DAY SERVICES
DEVELOPMENTAL TRAINING
A wide array of day-training services is offered to Sparc individuals based on their potentials. The Development Training Center offers programs that address a range of life skills, such as cooking and housekeeping, communication, exercise, crafts, personal and community safety and vocational skills. The contractual work area at DT allows individuals to learn and use vocational skills to earn paychecks. Clerical and small assembly work is offered under contract with local businesses and state offices.
EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Individuals in this program are supported through each step of the employment process with the goal of securing and maintaining employment. Sparc staff helps individuals develop and refine job skills that suit their personal strengths. A key component of this program is the Success Center, a place where individuals learn and practice vocational and social skills in mock work settings. Sparc job coaches support the individuals at job locations and work with employers.
The Job Placement Program has nearly 50 employers in the Springfield community that employ more than 60 individuals supported by Sparc.
These individuals work with a vocational specialist who assists with on-the-job training.
Job placement, with the assistance of our vocational specialists, has led to individuals “graduating” from the program and independently working on their own.
Sparc has been providing Springfield employers with trustworthy, inspired and hardworking individuals for more than 20 years.
JOB PLACEMENT
The Job Placement Program, open to persons with any type of disability, provides assessment, resume preparation, job seeking skills, individual job development, job leads and placement.
DEVELOPMENTAL TRAINING CONTRACTUAL
The contractual work area at DT allows individuals to learn and use vocational skills with the possibility to earn paychecks. Office and small assembly work is performed under contract with local businesses and state agencies. This developmental training helps with self-esteem and gives the individual a sense that they are contributing to society.
Skills individuals learn include sorting, shredding, mailings, light assembly, bagging and heat sealing, stuffing envelopes, labeling, collating, sealing envelopes, and collating and stuffing folders.
JANITORIAL TRAINING PROGRAM
Participants in the Janitorial Training Program work in the community as teams of custodians with Sparc employees serving as supervisors. This is a dedicated crew that cleans carpet and floors and performs other general cleaning for businesses around Springfield.
The Janitorial Training Program gives individuals an opportunity to gain valuable work experience.
Contact Greg O'Connor at 217-793-2206 ext 165 to learn more about Sparc's employment services.
RESIDENTIAL
24-HOUR RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT
Individuals live in Sparc staffed single family houses and in homes of contractual care providers. Our group homes are staffed 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Staff assists individuals with daily activities, including laundry, meal preparation, personal hygiene, taking medications, budgeting and using public transportation. Family members and staff work with individuals to set goals to reach the greatest degree of personal independence. Participation in community activities and events are regularly scheduled.
SUPPORTED LIVING
Individualized support is provided to individuals who live in their own homes or apartments. This program provides ongoing instruction and oversight in budgeting, shopping, community integration, taking medications, planning meals, public transportation and more. The level and type of assistance is based on the individual's needs and abilities.
Contact Greg O'Connor at 217-793-2206 ext 165 to learn more about Sparc's employment services.
RESPITE
The program is designed to help children and adults with a developmental disability enhance their daily lives through educational and recreational activities, while providing families with some relief from care giving responsibilities. Respite care can range from temporary relief, up to intermittent custodial care. Respite is a vital part of the continuum of family services intended to reduce family stress, support family stability, prevent abuse and neglect, and minimize the need for out-of-home placements.
Respite care is generally provided in the individual’s home or out in the community. Sparc also has several Licensed Foster Homes that are available for families who prefer to use the worker’s home. The respite program is funded through the state and with private grants.
Contact Sparc at 217-793-2100 to learn more about Respite.
SERVICE FACILITATION
Sparc provides Service Facilitation (Case Management) for individuals who are enrolled in DHS's Home Based Support program.
When enrolled in this program, families receive support and assistance from a service coordinator.
In addition, families can choose to purchase developmental training or supported employment from Sparc.
Contact Sparc at 217-793-2100 for more information.
EPILEPSY RESOURCE CENTER
Epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition, affects one percent of the population. Living with epilepsy presents a challenge and can pose a significant problem at any time in a person’s life. The Epilepsy Resource Center is here to help.
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he Epilepsy Resource Center has three service programs; information and assistance, community education, and support groups. The Epilepsy Resource Center (ERC) offers information and support to adults and children with epilepsy, their families and the general public. ERC's Information and Assistance program provides an array of support, including assessment, crisis intervention, community service referrals and education, and ongoing casework services.
ERC hosts workshops and public awareness events and provides professional training and school alert programs as part of its Community Education program. The center facilitates support groups for persons living with epilepsy, family members and friends in Springfield and Champaign.
For more information or assistance contact ERC at 217-726-1839 or 1-800-800-6401.