Who we   are?

• Note From The Executive Director
• RHPC History
• Agency Organisation
• Source of Referrals
• Admission Policy
• Admission Procedures
• Businesses owned by Rolling Hills
• Services
• Core Programs
• Ongoing Supportive Services
• Other Programs, Services, and Activities
• Other Important Information

 

Note from the Executive Director:

Rolling Hills Progress Center is a private, non-profit agency serving adult individuals with disability, sixteen years and older, residing in Carroll County Illinois. Rolling Hills is committed to the premise that the person with a disability can and will develop his/her unlimited potential from the meaningful vocational, educational and social training provided at the center.

People with developmental disabilities want what everyone else wants, the chance to contribute to their family, their society and to enrich their own life through productive work. Rolling Hills Progress Center gives them that opportunity. Whether or not those we serve have the potential to be placed in competitive work place, they continue to be productive, contributing members of their community.

They love the same country, care about the same things and dream the same dreams as each and every one of us. I hope your role is an active one in helping to make life a little brighter and more meaningful for those less fortunate.

So often people are judged on what they can't do, rather than on what they can do. Our clients have talents and abilities of which few people are aware. I would like to invite each and every one of you to visit the center. Come to see for yourself; see the program and the people in whom we take so much pride.

Thank you!

Peter R. Hermes

 

History:

The idea of Rolling Hills Progress Center was conceived in 1975 by a perceptive group of community leaders and parents who recognized the pressing need for a locally based vocation program. A great deal of local support combined with state funding transformed ideas into reality in June of 1976. The agency was a satellite of the Village of Progress for its' first twelve months of operation and became and independent organization after that time.

The agency opened it's doors with nineteen client/workers, four staff members and 8,000 square feet of space. In comparison to today, the agency serves over 100 individuals annually, has over thirty-five staff and 92,700 square feet of building space.

 

Agency Organization

Rolling Hills Progress Center is incorporated as a not-for-profit agency under the statutes of the State of Illinois and is governed by a volunteer board of directors who, as concerned and responsible citizens, guide and oversee the overall policies, financial status and operations of the agency

 

Source of Referrals:

Individuals needing Rolling Hills services are referred by agencies such as the Illinois Department of Human Services, mental health centers, the court system, caseworkers, group homes, schools, clergy, friends, family, and other citizens interested in the welfare of a person with a disability. An individual may even refer him or herself for services. To make a referral, simply phone Rolling Hills at the number listed above.

Admission Policy:

The individual must have a mental or physical disability which limits or prevents him/her from obtaining or retaining community employment. The program coordinator completes a thorough review of all applicable medical, psychological and social records in the process of determining an individual's eligibility. Services are available to Carroll County residents who are age sixteen and older. There is no upper age limit. Rolling Hills Progress Center does not deny admission for reasons of race, gender, religion, creed, color, national origin, financial ability or handicap. Furthermore, Rolling Hills shall be in compliance with the Americans with disability Act, the Civil Rights act of 1964 and all other laws, rules and regulations pertaining the civil rights.

Admission Procedures:

• Referral of individual for services.
• Intake interview with the individual and if appropriate the family and/or referral source. The individual being referred is welcome to bring along anyone they would choose to this meeting. The intake interview provides information to the individual about the scope of Rolling Hills services as well as supplies important background information for the agency. It is important the individual have information in which he/she is able to make an informed choice as to whether Rolling Hills would be right for them.
• Individuals sign Authorization for release of information form enabling Rolling Hills to obtain pertinent medical, social, educational. training and psychological records and reports from other agencies.
• The determination of eligibility is made after the program coordinator reviews necessary medical and/or psychological reports.
• A current physical exam is required after the the determination is made that the individual is eligible for services. This is at the expense of Rolling Hills.
• A start date is established upon receipt of the completed physical exam.
• The program coordinator communicates with the individual to arrange details such as transportation and other details about the first day of work.

Businesses owned by Rolling Hills:

While we are fortunate and grateful for the subcontract work that has come our way, we recognize the importance of developing and maintaining several small businesses of our own.

Careful study of our manufacturing capabilities, our local and already existing local business and industry has enabled us to develop and operate several small, but successful, business ventures.

Imprinted Novelty Items:

We sell a large number of imprinted novelty items to a nationwide customer base. Frequent customers of these products are schools and businesses.

Golf Tees and Accessories:

Also, marketed on a national wide basis are imprinted, bulk and packaged golf tees. Available, also, are ball markers, pencils and divot fixers.

Orchard:

Our rural setting leads itself quite nicely to the operation of our orchard where we have over 400 apple trees. Vocational opportunities provided by the orchard includes pruning branches, mowing grass, clean up of downed branches, harvest of fruit, marketing, and sale of the product. Sales occur to local supermarkets as well as direct sales to the general public.

Retail/ Dining Establishment:

A long term plan and dream is the building and establishment of a retail or dining business. The plan is to locate the business on property owned by Rolling Hills at the corners of Route 64 and 73 in Lanark (adjacent to plant #1). Such business would provide the opportunity for employment areas at present as well as in the future. While currently in the planning stages, it is hoped this venture will become a reality in the next five to ten years.

Services:

The services available provide comprehensive programming to facilitate the development of the individual's potential.

 

Core Programs:

Developmental Training:

Developmental Training is a program of therapeutic activities designed to assist the individual to improve and enhance his/her level of functioning in the areas of: motor skills, independent living skills, functional educational skills, vocational skills and social interpersonal skills. Our developmental training program is fortunate to have a strong basis of vocational opportunities as well as the use of a wide variety of programs and activities to assist individuals achieve their goals. A minimum level of skills is not required for admission to this program.

Regular Work Program:

The primary objective of the Regular Work Program is to provide remunerative employment to individuals who are not able to meet the standards of the competitive labor market. The opportunity for personal skill development, referral to other services and vocational counseling are available to all persons in this program. Some individuals may develop sufficient productive skills and adjustments which would enable them to move out of the facility and into the competitive labor market.

Ongoing supportive services:

Education:

Individuals have the opportunities to increase their knowledge and competence in basic educational skills. The goal is to enable the individual to function more independently at home, work and in the community. Instruction is offered in areas such as access to the community, budgeting, money skills, functional reading and writing and telling time. Referral assistance to individuals seeking GED certification is also provided.

 

Independent Living Skills:

Sessions are provided with the goal of assisting individuals in developing skills which enable them to be more independent at home. This may include meal preparation, nutrition and diet, clothes maintenance, grooming, health, personal hygiene and other related topics and indicated.

 

Social-Interpersonal Skills:

Staff utilize concepts such as role modeling, positive reinforcement and counseling to assist individuals who have difficulty interacting with others.

Vocational Skills:

Individuals receive training in areas related to improved vocational performance. This includes factors important to success on the job such as production rate, work quality, work habits, punctuality and attendance. Work experience is offered in the areas of custodial, food service, material handling, assembly, packaging, salvaging, collating, machine operation, sorting, inspection, landscape maintenance, shipping, and receiving. For individuals who have achieved a level of performance to where they would be ready for community employment, assistance is available with job seeking skills and referral to agencies who provide direct assistance with job placement. Rolling Hills will work with the individual throughout this process.

Other Programs, Services, and Activities:

Special Olympics:

Through involvement with Special Olympics, Rolling Hills participants have the opportunity to participate and compete in sports such as bowling, track and field, swimming, softball, and basketball. The many benefits of this program include improved physical health, social skills, and the chance to be part of a team .....maybe even a sports star.

Field Trips:

Rolling Hills plans and coordinates a variety of field trips into the community. These range in scope and size from a small group visit to a local park, to a trip to a professional baseball game for the entire workshop. All activities are intended to provide the individual with the opportunity to enjoy the recreational activities and facilities available in our vicinity and part of the state as well as enable individuals to learn how to access the community in a particular and appropriate manner.

 

Open House and Pancake Breakfast:

In order that the residents of our community have the opportunity to see our facility, we sponsor an open house pancake breakfast every other year.

 

 

Transportation:

Being a rural county with no public transportation resources, we find that providing transportation to and from the workshop a necessity. Rolling Hills operates six different bus and van routes throughout the county each morning and afternoon. Transportation is also provided to medical and similar appointments as needed for individuals who do not have access to their own transportation. However, no one is denied services due to inability to pay.

Food Service:

A lunch program, which offers a wide variety of nutritious and delicious meals, is available each work day. The food service is staffed by a professional cook and client/worker who serve as cook's helpers and bus persons. There is a normal fee for the lunch and this may be paid daily or charged, then billed monthly or deducted through payroll deduction. Free lunches are available to individuals who are not able to afford a hot meal.

 

Financial aAssistance:

Being aware of the financial needs of an individual is essential to providing quality, comprehensive services. In order that participants receive full benefits to which they may be entitled we examine each individual's financial situation on a regular basis to ensure that they receive entitlements for which they may be eligible. This may result in referral to the Social Security Administration, Department of Human Services, Tri-Counties Opportunities Council, and other similar agencies.

 

Food Pantry:

Rolling Hills operates a food pantry for the benefit of individuals who participate in our programs. A variety of canned meats and vegetables, cereals and snack foods are available to participants who indicate such need.

 

Clothing Distribution:

We frequently receive donations of quality, used clothing from individuals in the community. These items are made available to participants at no cost.

 

Special Events:

The holiday season is special at Rolling Hills. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas we hold a traditional turkey and ham dinner at no cost. A Christmas party, complete with dancing, gifts and refreshments, is held every December.

 

Community Resource-ADA and Employment:

Rolling Hills is able to serve as a valuable resource for the Carroll County community in the area of accessibility, including the Americans with Disability Act, and employment with regard to hiring of individuals with disabilities. Questions and requests for information may be directed to staff members at Rolling Hills.

Other Important Information:

Other Fees:

One dollar per day tuition is charged for the first year of services. This fee may be paid by the Illinois Department of Human Services, local school districts or other agencies. Services are not denied for those who are unable to pay tuition costs.

 

Community Relations:

We have staff who are happy to provide tours to groups of any size. We also are available to speak at your club meeting or other occasion where people may want to learn more of our services.

 

Finances:

A major part of Rolling Hills income is generated through industrial subcontract services and agency owned businesses. Funding is also received for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Carroll County Mental Health tax (708), donations and fees. In view of reduced amounts of income from state level governmental sources, Rolling Hills believes that long term financial stability will occur through increased levels of financial self-sufficiency.

 

Rights:

Rolling Hills Progress Center promotes and requires the preservation of the human and civil rights of all served at our facility. Any questions regarding human rights should be referred to the program coordinator.

 

Staff:

Rolling Hills staff represents years of experience and education in the disciplines required to manage and operate the agency. The vocational and professional disciplines are well represented by an executive director, program coordinator, vocational counselor, workshop manager, and assistant manager, developmental training directors, and office manager. There are a number of well trained paraprofessionals and supervisors. Staff receive an ongoing training in safety, rehabilitation, and behavioral methods and procedures, first aid and CPR, industrial procedures and techniques.

 

Outcomes:

Information about Rolling Hills, including measure of program success, effectiveness and efficiency, demographic studies and statistics of who participates and measures of stakeholder satisfaction are available. Contact the program coordinator for a copy of our outcome measurement report.