, job search strategies, interview skills, and workforce readiness, providing a head-start in pursuing future career opportunities.

Social Skills Enhancement: Cultivating empathy, self-awareness, and cooperation among peers and within their families.

Selected program partners will provide programs and activities which emphasize healthy life styles, academic support, structured recreation opportunities, exposure to the arts, cultural awareness, positive social skills development, and positive adult interaction. In addition community engagement activities will be provided for general participation that will address community violence, racial understanding and community advocacy.

The contract will be comprised of two major components. The first component will be for services and supports provided by specialized service providers (subcontractors) who will be directly accountable to the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. The second component is for Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club to provide administration, coordination and support services to assure that all programs and services provided under this contract are fully integrated and support system of care goals and objectives for the population served.

If needed, program partners will be prepared to adapt services to adhere to any Covid-19 restrictions and safety requirements. The use of virtual programming for activities and service contacts will be used to continue contact with youth and for community engagement activities if needed.

The Refugee Center is a designated Illinois Welcoming Center, providing one-stop wrap around case management services, including referrals to legal, health and mental health care providers. Other referral resources in several languages are available in our office.

Bilingual staff provide guidance and linkages with service providers regarding the mental health needs of clients. This includes interpretation and translation services during appointments with mental health providers and explanation of cultural barriers that may be encountered during the sessions. Mediation and culturally appropriate education related to cultural differences provided.

Staff provides linkage with local public schools, including assistance with school registration. Interpretation and translation provided for parents dealing with school issues like discipline, classroom expectations, bullying, special needs, and behavior problems. We also provide linkage with area ESL/ELL programs, citizenship programs, area employment opportunities. and other programs.

Staff includes client input when conducting the initial intake and assessment. Clients meet one on one with a bilingual case manager to discuss their progress towards their goals. Staff often makes referral appointments for the client, and follows up on progress. With referrals, the goal is a "warm hand off', so that clients will feel confident and comfortable receiving services from other providers.

Our office is conveniently located in the lower level of the CU Public Health building, where many of our clients come to receive services. There is a children's area with bilingual books and quiet toys to entertain children while their parents receive services.

With every client seen in the Counseling program, the therapists are addressing the needs of the individual and their family members including the partners, the parents and/or the children. Issues addressed can include anger management, abuse (which may include adult and/or child abuse), child behavioral issues, family discord, trauma, grief and substance abuse. A strong educational component is included when addressing issues such as substance abuse and parenting challenges. Clients can be as young as 5 years old. CCMHB funding supports all of these services for our clients. These clients would not otherwise be able to afford and receive appropriate mental health services.

2. Publish a support group directory every other year listing local and regional groups. This directory is distributed to professionals, group leaders and members on an ongoing basis. The online edition of the directory is continually updated as information frequently changes.

3. Maintain an internet home page and an online listing of groups and activities. The SHC maintains information regarding more than 200 self-help and support groups.

4. Establish eleven specialized lists of group information by major topical themes. Lists are posted on bulletin boards in numerous human service agency lobbies, public libraries and counseling offices. These specialized lists are available to anyone requesting them and are made available at community health fairs and forums.

5. Maintain a lending library in the SHC of training materials for self-help group leaders and individuals interested in starting a group.

6. Provide consultation services and educational packets for individuals wanting to start a group or improve existing group functioning. Consultation is by phone, video conference, or in face-to-face meetings at a location convenient to the individual.

7. Coordinate and host a day long self-help conference for group leaders, members, professionals, and the interested public every other year. The next biennial conference is scheduled for spring FY25.

8. Provide one or two half-day workshops in alternate years for self-help group skill development. One workshop will be held in FY25.

9. Enhance public awareness regarding self-help groups by actively participating at community fairs/forums for the public or professionals.

10. Publish and distribute the Self-Helper quarterly newsletter for group leaders, support group members and community professionals.

CCMHB funding supports all of these services.

NTPCs contact us for specific purposes such as LIHEAP and other applications, as well as our evidence-based Healthy-Aging classes – thus, their intake process is not as comprehensive due to the well-defined nature of their services. NTPCs receive follow-up after service to discuss the outcome of the service, and any further needs.

SSCs have historically been defined as “requests for information and referral” SSC has changed to be defined as the number of contacts we engage in with TPCs and NTPCs – We believe this measure will allow us to better report the level of assistance we are providing.

“Other” will now be used to report our information and referral activities.

In FY23, we had a separate grant called “Creative Social Connectivity for Seniors” which was designed to; and has greatly assisted in reducing the social isolation of older adults by delivering art boxes and following up with supportive phone calls. In the “Staff Questions,” it was recommended that we combine this program into our long-established Senior Counseling program. Thus, this program (which is on track to meet all goals during its first year of funding) is being included in this application.

We are currently proposing an innovative collaboration with another Champaign County organization. This collaboration would lead to hundreds of residents receiving services, and thus to significant service increases. Funding request and deliverables for this application include this collaboration.

The house for people returning from Women's Prisons will be a three bedroomed house able to accommodate three individuals or two individuals plus children, depending on the needs of the residents. The house will provide he same amenities as the house for people returning from Men's prison but will offer specialized counseling and support for parenting. The Mental Health Board will fund the salary of a part-time case manager and hourly fees for counselors and/or LCSWs.

2) Workforce Development Course- We will deliver our fifth workforce development course for ten individuals from our drop-in clients and community at large. Classes will be at FirstFollowers’ Offices. Course is 15 weeks, 20 hours per week. Content includes: math, language and communication skills, team building, and workplace etiquette. 50% of class hours will focus on basic construction skills. Participants receive a stipend of $15 per hour for attendance. CCMHB will fund facilitators. Stipends are funded by a state grant from IL Criminal Justice Information Authority. Those requiring mental health supports will be referred to our partners' program, Ready, Set, Go who is contracted through the City of Champaign's Anti-Violence Initiative. We also have contracted with Associated Building Contractors (ABC) to provide a certified per-apprenticeship program.

3) Family support and Trauma-Informed Care- We will continue to develop our peer mentor led support program for people with loved ones who are incarcerated. This program was founded in 2023 and has been growing. Under its auspices we have done two community events and spoken in a number of public venues raising the challenges for loved ones of the incarcerated population and providing advice and counseling for people dealing with an incarcerated loved one returning to the community and confronting Post Incarceration Syndrome.

The goal of the GROW Program is for the personal recovery and mental health of individual sufferers which may include addictions. GROW is committed to community mental health including prevention, rehabilitation and restoration of the person to their families and society. The preferred outcome for individual participants is maturity (personal growth), and to effectively develop skills learned for coping with mental health problems.

Weekly GROW group meetings of 3 to 15 members lasting up to two hours are run by GROWer's who have advanced in their recovery and volunteered to be Organizers or Recorders for the group.

Group Organizer’s duties include the development of new groups, quality control all GROW Groups [adherence to program], Orientations, and Social Activities in Champaign County.

GROW will participate in anti-stigma awareness campaigns, disability expos, and other community health fairs.

GROW Organizers are GROW Seasoned Leaders most often with lived experience. Our website is updated regularly. www.growinamerica.org

Housing Assistance: Includes transitional and emergency/rapid re-housing options.

Emergency Financial Assistance: Provides financial support for basic necessities.

Nutritional Assistance: Offers resources for obtaining healthy food options.

HIV Education and Outreach: Raises awareness and provides education about HIV/AIDS.

Supportive Services: Includes monthly group meetings, client advocate check-ins, transportation assistance, and housing case management.

Proposed Use of CCMHB Funds:

Client Services Advocate: Create a full-time position utilizing Motivational Interviewing and strength-based approaches to:

Develop individualized treatment plans for clients.

Support skill development in budgeting, finance, healthy eating, self-advocacy, communication, and self-sufficiency.

Education and Outreach Initiatives: Expand HIV/AIDS education and outreach efforts.

Partial Executive Director Salary Support: Allocate 25% of funds to support the Executive Director overseeing client services (indirect employee).

Client Participation:

All services are free of charge.

Clients are actively involved in crafting their care plans.

Clients have access to their individual records upon request.

Insurance Navigation and Enrollment - CHW staff trained in insurance enrollment will assist individuals to enroll in Medicaid/Marketplace products. 2025 will bring an acute need for assistance as IL Medicaid unwinds from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and will require all Medicaid enrollees to redetermine eligibility.

Community Outreach – Enabling staff conduct community presentations and participate in community events to promote enabling/CHW services as well as medical, dental and behavioral health services available. Typical events include: the Re-entry Resource Fair, Urbana Days at Douglas Park, the Disability Expo, Church Women United Back to School Event in Rantoul, St. Mary’s Latino Fair, and more.

Referral Process for Community Partners - By the end of Q2, Promise will develop a seamless process for community partners and health care providers to refer patients identified as in need of enabling services and/or behavioral health services. The Project Director will work with Promise IT, Marketing and Case Managers to develop this process.

Therapeutic approaches include, cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, and arts-based therapy. These services are provided by five full-time staff members based out of the agency’s office in Urbana, and a contractual therapist who maintains an office in Rantoul. This contractual relationship was established to increase access to therapy services for survivors in Rantoul and surrounding rural areas.

The Survivor Services Program also includes the agency’s crisis intervention and advocacy services. RACES has trained staff and volunteers available to provide support 24/7 through the agency’s sexual assault crisis hotline and walk-in crisis intervention services are available in-person Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm at the agency’s office.

Medical advocacy is also available 24/7. Advocates respond to the emergency department to provide emotional support, explain survivor’s rights and options, and provide new clothing and hygiene products, as directed by the survivor. RACES’ Legal Advocates provide support to survivors who are navigating the legal system through court accompaniment, support filing for protective orders, and direct intervention to help survivors access victims’ services programs.

RACES also maintains a Prevention Education program, which provides age-appropriate, trauma-informed sexual violence prevention programming to individuals 3 and older.

RACES utilizes a survivor-centered approach to services. This means that all clients are active participants in determining their plan for services.

RACES is requesting funding to cover the wages and benefits for two full-time, Trauma Therapists, plus auxiliary costs. RACES added a fifth therapist position in FY23 to address the agency’s waiting list for therapy and is requesting funding from CCMHB to support the maintenance of this higher level of service.

Pre-school/elementary

- Second Step - Child Protection Unit: Nationally recognized program with a focus on safety.

Middle School

- Boundaries Matter: Evidence-informed program for foundational concepts to prevent violence.

- Safer Relationships: Evidence-informed program designed by RACES’ staff to address sexual violence risk factors.

- Safe Dates: Highly recommended program focused on healthy relationships as a form of violence prevention.

High School

- I [Heart] Consent: Program developed by RACES staff.

Adult

- Darkness to Light: Renowned program on how to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.

- Professional trainings: Trainings designed to create more supportive responses to survivors.

- Bar Outreach Program: Bystander intervention training for bar staff.

Community Events and Collaboration: RACES staff provide sexual violence prevention information at numerous events each year.

Programs are designed to allow participants to choose how they engage with these topics, including the option to step out as needed. Sessions are structured to increase safety and to allow for an immediate response to a child, if they disclose that they have been abused. Students are also taught skills to empower them to identify trusted adults and other resources.

All aspects of RACES’ Prevention Programming are included in the activities supported by CCMHB. Funding from CCMHB allows RACES to greatly expand the provision of programs in Champaign County. Other funding allows for some programming in the four counties served by RACES (including Champaign County), but support from CCMHB has resulted in a significant increase in programming throughout Champaign County.

Navigating the application process for various entitlements can be complicated, confusing, and stressful (Pollitz, Tolbert, Hamel, Kearney, 2020; https://www.kff.org/report-section/consumer-assistance-in-health-insurance-evidence-of-impact-and-unmet-need-issue-brief/). This can lead people to not seek help or not engage in behavioral health and/or medical treatment, thereby exacerbating their condition. The Benefits Case Manager helps reduce barriers to treatment by assisting those without access to dental, vision and healthcare resources as well as other public programs. The Benefits Case Manager also helps clients obtain additional information about their benefits when clients have questions about any current benefits they are receiving. Once benefits are established, persons with mental illness or substance use disorders, who often have co-occurring physical health concerns, are more easily able to get needed care, avoiding more expensive care in local hospital emergency departments.

Clients seeking benefits often have other case management needs, as well. The Benefits Case Manager also assists clients with accessing resources such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and legal services. The Benefits Case Manager coordinates these services with the client’s primary treatment provider.

The Benefits Case Manager serves clients referred from all Rosecrance programs. There are no other funders for the services provided by the Benefits Case Manager.

Rosecrance’s Child and Family Services include mental health counseling, transportation, case management, wellness, and psychiatric services for youth who have been impacted by trauma or mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders. Referrals may be made by other providers, schools, hospitals, physicians, youth-serving organizations, families, and the Rosecrance mobile crisis response team. Services also include family members of the youth as appropriate.

Care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team comprised of a mental health counselor, psychiatrist, and nurse. Mental Health counseling and case management services are provided by a Master’s-level licensed clinician. The licensed counselor works with youth and families in the office, home, or other setting to create a family-driven, person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive treatment plan based on the clinical assessment. Counseling sessions are guided by the strengths-based treatment plan and may include individual, group, and/or family sessions. These sessions utilize skill-building, psychoeducation, and use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Play Therapy.

The treatment plan may also include psychiatric services. The mental health clinician may coordinate services with the psychiatrist when there is an assessed need. The board certified, licensed psychiatrist provides psychopharmacological treatment and monitors for any adverse effects of medications. The psychiatrist is supported by a licensed nurse, who provides medication education, health and wellness promotion, and care coordination assistance for the youth or family members. The multiple care coordination activities, travel/transportation, and the services provided by the nurse are not funded by any other fund source.

Screenings for eligibility are completed on all individuals referred or requesting services while in the jail.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is used to engage individuals in services. MI is a goal-directed, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavioral change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence.

Assessments are completed for persons seeking case management services in the community.

Strengths-based case management is grounded in the principles that all individuals have the capacity to change and grow. The focus is on individual strengths, not pathology. The client is the director of their care. Case managers work with those who want assistance with linkage to treatment services and resources including obtaining a state ID, finding employment, securing health insurance or obtaining a medical provider, and locating affordable housing.

Group therapy includes Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and Coping with Anger groups. MRT groups are offered in the jail and in the community. The term “moral” refers to moral reasoning based on Kohlberg’s levels of cognitive reasoning. The word “reconation” comes from the psychological terms “conative” and “conation,” both of which refer to the process of making conscious decisions. MRT is evidence-based and seeks to decrease recidivism among persons involved in the justice system by enhancing better decision making and positive behaviors. Its cognitive-behavioral approach combines elements from a variety of clinical approaches to progressively address social and positive behavioral growth. Coping with Anger group is offered at the probation office and the curriculum comes from the developers of MRT. The curriculum utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach that addresses negative thinking patterns and allows for participants to learn how to express their anger in a healthier, more productive manner.

All services mentioned above would be funded by the CCMHB.

CCRT service referrals are accepted from UPD, RPD and CCSO following CIT or domestic related calls, or as recommended by CCRT staff after reviewing daily police logs. Staff may be available for immediate response on location with police after safety has been ensured. CCRT attempts to contact all individuals referred. Following contact, the individual (and family members, if appropriate), complete a Self-Sufficiency Matrix with the CCRT staff to see if crisis can be resolved without further action or if resolution requires a treatment plan. When no plan for treatment is necessary, staff will offer information and/or resources to address the issue that precipitated the police involvement. When a plan for treatment is required, CCRT provides short-term care planning, coordination and monitoring. Including, but not limited to linkages with: housing, food, clothing, mental health services, substance abuse services, counseling, education and vocational training, financial education, employment, and peer support. Coordination and monitoring may continue for up to 3 months to ensure engagement. When service connection is not readily available, the program staff provide support until the individual is accepted into services, or the needs are met. Self-Sufficiency Matrix is completed again at time of discharge from the program if the person/family is available to do so.

The Crisis Diversion Resource Center provides an opportunity for same-day access to crisis stabilization and peer support.

The CCMHB is the primary funding source for all of the aforementioned services.

The program requirements are mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 77, Part 2060, which state that recovery homes provide individualized services within a recovery-oriented system of care environment. The services consist of therapeutic interventions facilitating: removal of barriers for safe/supportive housing; 12-Step support involvement; independent living skills; education/vocational skills; identification and use of natural supports; use of community resources; and peer support.

Evidence based practices include:

• 12-Step model and peer support: Engaging in support groups contributes to better substance use outcomes by providing support, goal direction, and structure; exposure to abstinent role models; reward for substance-free activities; and a focus for building self-confidence and coping skills. (Moos & Timko, 2008);

• Level system: Utilizing a hierarchical model helps residents to gradually adjust to community living, while increasing sustainability of recovery efforts (Polcin & McAllister, 2008); and

• Case Management: Studies support utilization of case management based services in the engagement and retention of treatment and ancillary services (Rapp, Van Den Noortgate, Broekaert, & Vanderplasschen, 2014).

CCMHB funding supports provision of intensive case management based on client-driven, trauma informed, culturally responsive individualized service plans to address social determinants of health, support activities for daily living and relapse prevention skills; access to vocational/educational programs; assistance linking clients to medical, psychiatric, counseling, dental, and other ancillary services in the community; education on money management/budgeting; accessing peer or community supports and activities (i.e. church, AA/NA meetings, recreational activities); and provision of service work/volunteer/work opportunities.

The Rosecrance staff works in collaboration with other Champaign County Specialty Courts team members such as Champaign County Court, State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Probation, Cognition Works, and Family Services. Due to the severity of individual needs, frequent history of multiple treatment episodes, and extensive legal involvement, clients require an increased level of service which results in higher engagement in behavioral health services and increases successful completion rates.

The level of services provided to the participants of Specialty Courts programs requires more intensive coordination and collaboration than is typical for other clients. The highly collaborative approach creates a successful Specialty Court system that relies heavily on Rosecrance staff time spent outside of billable hours providing treatment services. CCMHB-funded services are provided by Outreach Workers and include transportation to/from appointments and court sessions; intensive case management (which connects Specialty Court clients with resources such as food, clothing, housing, medical, dental, vocational/educational); alcohol/other drug tests; drafting of court reports; weekly staffing with the court; planning and participation in Specialty Court graduations and other special events; Specialty Court-required local, state and national trainings; and quarterly meetings. Without the funding for such activities, Rosecrance staff could not participate in the full scope of the Specialty Court programs, thus negatively impacting clients.

Upon request staff can also also provide: Animal Therapy, Aroma Therapy, Transcendental Meditation Sessions, Red Light Therapy, Group Music Sessions, Music Lessons, Drum Circles, Education on how to turn Street Smarts into legitimate entrepreneurial enterprises, Health Coaching for those Suffering from eating disorders, Vitamin Deficiency and or Obesity, and cultural impact of drugs over the past Century.

Individuals are drug tested on a random bases

Staff and resources needed for these these individualized assistance and support services would be funded by CCMHB.

Programs served by this funding include support/social groups, specific assistance programs, community-building events (excluding fundraisers), and educational workshops. In the last 3 years, UP launched 4 new groups, 2 specific assistance programs, and multiple new annual events, increased our education program, launched a food pantry, increased our free gender-affirming clothing program, and greatly expanded our online resources. https://www.unitingpride.org/services-and-programs.html

To meet increased need, UP has expanded and diversified fundraising efforts. When we applied for our contract 4 years ago, we asked that the CCMHB contribution be 70% of funds raised. Since that time, our focus on fiscal health has reduced that to 34%. These additional funds have seeded new programs, expanded existing programs, and allowed us to hire additional, higher-level staff. While fundraising continues to be a struggle, as it always is, the work we've put into this shows our commitment to sustainability.

Our expenses continue to grow, and we continue to look at adding programs and services to meet increased need, and therefore CCMHB funding has been and will continue to be critical to our operations. But because of the deliberate work to diversify funding sources to ensure fiscal health, we are able to only ask that our current CCMHB funding level be maintained, rather than ask for any increase.

When residents first come to our home, we provide food, bedding, laundry supplies, and other necessities, allowing them to focus on their recovery. We provide all our residents with the curriculum books for our trauma, parenting, and recovery classes. Funding would also help our residents with fees they accumulated while incarcerated, DCFS, parole, probation or court. As each resident's needs are different from the next, our program is designed to support residents’ individual self identified goals.