Published: March 07, 2008 10:32 pm            

Agency helps individuals become more independent in the community

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — A local agency has taken an extra step to help residents become more independent within the community of which they reside.

Progress Housing, a not-for-profit agency, was formed 20 years ago to provide residential and life services for individuals 18 years and older with a “varying array of developmental and intellectual disabilities,” or who are essentially no longer attending or receiving services provided by the Department of Human Services, according to President and CEO Vince Everson.

The agency owns several residences that clients live in, he said, and so the agency is able to provide the “required services” the individuals need through contracts with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Some of the needs assessed and addressed through the Community Integrated Living Arrange-ments (CILA) include social skills, banking, hygiene and even getting a job.

Recently, the agency has purchased a carpet cleaning business, Perfection Cleaning, to help residents not only get a job, but also assimilate into the community. Everson said the business was purchased in August with the intention to get residents to work. “We felt this was the natural next step to take for their individual growth,” he said, adding he believed it was also the “best way” for the community to embrace residents as citizens.

Shamar Perkins, 20, has been a resident with Progressive Housing at the CILA residence on 34th Street for the past six months and has a learning disability in that he has trouble processing information. Born in Minneapolis and raised in Rockford, he is currently employed as a carpet cleaner through Perfection Cleaning. “It’s pretty cool. I like it.” Perkins said.

Though cleaning carpets is easier than what he imagined, he never thought he would earn money working for a business. “I was shocked they offered me the job. I never thought group homes were like that. I thought they were homes for kids to go to when they’re in trouble.”

And with the added benefit of earning his own money, Perkins said he feels like he’s growing within the community. “I love getting paid,” he said. When I lived with my mom and dad I used to make money mowing yards and shoveling snow.”

Chris Wilson, manager for Perfection Cleaning said it has been important for Perkins to get out in the community and work. “He enjoys it and is as good as anyone we could have hired. He’s a great worker and fun to work with and easy going.” Wilson added Perkins helps him with other duties as well, such as maintenance on the homes Progressive Housing owns in Mt. Vernon and Woodlawn, where there are two homes each. “(Residents) enjoy getting out, working and meeting people, there’s no reason why they can’t,” Wilson said. “(The business) is a good thing. There needs to be a lot more of it in similar programs.”

And by working with Perfection Cleaning, Perkins is getting the experience in an environment that he may not have been exposed to through a workshop. “A normal day at a workshop is going to the store and shopping, but we may also help with a car wash. We’re not always guaranteed work.” Through Perfection Cleaning he says he feels as if he’s contributing to the community. “People treat me nicely. I definitely feel like I’m part of the community.”

Of his future, Perkins said he’d like to become a business and family man and get a home of his own one day.

Wilson said Perkins is very capable of achieving those goals. “Hopefully by working with (Perfection Cleaning) he can become more independent.”

Perkins has recently completed his driving hours and plans to take his driver’s exam soon.

For more information about Progressive Housing or Perfection Cleaning, located at 903 Salem Road, you may call 244-1385.

        

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