Developmental Training
Developmental Training is an RHPC core program of therapeutic activities designed to assist the individual to achieve a greater level of daily functioning. Programs include motor skills, independent living, educational abilities, vocational aptitude, and social interpersonal skills.
Our Developmental Training program is fortunate to have a robust base of vocational opportunities by working on a variety of jobs made available through our partner contracts. A minimum level of skill is not required for admission to this program.
Regular Work Program
The primary objective of the Regular Work Program is to provide paid 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 skill and adjustment which would enable them to move out of the facility and into the competitive labor market.
Client Support Services
Educational Skills
Individuals are encouraged to increase their knowledge and competence in basic education 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 and money skills, functional reading, writing, and storytelling time. Referral and 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 will 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 areas of individual needs.
Social Interpersonal Skills
Our staff employs proven 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 aptitude and performance. Included are 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, package salvaging, packaging, collating, machine operation, sorting, inspection, landscape maintenance, shipping, and receiving.
For individuals who have achieved a level of performance that they would be ready for community employment, RHPC helps with assistance in job seeking skills. Referrals can be made to agencies who provide direct assistance with job placement, and we will work with the individual throughout this process.
Other Programs, Services, and Activities
Special Olympics
Through participation with Special Olympics, Rolling Hills clients can compete in sports, such as bowling, track and field, and basketball. Personal benefits of this program include improved physical health, social skills, and the chance to be part of a team and maybe even a sports star!
Group Outings
Rolling Hills plans and coordinates a variety of field trips into the community. Outings may range in scope and size, such as a small group visit to a local park or 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 practical and appropriate manner.
Special Events
The holiday season is special at Rolling Hills. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas we hold free traditional dinners. A Christmas party complete with dancing, gifts, and refreshments is held every December.
Community Resource – ADA Accessibility
Rolling Hills is a valuable resource and service for the Carroll County community, providing accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act. Employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and any questions or requests for information may be directed to staff members at Rolling Hills.
Transportation
Operating in a rural county, we know that providing transport for clients to and from the work center is 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.
Food Service
RHPC does not currently provide food service at our plant locations. Individuals are requested to bring their lunch. A microwave is available, however, there is no refrigeration available. Clients/workers should use an insulated lunch container to keep food warm or cold.
Rolling Hills Policies
Admission / Eligibility
The individual must have a mental or physical disability which limits or prevents him or her from obtaining or retaining community employment. The RHPC program coordinator completes a thorough review of applicable medical, psychological, and social records in the process of determining an individual’s eligibility.
Rolling Hills Progress Center does not deny admission for reasons of race, gender, religion, creed, color, national origin, financial ability, sexual orientation, or handicap. Furthermore, Rolling Hills is accredited in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, the Civil Rights act of 1964, and all other laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to civil rights.
Admission Procedures
- Referral of individual for services.
- Intake interview with the individual and, if appropriate, the family 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 supplying important background information for the agency. It is important to have information in which the individual can make an informed choice in whether Rolling Hills would be right for them.
- Individual signs 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.
- The program coordinator communicates with the individual to arrange details, such as transportation and other details, about the first day of work.
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, case workers, 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 Progress Center.
Financial Assistance
Awareness of an individual’s financial needs is essential to providing quality, comprehensive services. For participants to receive full benefits and entitlements, we examine each person’s financial situation on a regular basis to ensure that they receive all privileges 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.
Client Rights
Rolling Hills Progress Center promotes and requires the preservation of the human and civil rights of all that are served at our facility. Any questions regarding human rights should be referred to the Program Coordinator. Additional information and details on rights can be found in the Rolling Hills Client Handbook in the Individual Rights and Confidentiality section.
The Rolling Hills Story
History
The concept for the Rolling Hills Progress Center was envisioned in 1975 by a dynamic group of community leaders and parents, who recognized the growing need for a locally based vocational program. A great deal of local support, combined with state funding, transformed ideas into a reality in June of 1976. The agency was a satellite of the Village of Progress in Oregon, Illinois for its first twelve months of operation and became an independent organization after that time.
The agency opened its doors with nineteen clients/workers, four staff members, and 8,000 square feet of space. In comparison to today, the agency serves over 100 individuals annually, with over thirty-five staff and 106,000 square feet of production and warehouse 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 guide and oversee the overall policies, financial status, and operations of the agency as concerned and responsible citizens.
Finances
A major part of Rolling Hills income is generated through industrial subcontract services. Funding is also received from 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 greater levels of financial self-sufficiency.
Staff
Rolling Hills staff represent decades 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, work center manager, assistant manager, developmental training directors, and office manager.
In addition, Rolling Hills employs well-trained paraprofessionals and supervisors. Our staff participates in ongoing safety training, rehabilitation, behavioral methods and procedures, first aid and CPR, industrial procedures, and best practices.
Staff members 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 about Rolling Hills programs and services.