SPARC - Springfield IL

Transition Seminar at IDOT

Brandon, Ben and Karen attended the Transition Seminar held at IDOT on May 11th. They were there to lend support with helping students with developmental disabilities learn how to successfully find employment after graduation.

Katie speaks about her successes to graduating students

Katie was asked to speak to the graduating class of high school students with developmental disabilities. She did an excellent job of describing the benefits and satisfaction of being employed. Way to go Katie! Great job!

Congratulations to John Porter!!

Sparc is proud of John Porter who recently received a special advocacy award from Arc of Illinois. The award was presented by Governor Quinn at a recent Arc of Illinois Conference. Way to go John!

Congratulations to Wanda Johnson!!

Sparc would like to congratulate Wanda Johnson who was selected by the Awards Committee of The Arc of Illinois to receive the “Direct Support Professional More than 5 Years Award” for 2012. Wanda was nominated by Jeff Johnston, Sparc’s Human Resource Director.

Aktion Club supports the APL!!!!

Aktion Club members were at Walmart recently to collect donations for food for the dogs and cats at the Animal Protective League! Way to go ladies!!

Green Business Network of Springfield, Inc

Thanks to Recycle Springfield, three individuals supported by Sparc provide labor for collecting and processing the recyclables. For information go to www.GBNS.org

Pause

Sparc in the News!!

Sparc has had success moving individuals out of state institutions and the Arc wanted to host and event for reporters at the Capitol about successful transitions. Our objective was to send a message that everyone can live in the community with proper supports. We were pleased that two television stations and the Associated Press came to the event. We hope to do more targeted meetings next week in the Capitol for members of the press and legislators.

Joining us for the event was Carlissa Puckett, Sparc; Shirley Perez, Family Support Network and Joe Bishop a former resident at Jacksonville and Lincoln Developmental Centers. Joe now lives in an apartment with a roommate! Learn more.

1st Annual Miles in Skirts, Poker Run, a/k/a "Trekking for Tristian"

In spite of rain, shine and hail … these valiant riders rose to the cause of Sparc’s Kamp Kaleidoscope.

The 1^st Annual Miles in Skirts Poker Run, a/k/a “Trekking for Tristian” was organized by Chasma Pratt, Tristian’s mother. 43 participants on 24 motorcycles and 1 Camaro Convertible, donned both silly and serious skirts for the April 28 fundraising event. Read more.

News you need to know!

"Going Home-A Full Life in the Community" tells the stories of Margaret Doering, John Porter Jr. and Joe Bishop. It also tells the story of Margaret's sister Katherine Hamann and her struggle to choose a community home for her after sixty-three years in state institutions. It is a powerful production and we want you to use it to educate legislators, the media and the general public that everyone can have a full life in the community!

Click on to this link to view, "Going Home:" http://www.thearcofil.org/1826-2

Special thanks to the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities for funding this project. Also thanks to Carlissa Puckett at Sparc in Springfield, Chris Johnson at Mosaic in Pontiac and Gus Vandenbrink at Sertoma in Alsip for arrangements in making this video.

A VERY BIG Thank you to Brooke Thomas and Mike Burnett for writing and recording this beautiful song especially for Sparc. Also to Paul LaMantia for his tremendous efforts on the making of the video and editing of the music for Sparc. Sparc is very thankful for having people in the community who care enough to help out our organization. Bravo to all of you!!