The Iroquois Supported Employment Program (ISEP) began in 1985 with the goal of moving people with disabilities from unemployment or segregated employment to employment in the community at competitive wages.  The Employment Coordinator and Job Coaches help people find and keep community jobs. 

 

People receive job development, placement, work setting training, advocacy, ongoing assessment, and follow-up support services based on their individual needs, abilities, and interests.  The support of an on site job coach is provided, as needed, to assist the employee in attaining success at the community integrated work site.  Economic independence and social inclusion are primary results attained from this program.

 

The Workers Unlimited Club meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 7 – 8:30 p.m.  The goals of the Workers Unlimited Club include:  increasing the awareness of employment options and the community integrated employment skills of members; increasing leadership and self advocacy skills of its members; increasing job experiences and employment opportunities of its members; and, increasing the awareness of potential employers of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

 

The program not only has obvious benefits for the people it supports but also provides numerous benefits to employers and local communities.  Employer benefits are:  pre-screened applicants; less employee turnover and absenteeism; systematic evaluation of employee performance; reliable workers; on-site training; long term supports for workers; support for employers; advertising cost savings; and, increased business from the disability community.

 

The program currently supports over 30 people at a variety of sites throughout Iroquois County.  Below is a list of some of the many businesses and individuals who currently provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities through our supported employment program:

 

Cissna Park

• Bauer Comfort Center

• Cissna Park Fire Department

• Cissna Park Co-Op

• Village Hall

• Curtis Satellite, Antennae, and Internet

• Immanuel Lutheran Church

• Ivy Arbor

• Koester’s Plumbing and Heating

• Luke’s Laundromat

• Michelle Henrichs

• H. B. Walder

• Trinity Church

• Union Church

Milford

• Citizens State Bank

• The Garden Essentials Company

Iroquois

• United Methodist Church

• Armold's Residence

Martinton

• St. Martin's Church and Fellowship Hall

Watseka

• Toddco

• Eagle Country Market

• The Arc of Iroquois County

• McCullough Implement Company

• Pizza Hut

• State Farm

• The Times Republic and Spirit

• Wal-Mart

• Watseka Chrysler Dodge and Jeep

• Law Firm of Sunderland, Spenn, Johnson, and Thompson

• Canady Building Maintenance Supply and Service

• Recycling Center of Iroquois County

• Dr. Phillip Zumwalt's Office

Danforth

• Prairieview Lutheran Home & Faith Place

Gilman

• Gilman Library

• Immaculate Conception Church

• Red Door

Piper City

• St. Peter's Catholic Church

Hoopeston

• McDonald's

• IGA

Sheldon

• Sheldon Township Building