Self Help Enterprises provides work opportunities for individuals with disabilities who cannot meet productivity standards established by the local general industry workforce. Workers at our facility are able to earn a paycheck, which provides great purpose and esteem. Just as important, however, is having a community where they are able to interact with their peers daily, accept new challenges, and support one another in their work and their lives. This all leads to a sense of self-worth and self-esteem, which will help as each individual considers the possibility of competitive and integrated employment in the community. The work at Self Help consists of:
Filling or inserting items in packages, small boxes and bags; weighing, labeling, wrapping and checking the product
Assembly of small items by assembly line or individual; may use small tools but no automated assembly machines
Performing hand tasks not requiring skill training or skill development (i.e. placing items in packaging, facility maintenance and cleaning, paper shredding, etc.)
Self Help operates two residential homes in the Sterling-Rock Falls area. In addition to providing a safe living environment, Self Help staff strive to support independence for each individual. Our direct support professionals (DSPs) assist the residents in their day-to-day activities while providing training to build life skills, including food preparation, housekeeping tasks, personal hygiene, and safe access to the community. The individuals in the homes experience a family-like atmosphere where they navigate life together and participate in their communities, along with the help of our DSPs.
Each person has his or her own right to have dreams and live the life of their choosing. At Self Help Enterprises, we understand each person’s need for autonomy and self-determination. We believe each person has a right to control his or her own life and destiny. All human beings have the same basic needs for physical comfort, security, a sense of belonging, love and fulfillment. Our Community Day Services provide individuals with support, encouragement, activities and experiences through evidence-based practices that promote self-determination and community inclusion for an improved quality of life.
As a responsible service provider, we are committed to offering quality services that provide structure and are responsive to the individual needs of those we support. Topics and opportunities are varied so the individuals with whom we work gain meaningful experiences and skills that are designed to enhance the quality of their lives in multiple areas. These topics and opportunities include:
Self Help's Early Intervention program serves children from birth to 3 years old and their families that are enrolled in the Illinois Early Intervention program. Children served have a developmental delay, are at risk of a developmental delay, or have a diagnosed medical condition. Services are provided for families in Whiteside and Lee Counties by an Illinois Early Intervention credentialed developmental therapist. Program services include developmental evaluations and assessments, ongoing developmental therapy, and parent support. Therapy sessions are play-based and focus on the child’s global development. The program is family-centered to assist families with facilitating the development of their child so they can reach their optimum potential. We provide education, information, and support to help parents understand their child’s development and maximize their interactions during everyday activities. Please call us if you have any questions about your child’s development or would like to have them evaluated.
Adult home-based waiver services allow an individual to receive Community Day Services and to learn and maintain skills while continuing to live at home. Individuals are chosen by lottery from the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) list, and are assisted by Service Inc. if they choose a self-directed assistant (SDA). An SDA helps individuals who receive adult or child home-based waiver services. The family can be their own SDA or have a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) employed by an agency. The SDA helps the family determine a monthly budget allocation for Community Day Services and personal support workers. The SDA helps with the paperwork and training of personal support workers and gives the family ideas about community resources that may be beneficial. The SDA communicates with other members of the team that assist the individual and writes the implementation plan/strategy from information presented in the Discovery Tool and Person-Centered Plan. The SDA also completes home visits if the family desires this option and completes all paperwork to comply with the Department of Human Services and services related to home-based services.
Self Help strives for community integration for our individuals. Attendance at community events is encouraged and outings are incorporated in the Community Day Services program when possible. This allows individuals to be more involved in their communities through participation in activities, and contributes to the betterment of neighborhoods.
Self Help’s recycling program includes cardboard and other paper products, aluminum cans, residential electronics and document destruction. Residents may drop off electronic items for recycling or documents for shredding between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cardboard and aluminum cans maybe dropped off 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the recycling building in the west parking lot. There is a $10 fee for microwaves and monitors. We charge $1 per pound for televisions. If you are using our document shredding service, the fee is $0.80 per pound. If you have any questions, you may call the agency at 815-626-3115 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All recycling fees and donations go to support the mission of Self Help Enterprises and the individuals that we serve.
Stage Two is a Resale Shop that is operated by Self Help Enterprises. All proceeds from the sale of items go to supporting individuals with disabilities. Come visit us to shop or donate items at 205 St. Mary’s Road, Sterling, IL.
