Get Involved with Sparc

There are many reasons to volunteer. Some have chosen to
become involved so they can provide a needed service, solve a
problem or advance a worthy cause; others look for personal
development. Many volunteer for both altruistic and personal
reasons.

People make contacts, learn skills, gain work experience, build
self-esteem, improve their health, sometimes finding paying jobs
and sometimes turn their lives around through volunteer work.

They don't work for money; they work for less tangible but
equally important forms of remuneration such as satisfaction,
appreciation and the opportunity to build skills. Volunteers are
seeking increasingly meaningful responsibilities and interesting
tasks, and the community must find ways to meet their needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sugar & Spice, February 23, 2008
Volunteers are needed to serve on the planning committee. This
committee solicits sponsorship for event as well as donations
for silent auction items. Volunteers are needed to help bake
goodies for the bake sale, serve chili, help in the kitchen, bus
tables and to assist with set-up and take down of the event.

Mike Ference Scramble for Sparc, June 6, 2008
Volunteers are needed to serve on the planning committee. This
committee gets together to brainstorm new ideas to help
improve the event as well as solicits donations for the live
auction, prizes and sponsorships. Volunteers are needed the
day of the event to help set-up and take down the event, greet
golfers, drive the beverage cart, witnesses at contest holes and
help with registration.

Starry Night, October 11, 2008
Volunteers are needed to serve on the Starry Night planning
committee. This committee gets together to brainstorm new
ideas for the event. They also solicit donations for the silent
and live auction items, sponsorships, plan the dinner menu,
event decorations and many other aspects of the event. At the
event itself volunteers are needed to help set-up and take down
the event, cashiers, greeters and registration.

Residential & Vocational - ongoing need
Love to paint? Have a flare for decorating? Volunteers are in
need to help spruce up some of the residential homes by
painting, decorating and cleaning. Volunteers are also needed
at the homes all year round for yard work such as gardening,
snow shoveling, raking leaves etc.

If you or your group is interested in volunteering at
Sparc, contact Kaylee Kaydus at 217-793-2206 ext. 178.

Become a Sparc Adult Foster Care Provider

Foster Care providers can make a positive difference in the
lives of adult individuals with developmental disabilities. That's
why Sparc is looking for men and women who would like to
provide residential supports in their home for up to two
individuals.

Qualifications:

Must be 21 years of age.
Must reside in Sangamon or Menard counties.
Must agree to a criminal background check for the
primary caregiver and all others who live in the home
who are over the age of 16.
Must agree to an initial drug screen and ongoing random
drug testing.
Must not be providing foster care to children.
Must have a current driver's license with a safe driving
record.
Must have a vehicle to accommodate the needs of
individuals with developmental disabilities.
Must have proof of automobile insurance with at least
the minimum coverage as required by the State of Illinois.
Must be available in the event of an individual
unexpectedly requires support, e.g becomes ill.
Home must pass DHS and Illinois State Fire Marshall
inspection.
No more than six persons, including members of the
family of the caregivers and individuals with
developmental disabilities, may reside together.
Must complete Direct Service Professional training and
any ongoing training as required.
Must complete medication administration training.
Must agree to comply with all applicable federal and
state rules and regulations.

"Seeing the individuals progress, seeing their behavior
problems diminish and seeing them grow has been very
rewarding. I don't look at this as a job- I look at it as an
inherited family." - Sparc foster care provider Gene Burch.

If you would like to receive more information on
becoming a Sparc foster care provider, contact Carlissa
Puckett at 793-2206 ext 153.