State Budget Cuts Eliminating Much Needed Grants

Both Challenge Unlimited Inc. and Residential Options will be affected

Alton, IL, June 17, 2009 � Challenge Unlimited, Inc. and Residential Options, Inc. have recently received a letter from the Department of Human Services (DHS) outlining what devastation is to come if the approved Illinois budget becomes law on July 1, 2009.

The new budget will eliminate the grants that fund Community Rehabilitation Services and may cut all other State funded services the organization provides by 20-30 percent. Community Rehabilitation provides placement services, supported employment, and employment enhancement services to 250 individuals with disabilities in Madison and St. Clair counties annually. Services that give individuals with disabilities a chance to obtain gainful employment, personal independence, and the opportunity to become a taxpaying member of society will no longer exist.

Two developmental training centers and 12 community-integrated residential homes are areas of the organization that have already seen an 11.6 percent cut in funds and may be facing another 20-30 percent. This poses a threat to 160 staff members and over 300 individuals receiving services in Madison and St. Clair counties.

The proposed budget will not only have a trickle-down affect that may hurt hundreds of staff and their families, but it may devastate hundreds of individuals with disabilities that rely on services provided by Challenge Unlimited and Residential Options.

There is no more time to waste. Now is the time to contact local legislators and make them aware of your thoughts on this issue.

For more information contact:
Karen Tones,
Support Services Director
618.465.0044 x1027