Two local agencies partner together to establish a Huntley-based program for adults with developmental disabilities
HUNTLEY – First established in fall 2021, the Bright Program came to fruition with the assistance of a partnership formed between the McHenry-based non-profit Pioneer Center for Human Services and the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA).
The Bright Program currently operates in the Huntley Park District’s Deicke Park facility located at 11419 S. Route 47 and focuses on personal development through case management, community connections, and the targeted development of personal independence.
Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Pioneer Center Sam Tenuto has been involved in the human services field for over 25 years and states that the inspiration behind creating the Bright Program was simply to aid individuals they serve to prosper throughout the community.
“What we did over the past couple of years, NISRA and Pioneer Center identified [that] the Huntley area, which is the southwest corner of our community, lacks intellectual developmental disability services,” said Tenuto. “So, we knew for a couple of years plus that we really wanted to work together and serve in this area and the community. The partnership has allowed us to do that.”
The Bright Program serves adults with developmental disabilities over the age of 22, with activities taking place on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“A typical day for a participant in the Bright Program starts out with coffee or hot chocolate and the participants journaling about whatever the daily question is on the whiteboard. They write in their journals and when they are done, they discuss it as a group. They move on to watch a 10-minute overview of that day’s news and again, discuss it as a group and talk about how they feel about what is going on,” said Jessica Howar, the community inclusion coordinator at the Pioneer Center.
She continued, “After that, they usually go out into the community outing and when it’s lunchtime, they will either go out to eat or come back to Deicke Park. If there is not an outing in the afternoon, then they are working on life skills, social skills, or learning about health and wellness. We work on these skills through activities and games. We mold the day to be based on activities and outings that the participants want to do. This program is literally all about the participants we serve and their interests.”
As for the reason as to why the Bright Program only serves those over 22-years-old, Tenuto explained that people diagnosed with developmental disabilities typically age out of services provided by their school districts at 22. However, the Pioneer Center often works with students getting ready to graduate through transition programming.
Howar states that once participants are ready to enter the Bright Program, they will be set up with an admissions manager who will provide further information regarding the program, as well as provide a pre-screening of the individual.
Once the Bright Program team reviews an individual’s information, an in-person assessment will be scheduled.
“The purpose of the assessment is to learn more about the participant and in turn, they learn more about the program and staff. The Bright Program Team seeks participants who would be a good fit for the program, but families are also interviewing us to make sure we are a good fit for their loved one,” said Howar. “Once the assessment is complete, the participant will come to the Bright Program for a one-week trial. This allows the participant to see what it would be like if they were a part of the program. After the trial, if the team feels they will enjoy themselves and thrive in the program, we then offer them the opportunity to join the program if they would like to.”
With the Pioneer Center set to celebrate 64 years of serving in the non-profit human services industry and the Bright Program close to celebrating its one-year anniversary, Tenuto is proud of the goals the program has managed to accomplish despite the ongoing pandemic.
“For the Bright Program, it’s a new program so we’re still building our admissions, but I would say the biggest accomplishment is creating an exciting, contemporary program for people with developmental disabilities in this southwest area, in the Huntley area of our community,” he said. “So, the people we serve, they’re working with the park district, exercise [at] the gym facilities, [support] the local Huntley restaurants, [support] local Huntley shopping and stores, public areas like the library, local parks. A big part of the program focuses on recreation, leisure, [and] community integration. Those are critical.”
Howar states that individuals can remain in the Bright Program as staff evaluates and monitor their needs.
Additionally, participants can utilize their Department of Human Services (DHS) Waiver Funding, McHenry County Mental Health Board Funding, or utilize private pay for fees associated with the program, though other payment options can be discussed.
“We’re an agency that is determined to create opportunities for people to access and access as easy as possible. We’re excited about serving this part of the community and we are focused on growing the Bright Program and having it be amazing to those served and then down the road, we will understand the impact on the community to see if there’re other things we need to do in this part of the county too. One step at a time, We’re a very thoughtful agency. So is NISRA,” said Tenuto. “This first year is going to be heavily focused on learning and listening from the people we are serving to best design the program to meet their needs.”
“The goal of this program is to provide our clients opportunities for continued growth through outings, working on life skills, recreation, and leisure activities that will enrich their lives. We want to provide our participants with more opportunities to be involved in the community and have everyone achieve their personal goals,” said Howar.
To learn more about program eligibility and enrollment, individuals can call 815-344-1230 or email [email protected].
For more information on other services provided by the Pioneer Center visit www.pioneercenter.org.
