Community Choices

The soon-to-be released film, “The Fish Don’t Care When It Rains,” shares the powerful story of Jen Msumba and her time spent at the Judge Rotenberg Center. This Sundance film sheds light on disability, institutional abuse, resilience, and the urgent need for awareness and change. An important and deeply moving story that deserves to be paid attention to and heard. Follow this link to watch the trailer here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYzpt5ttr2R/?igsh=MWlvdzJnc2h3MnY5dA==

SPREAD THE WORD! SHARE WITH FRIENDS!

Join us TONIGHT for our Co-Op Meeting with Guests from the MTD!

Come learn about the many accessibility options, tools, and services our local bus and transportation system uses! You’ll be sure to learn something new about their broad range of services!

Details of when and where are on the flier below! Hope to see you there!

We're hiring a SOCIAL & ADVOCACY COACH! *Sign-on & Retention Bonuses Available!*
This is a full-time position in our Connect Department. This person with this role will work 1:1 and with groups of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to build their social capital, leadership potential, and personal connections by exploring their interests, passions, and strengths. The position will also support the organization’s cooperative structure by helping to develop tools that allow members to easily connect with and support each other.
APPLY ON INDEED:

Social & Advocacy Coach for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Champaign, IL 61820 - Indeed.com Community Choices

Help support the creation of 24 Community Supported Living options in Illinois! Witness Slips needed by Wednesday, March 25th!
🚨 Take Action: Witness Slip Needed
Support HB5605 – Community Supported Living Act
We Need Your Help, Illinois!
Community Supported Living with 24-hour support is a federal Medicaid option available in most states—but not in Illinois.
Currently, the Illinois Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver does not include a defined 24-hour community supported living service for adults whose needs require continuous, coordinated supports in a home or community-based setting.
As a result, individuals with complex support needs are left without a workable community-based option, increasing the likelihood of institutional or other out-of-home placement away from their families and communities.
There is a solution.

📢 Take Action for HB5605 — We Need You, Illinois!

HB5605 — the Community Supported Living Arrangement Services Act — is heading to a committee hearing on Wednesday, March 25.

We need to show strong support NOW.
👉 Go to www.SupportTheComplex.org

There are 3 simple ways to help:
1️⃣Submit a Witness Slip (most important)
→ Select “Record of Appearance Only”

2️⃣ Share Your Story (written testimony)
→ Select “Written Testimony” OR share your story after submitting a slip
💡 Already submitted a slip? You can still share your story!

3️⃣Speak at the Hearing
→ Email [email protected] to coordinate
________________________________________

⏰ Deadline: March 25

Every witness slip counts and helps determine if this bill moves forward.

Without this service, too many individuals with complex needs are left without a real option to live safely in their homes and communities.

👉 Take action now: www.SupportTheComplex.org

Please share—every voice matters.

https://www.ilga.gov/House/hearings/details/3061/22636/CreateWitnessSlip/?legislationId=167658&GaId=18&View=Create

TIMER'S ON! RAVIOLI'S COOKIN! Get yours now! -- The time is now to eat ravioli AND support people with I/DD to live with opportunity -opportunities for jobs, friends, and independent living!

ORDER HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ravioli-fundraiser-community-choices--2026
Pick up on 2/12/26 or Get it Delivered on 2/13/26

QUANTITIES LIMITED - Sales open until we run out! Get yours Now!

It's the best time of the year for 2 things: Eating Ravioli and SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CHOICES! Lucky for you, you can do both with our Pop-Up Ravioli Fundraiser!

Order your ravioli now for pick up on 2/12 or delivery on 2/13 - All proceeds go to supporting people with I/DD to find real opportunities in the community!

ORDER NOW: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ravioli-fundraiser-community-choices--2026

Interested in working but don't know where to start? Sign up for Community Choices Workforce Empowerment Program (WEP)!

Starting February 2nd, WEP is a 12-week course that focuses on critical skills needed for successful employment, increases workplace experience, and helps you gain a better sense of real-life job roles and responsibilities. Topics we review include but are not limited to: ADA Basics, Expectations, Time Management, Employment Logistics, and more.

Class will meet every Monday at Community Choices from 10am to 11:30am to have an educational lecture-style lesson. On Wednesdays starting February 25th, we will go out into the community to many different jobs and get first-hand experience.

Unsure if you should sign up? WEP is great if you...
- Are a first-time job seeker
- Unsure of your employment goals
- Looking to try out new employment ideas

Not a member and want to take the course? If you are interested and on PUNS come in and do an easy member intake!

Sign up for the class using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV31YC0MBXjU6ZXEDaL-W_dkc5VmW9KpioZrMuExVPNKiNfA/viewform

TONIGHT at 6:00pm via Zoom! Learn about the Legislative Process & Self-Advocacy!

The conversation will focus navigating the legislative process as self-advocates. Access Living will lead this conversation as part of our “Going Deeper.” We’ll also touch in on our various projects.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85989013753
RSVP:https://forms.gle/XvuPt3Zu8hGsoZTw8

Join us for a practical, supportive workshop designed to help families and caregivers navigate benefits, financial planning, healthcare decisions, supportive services, and legal planning for the future. Participants will create a personalized planning binder to keep important documents and information organized and easy to access.

REGISTER BELOW :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezjOvoINQ8AZpuogf8Zsy5vg_UE7y2Pj1aXjj8Np3mLufHog/viewform

📅 1st Wednesday of each month starting 01/07/26
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Community Choices Office (44 E. Main St. Suite 210)
Dates: 1/7/26, 2/4/26, 3/4/26, 4/1/26, 5/6/26

This series is ideal for families, caregivers, and anyone looking to build a clear, confident plan for the years ahead.

Consider Supporting Community Choices this Holiday Season! Donate Here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-community-choices-in-the-2025-season-of-giving