RCL'S HISTORY AND THE RCL STAFF

Our history - -

Resources for Community Living (RCL) began as a result of questions from parents of people with disabilities who wondered if shared housing could work for their sons/daughters. An Advisory Council consisting of professionals, parents and others interested in housing for people with disabilities was formed to investigate whether a need existed and if this need could be met using the shared housing concept.

It was determined that the shared housing concept would need to be adapted in order to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Specifically, staff members would need to spend more time getting to know participants in order to develop appropriate homesharing arrangements which provide benefits to both homeowners and homesharers (participants). In addition, intensive support services (both prior to and throughout the duration of a housing arrangement) would be needed to assist the participant in living more independently, and to ensure the success of the arrangement.

In 1988, the Shared Housing for Special Populations (SHSP) program was formed to match adults with developmental disabilities with elderly homeowners in mutually beneficial homesharing arrangements. Over time, it was determined that the above limitations created significant barriers to developing homesharing arrangements. Many elderly people had deeply ingrained stereotypes regarding people with disabilities, which could not be overcome. In addition, many people with disabilities expressed an interest in living with others their own age.

In 1994, Resources for Community Living (formerly SHSP) separated from its parent agency to become an independent agency. Since that time, RCL has greatly expanded the above services to include independent apartments, which allow people with disabilities to live alone if they choose. Today, the majority of housing arrangements developed and supported by RCL involve people with developmental disabilities living in their own apartments. In addition to housing, individualized support services (e.g., money management, cooking, safety, communication skills, community involvement, etc.) are provided by trained staff members in order to encourage independence and enhance quality of life.

In December 2000, RCL again received Accreditation with Distinction for a three-year term from The Council on Quality and Leadership in Supports for People with Disabilities (The Council). Our success in achieving Accreditation with Distinction for the maximum term allowable reaffirms the quality of RCL services as well as our commitment to supporting people with disabilities to achieve their goals and dreams.

Since 1998, Resources for Community Living has helped six participants with disabilities to purchase their own condos. This is an exciting new service provided by RCL in conjunction with Project Ground Floor and other financing programs. Home ownership helps to provide the stable environment from which our participants can maximize their potential and increase connection and contribution to their community.

Families of Resources for Community Living participants have taken an active role in raising community awareness about the organization. In 1999, RCL held its first major fundraiser, planned largely by a Fundraising Committee consisting of parents and other volunteers. The Inaugural Gala Benefit raised $26,000 to support programs and services offered by RCL. Our Second Annual Gala Benefit built on this success, raising $36,000 to further support our programs and services.

Our staff - -

		KATHY BOURAS, Support Services Coordinator, QMRP
		Kathy graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She interned at the University of Illinois providing psycho-social assessments for families. She joined Resources for Community Living in 1996, after working for the Little City Foundation. Her responsibilities include oversight and provision of direct services, staff training, Social Skills Training and a variety of administrative tasks. Kathy is excited about the growth of RCL this past year and is proud to be a part of this organization. Kathy values the relationships that have been established with the clients, as well as their families.
		KAREN HECHT-ASTA, Housing Coordinator, QMRP
		Karen graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. After working for 1 year at another agency, Karen joined Resources for Community Living in August 2000. Her responsibilities include provision of direct service, intake and assessment, and coordinating the housing search process and social outings. Karen co-facilitates RCL's Social Skills Training group where participants learn a variety of social skills. Karen enjoys hearing stories of progress and success in the lives of RCL participants.
		MAGGIE CHILSEN, Support Worker
		Maggie graduated from Loras College with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and Spanish. Maggie joined Resources for Community Living in 2008 after working in a Recreational Therapy Department for the State of Wisconsin for 3 years. Along with providing direct support services to RCL participants, Maggie also works with the residents of a building operated by CIF-Schaumburg, which recently formed an affiliation with RCL. Maggie really enjoys working with participants and looks forward to seeing people develop the skills that help them move towards greater independence..
		ROBERT WALSH, Psy.D., Executive Director
		Dr. Walsh joined Resources for Community Living in 1998 as a Board member. He became RCL's Executive Director in November 2000. Dr. Walsh is a Licensed Psychologist in Illinois. His responsibilities as Executive Director include oversight of the day to day operations, program development and evaluation, fundraising, marketing and other related activities. Dr. Walsh views his role as Executive Director as an extension of his role as a psychologist, helping people to fulfill their potential by taking authorship in their lives and building self esteem. Bob is inspired by the commitment that has been demonstrated by staff and volunteers through this time of world unrest and government funding uncertainties.

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