Broske got the job at Pizza Hut with training and assistance from the job coaching program here at Human Support Services (HSS). He says he likes his work there, but he wonders what else he might be good at.

That’s where our new PAES lab comes in.

PAES, which stands for Practical Assessment Exploration System, is a hands-on work training lab for adults and students with IEPs in grades 9 to 12.

The walls of the lab are lined with color-coded boxes, representing five career areas: Business/Marketing, Construction/Industrial, Consumer/Service, Processing/Production, and Computer/Technology.

Inside each box is the instruction card for a task designed to replicate a skill typically required at one of roughly 300 different jobs in the community in those five categories. For example, under Business/Marketing, one task might be to alphabetize a series of items. Such a skill would be mandatory at a variety of jobs in that area, from office assistant to video store clerk.

The boxes include all the materials needed to complete each task – whether it is mixing bowls for cooking/measuring or a drill for a construction job.

“The student clocks in like a job,” said Jessica Liefer, director of person-centered services. “They get their assignment and have to complete the steps for that task. The instructor evaluates them on their strengths and weaknesses, and how much they enjoyed the task. It helps the students explore what they like and what they’re good at.”

The trained instructor determines clients’ interest in specific work areas, competitiveness with peers, and assesses present barriers to future success, and then helps change them to positive work behaviors.

Students Already Learning Fast

More than 30 individuals have used our PAES lab so far, but in the months to come, more than 100 will utilize the system. The amount of time a person spends in the lab varies, from a few hours once a week, to two hours, three times a week.

“Everyone starts at the top and works their way down, advancing to the next level,” Liefer said. “For some it’s an hour-long job – for others it takes longer, depending on the difficulty and the person.”

The PAES lab, which was installed in June, was funded by a grant in partnership with the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Monroe-Randolph Regional Office of Education. Two staff members from Columbia School District #4 and four staff members from Waterloo School District #5 have already been trained on the use of the PAES lab.

“The teachers were excited about having this as an option,” Liefer said. “The students get to try out many different simulated career fields and decide if they want to look for a job in certain areas. It also helps develop appropriate work skills and behaviors, prior to working in the community.”

In the PAES lab, students are treated as an employee and the instructor is their supervisor.

“The expectation is that they’re an employee working on that job,” Liefer said. “So it teaches them to problem solve and it helps them get comfortable with having a boss and having to follow directions.”

So far, Broske’s tasks in the PAES lab have included alphabetizing a long list of items and measuring exact cups of flour and sugar. It’s the former he enjoyed most, he says.

“Every time I go to the PAES lab I learn new things,” said Broske, who dreams of one day working in the music or hospitality industries.

As the PAES lab continues to grow in use, we are in need of help from the community. We need audio job cards that allow students who are unable to read to follow the instructions independently. The cards, which can be purchased through Talent Assessment, cost $1,295.

We are also looking for more materials to add to the task boxes in the lab. A full list of needed items can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2JNRKZXV4KGNC?ref_=wl_share

Please help us spread the word about this great new program!

Rosita has always been genuinely curious.

Whether she’s walking around the courthouse square or having lunch at the local coffee shop, she’s quick to start a conversation with the person next to her. She wants to know about people and about the world around her.

Perhaps it was that curiosity – that thirst for more – that has driven Rosita all these years.

Now, Rosita’s days are full of purpose. She works at a job she loves at a local nursing home and has a place of her own to call home. She is surrounded by friends and family who support her.

But Rosita’s path to independence and fulfillment wasn’t always clear.

Rosita was born in Mexico, and spent the early years of her life in an orphanage there. At a young age, she was diagnosed with a developmental disability and a learning disability.

At the age of 10, she was adopted by a loving couple from Maeystown who enveloped them into their family.

School was a struggle for Rosita because her cognitive challenges made the traditional learning environment difficult. Still, she persevered.

As graduation approached, her parents wondered what would come next. What would Rosita do as an adult out in the world? Rosita wanted to be independent, but she wasn’t sure what options she had. Then, her high school guidance counselor referred the family to HSS.

HSS staff began working with Rosita and her family to make a plan for the future.

Over 60 percent of parents admit that they do not have a life care plan for their adult children with disabilities. Rosita and her parents determined that she would not fall into this category.

Person centered planning was instituted to discover Rosita’s strengths, abilities and dreams for the future. As our staff got to know Rosita, it became clear that independence ranked high on her list of life goals. She dreamed of living on her own.

The other thing that became abundantly clear around Rosita – she is a caregiver. Her greatest joy comes from caring for others and making them more comfortable, lifting moods and brightening spirits.

Much of this can be attributed to her time spent in the orphanage, where she learned to look after others.

Rosita graduated from Valmeyer HIgh School in 2000. When it came time to seek employment for Rosita, her planning team knew it would be important to find her a job where she could take care of people.

A position at a local nursing home felt like the perfect fit.

She worked with a job coach on-site until she was comfortable enough to perform the job on her own. Now, Rosita is a valued employee and her nurturing nature has found a purpose.

But Rosita wasn’t done pursuing her goals. Seven out of 10 adults with disabilities live with their parents, but Rosita continued to beat the odds. In fact, there are close to 80 individuals living in HSS residential housing programs.

After living in HSS housing with a roommate, she was able to move into an apartment by herself. She now resides in her very own home, just as she always hoped.

These days, when Rosita is not working a shift at the nursing home or visiting with her family in Valmeyer, she is often seen riding around town on her bicycle. Her smile says it all – she is happy.

Not only did HSS help Rosita meet her goals, but her parents’ goals as well. While there are still occasional struggles and obstacles to overcome, Rosita’s parents have peace of mind that she is living up to her full potential and pursuing her dreams.

Amy could hear the children laughing as they played nearby. She knew the sound of gleeful giggling should make her smile. But inside her office where she sat at her desk, she just wanted to curl up into a ball and make the cheerful sounds go away. 

It was another day of struggling at work. Struggling to be productive, struggling to interact with others, struggling to fake happiness.

And it was nothing new. Since November — or maybe it was October — she’d found herself growing increasingly despondent. Shorter days, longer nights. This was the worst case of winter blues that she’d ever experienced. 

But there was no sense in asking for help, or letting others in on her pain. After all, spring was just around the corner. 

Can you relate to Amy’s experience? Are you, or is someone you love, wrestling with similar feelings?

If so, HSS urges you to read on, as we provide some important facts about Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). Because the term “winter blues” is an unfair characterization of a very real mental health concern that many people experience, and try to cope with on their own.

In naming this condition, and seeking help, you are not only providing relief to yourself or your loved one. You are also helping others, by increasing society’s understanding of SAD.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Is It?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by recurring episodes of depression, occurring around the same time each year — usually in the fall and winter.

What It Is Not

Some people use the term “winter blues” but this is more than that — it is a mental health condition that can be treated.

How To Recognize It

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can include any of the following:

• Feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day
• Sleeping more or less than is typical, or other significant sleep disturbances
• Having noticeably less energy or feeling sluggish
• Withdrawing from social activities or other things you typically enjoy
• Experiencing weight gain due to overeating

Risk Factors

There are certain things that can increase your risk of having SAD:

• • Gender. Women are four times more likely to be diagnosed than men.
  • Genetics. People with a family history of depression can be more likely to develop SAD.
  • Location. SAD is more common in people who live further from the equator.

What Else You Should Know

The causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder are unknown, but researchers have found some clues by looking at how decreased sunlight during the fall and winter months can affect the body and mind. Some studies have examined the impact on the body’s ability to produce melatonin, serotonin and Vitamin D.

When To Seek Help

Everyone gets the blues. But if you find yourself feeling depressed for days at a time, with no specific or obvious cause, and you are losing motivation to do the things you typically enjoy, you may want to consider talking to a professional.

HSS mental health professionals can provide confidential counseling and therapy at an appointment time that is convenient for you. Our counselors will help you find ways to feel like yourself again — so you don’t have to wait for spring, or fear your condition will get worse in the meantime.

Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder:

Mayo Clinic

National Institute on Mental Health

Mental Health America

Ultimately, the repercussions of addiction affect everyone in its path – from the person struggling to overcome it to their families and friends. That’s why loving an addict, and supporting them through the highs and lows of their struggle, can be so devastating.

Grief, anxiety, anger and fear are common as families watch loved ones addicted to drugs and alcohol push the limit. Feeling ashamed and isolated only makes the situation harder.

Kacie Maxwell has been there. That’s why she decided to start PILLARS of Monroe County support group with help from Human Support Services (HSS).

“My brother passed away of an overdose a little over seven years ago and I feel if something like this was around back then it would have been helpful for my family and I,” Maxwell said. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for some time.”

When Maxwell’s brother, Jason, died in 2012, she and her parents were lost. She knew he was struggling, but didn’t know where to turn and felt she had no one to confide in. Jason was just 30 years old.

Earlier this year, Maxwell reached out to Anne Riley, executive director of HSS, about starting a group. Since early fall, PILLARS support group has been meeting at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the HSS office in Columbia at 960 Columbia Centre.

“As an organization that provides individuals with substance use issues a path to recovery, we’re very familiar with the toll addiction can take on loved ones,” Riley said. “We’d been looking for the opportunity to start a support group like this for some time. Thanks to our partnership with Kacie, PILLARS is definitely fulfilling a need here in Monroe County.”

The PILLARS support group aims to be an open space where anyone who loves someone who lives with an addiction – or lost someone to addiction – can come to share or listen. There’s no sign-in sheet and there are no RSVPs.

“It’s mostly an outlet to come and talk with people who know what you’re growing through,” Maxwell said. “There is no judgement. People don’t even say their names so it’s completely anonymous. We don’t talk about it outside the meetings either.”

The meetings are completely free and carry no expectation for other services with HSS. Maxwell hopes to eventually add in guest speakers and educational aspects.

“It makes me feel really good to see other people attending meetings and opening up and sharing,” Maxwell said. “I hope it’s helping them. That makes me feel as though this tragic event in my life has some good come out of it in the end.”  

All PILLARS meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend. No attendance is taken and no names are required. Meetings are completely free.

But Alex, at just seven years old, had one wish this Christmas – to have his daddy home for the holidays.

Alex hadn’t seen his dad in a long time, and it was hard when he was away.

It wasn’t always easy when he was home – Alex could remember some times when he was sick. But there were other times – really, really good times – when he was better.

That’s what Alex wanted for Christmas – daddy back and feeling good.

Thanks to Human Support Services, Alex got his wish this year.

Alex’s dad had been battling drug and alcohol addiction since he was a teenager.

Like many, he’d struggled to overcome his addiction many times through the years, sometimes going sober for months at a time.

But experimenting with drugs and alcohol in his teens had led to heroin by the time he was in his 20s. He struggled to keep a job, and couldn’t be there for Alex.

Earlier this year, Jeff was arrested for possession. His future looked uncertain and he wasn’t sure if he would ever get the chance to be the father he wanted to be.

Jeff knew it was time for a change.

Through the Adult Redeploy Illinois program*, Jeff worked with HSS and his probation officer to get his life back on track.

Jeff worked hard to get sober and was able to get custody of Alex. Alex got his wish and they’ll be able to spend Christmas together.

Many people addicted to drugs want to find a way to stop, but don’t know where to turn. They end up in jail or even worse.

Luckily, in Monroe County there is an organization to help people like Jeff or anyone struggling with mental health issues or substance use.

That organization is Human Support Services (HSS). HSS can only provide these services because of people like YOU.

Thanks to generous supporters like YOU, HSS is able to offer counseling, housing assistance, employment training programs and much more to all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Can YOU make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season with a gift to HSS? Donations are tax deductible and allow for people like Jeff to get the help they need.

Please consider giving a gift to support HSS.

Click here to donate and change the lives of people right here in Monroe County.

*Results expected with Adult Redeploy Illinois include reduced prison overcrowding; lowered cost to taxpayers; an end to the expensive vicious cycle of crime and incarceration.

*Note: Some details and names have been changed to protect the identity of the clients.

“I got the job,” Coach Mike said proudly, as his sister stood beside him beaming and a TV camera captured the exchange for tons of viewers at home.

It was a touching moment for all of us here at HSS who have been rooting Mike Kuhlmann on from the sidelines, watching as he pursued his dream and became a local celebrity, all within a couple of months.

Of course, Coach Mike’s growing fan base is no surprise to us. We knew he would be an instant hit once we began telling the story of how he landed his dream position as a football coach.

He has an enthusiasm and dedication to the game that comes across in every play that he calls, and every pat on the back he delivers.

He also has a unique ability to see people for who they are, rather than what they can do — and to see him spreading that message in the community is really something special.

For those of you who have not yet heard his story in the news, let us catch you up to speed.

Kuhlmann, 59, is the honorary assistant coach of the CHS Eagles football team. He got the job after our organization partnered with the school’s athletic department as part of our Building Futures program.

The program helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities recognize their strengths and abilities, and then pursue their goals and dreams within the community.

Now, in case it isn’t already clear, Kuhlmann LOVES football. Sometimes you just know what you want to do in life and that is certainly the case with him.

Some people are drawn to teaching. Others to mechanics. Kuhlmann has always been blinded by those Friday Night Lights.

In other words, this appears to be his calling.

Kuhlmann got his first taste of coaching in 2009, with the Rampage youth football squad of the Waterloo Sports Association.

Craig Laskowski — our director of quality and training, and also a former Rampage coach — helped connect him with that position.

Laskowski, who is also now a quarterbacks coach for the Eagles, knew Kuhlmann would work well under CHS Eagles Head Coach and Athletic Director Scott Horner.

So he helped connect the two. Then Kuhlmann took it from there, just like he always knew he could and would.

With an official coach’s jacket, Coach Mike has been a constant presence on the field. He offers play advice and also general encouragement and inspiration.

“He’s been passionate about wanting to coach. That passion, that love to be on the football field, has never left him,” Laskowski told the Republic-Times in a September news article.

But the best part of this story? It is not just about Kuhlmann. Everyone involved is benefiting from this partnership, just ask any player or any one of the coaches.

“Having Coach Mike around our program is great for him and great for our players,” Horner told the newspaper. “He provides motivation to our guys, and our guys really appreciate his presence.  Mike just loves football and I am humbled to be asked to give him the opportunity to live out a lifelong dream.”

Sometimes he gets choked up talking about it. And so do we. We just love hearing those kinds of comments. Because it speaks to what our mission is here at HSS.

We want to live and work in a community where people of all abilities can lead fulfilling lives and realize their dreams. Because that helps the community as a whole. And that’s exactly what Coach Mike is doing.

Go, team!

We were honored to host a crowd of more than 250 people on Oct. 17, 2018 as we celebrated our clients, staff and community supporters, and recognize some of our most devoted community partners, volunteers and sponsors.

Guests dined together on a delicious meal of fried chicken before watching an evening of videos, short speeches and presentations celebrating the dedication of five local community partners, the 2019 Shine Your Light Gala chairs and the HSS volunteer of the year.

HSS client Jeremy took part presenting the award to Cafe on the Abbey, a community partner that employs three clients through the community supported employment program. Danny Bell, co-owner and executive chef said, “the opportunity needs to be put in place where people with any disabilities, mentally or physically, can be given the opportunity to work. Everybody deserves a chance to work and be part of society.”

HSS Executive Director Anne Riley offered a heartfelt speech before presenting the award to Monroe-Randolph Regional Superintendent of Schools Kelton Davis. Riley acknowledged Davis as a champion for the HSS Building Futures programs that is funded by the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Davis stated, “One of the most important lessons learned is to remember that we are in the business of people and this is more important than any magic solution in a box that proposes to solve all the world’s problems.”

HSS client Mike Kuhlman was overjoyed to give an award to Scott Horner, athletic director, Columbia High School. Horner gave Coach Mike the opportunity to be an assistant football coach for Columbia High School this past season.

“We compete hard, we play hard but at the end of the day it’s got to be about more than football,” said Coach Horner.

Joe Koppeis, president of Admiral Parkway Inc., was honored with a Community Partner Award for his assistance in opening a second HSS location in Columbia. He believes, “A town that’s not growing is dying. And this is wonderful, strong growth.”

The final Community Partner Award went to Don Schrader, president of the Monroe County Fair Association. Schrader was instrumental in developing a relationship with HSS which led to a contract for HSS to provide clean up services during the 2019 Monroe County Fair.

Jan and Gary Crawford, co-chairs of the 2019 Shine Your Light Gala, led the charge in bringing the auction portion of the event online for the first time.  The event raised more than $75,000 for HSS this year!

During the Gala and throughout the year, these two support the mission of HSS in many ways and give countless hours of their time.

At the Celebration Banquet, we also honor our Volunteer of the Year. This year, Lisa Hodge was our chosen honoree. Hodge coordinated the summer lunch program that served over 4,500 meals to community members, contributed decorations for the Shine Your Light Gala and continuously goes above and beyond for the mission of HSS.

On behalf of all staff and clients of HSS we’d like to give a big thank you to our sponsors.

Platinum Sponsors include First National Bank of Waterloo, Gateway Food Products, HSS Foundation, Monroe County Electric Co-Op, Timothy Maguire, Michael Muehlberg, St. Paul UCC-Columbia, Gary Schenkel and Diana Gerou.

Our Gold Sponsors were Jan & Gary Crawford, George Obernagel and Quality Collision.

Silver sponsors including Columbia Rotary, Monroe County Democrats, Waterloo Lodge No. 27 I.O.O.F. and the Doris Weber Family.

Bronze sponsors were Camp Wartburg, Chip and Patty Bieber, Harrisonville Telephone Company, House of Neighborly Service, Rug Buster LLC, Stonetree Fabrications, Inc., Wayne and Lisa Taake.

Client sponsors included Pat Baker, Christine Campo, Wayne and Kathleen Collmeyer, Columbia Gymnastics Association, Melanie Cornish, Stan and Linda Darter, the Dean Family, Margaret and Jerry DeBonis, Otto J. Faulbaum, Lawyer, Linda and Tim Gutknecht, Richard and Wendy Juenger, K&D Printing Inc., Stephen and JoAnn Krebel, Bonnie Kuergeleis and Steve Thom, Glen and Sherry Lutz, McDonald’s of Waterloo/Columbia, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell K Powell, Reliable Sanitation, Lewis P Schuchardt, Ed and Rita Schwager, State Bank of Waterloo and Darline Weihl.

Special thanks to generous donations from David Conrad, William Groennert, Kenneth Valentine Auto Body, Inc., Republic Times Group LLC, St. John’s UCC Women’s Fellowship, Linda Whelan and Lyle Wilson-The Wilson Family.

Thank you to everyone mentioned above and everyone who supports HSS throughout the year in ways big and small. It is humbling and gratifying to have the support of the communities we serve.

On Friday, at the second annual Shine Your Light Gala, we asked you to let your light shine bright.

And boy, did you deliver.

As we continue to tabulate the final results of the donations collected through our auctions and raffles, and reminisce on the hours of special conversation and support for our diverse programming here at HSS, I can say without a doubt that this evening truly was one to remember.

There was laughter, engaged bidding and a delectable dinner. It was a chance to mingle and have fun, in the lovely setting provided by The Falls Reception and Conference Center.

But, most importantly, it was a reminder of the very special community that surrounds us, and the incredibly important work that we take on each and every day. It was our time to celebrate and to look forward.

And it wouldn’t have been possible without all of you.

In fact, while our call to” shine bright” came on the night of the gala, you had already begun leading us down a bright path toward another successful year.

The evening would not have been possible without months and months of hard work by our HSS Board of Directors and the Gala Council. These people took time from busy work schedules and families to attend meetings, collect donations and coordinate all of the small details that helped make the event so special.

And we wouldn’t have anything to celebrate if it wasn’t for our larger HSS family.

Every day, our staff and clients are brightening the world around them, giving back to the community and making the future better for us all.

That is an irreplaceable gift. It is why I am glowing, and have been since the night of the Gala.

Finally, I want to say: One of my favorite parts of the evening was simply talking to all of you. I was able to hear what HSS means to you and your families, and listen to your vision for the future.

You are all beacons of light, and I am absolutely thrilled to be just one person traveling the path you illuminate. Next year, I have no doubt we will have even more to celebrate. Hope to see you then.

Sincerely,

Anne King
HSS Executive Director

Whether she’s a working mom who needs outpatient counseling services to be her best self, or he is an individual with a developmental disability who needs job coaching and training to find rewarding, gainful employment, we have been there to empower them.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Waterloo, Illinois, we are the primary mental and behavioral health resource for individuals and families in the suburban towns and rural villages of Monroe County.

We have been, and will be here – because we believe we are stronger as a community when we all are given the chance to be our best.

With support from a generous community, a dedicated staff and caring families, we are able to help more than 800 individuals build better lives every single year. But the need grows.

Right now, I’m asking for your help to meet that need.

On May 31, 2019, we will host our second Shine Your Light Gala at The Falls Reception and Conference Center in Columbia, Illinois.

If you attended our gala last year, you know this night is a glamorous evening of dinner, fellowship and live and silent auctions.

But for our clients, this night means so, so much more. For them, this is powerful reassurance that their lives – their successes – are truly valued and supported by the world around them.

Please join me in supporting our gala to help us “shine a light” on mental and behavioral health issues.

You can show your dedication to strengthening our community in several ways.

• Buy tickets to the Gala!
• Consider donating an item from your business to the auction – event tickets, a vacation package, for example.
• Make a cash donation through one of our sponsorship options.

View 2019 Gala Gallery

By supporting Human Support Services in this event, you are generously, proudly, sending the message that the success of our entire community matters.

Thank you in advance for your support. I hope you see you at the Gala!

Anne King, HSS Executive Director