Click here for the 2009 Annual Report
Click here for the 2005 Annual Report
Click here for the 2004 Annual Report

Table of Contents

• The Year in Review
• Mission Statement
• CARF Appraisal
• Nourishing Bodies & Spirits
• Community Outreach
• Financial Statement

2008 Annual Report

Forty-six young ladies and gentlemen were offered 240 full days of services this year. Friendships were formed, joys and sorrows shared, various activites undertaken and great achievement accomplished.

While it is impossible to serve all who knock at our door, we serve, as the saying goes, "one person at a time" who profits from the program and is lead into a life enriched by the experience of being at St. Rose Center.

This report will take you through the year's ups and downs. It has been a challenging but productive year.

More than ever, the donations of our supporters have been truly a Godsend, and made it possible for the program to continue. May the dear Lord continue to bless you and in turn bless us.

On behalf of all our young people and staff at St. Rose Center--A SINCERE THANK YOU.

--Sister Theresa, Administrator

St. Rose Center offers a comprehensive program assisting adults with developmental disabilities secure independence within the community; we assist individuals striving for their highest potential. We value and support individual self-sufficiency and control by enlisting acts of choice, decision-making and self-regulation. Under the center's guidance, individuals are challenged to responsibly give forethought, perform, and evaluate their goals and the goals of the community. The pillar of the program is to increase individual competency in achievement, social, personal, community and living domains.

St. Rose Center offers...

A pleasant environment that includes celebrating the Eucharist
Community integration
Integrated mission and communication
Strong leadership
Daily activites involving learning objectives
Various forms of informational input
Work completed that shows skill structure
Lessons on self-sufficiency, values and team building
Weekly meetings
Structured program and thorough assessments
Meaningful goals
Spanish/English translation and picture enhancements
Concern over safety
Clear priorities, warm and welcoming invitation to participate
A positive reputation
Responsiveness toward individuals served
Commitment to quality as advocates and educators including work with State legislature
Goals that are financially sound, well-managed, organized and complete
Quality individual program services
Exemplary performance with personal preference interviews

The Lord is our Light and our help in Him do we pray in Trust - Psalm 27

The individuals served benefited from program changes and/or additions during the 2007-2008 year. Summer program 2007 mimicked the Field Museum by creating environmental-styled globes and entertaining discussions involving environmental issues.

Volunteer opportunities developed at the Greater Chicago Food Depository and at the soup kitchen run by The Daughters of St. Mary of Providence.

Two individuals gained employment at Pete's Market making a total of 8 young people working in the community. A new Gospel Choir program continued after its initial presentattion at the Spring Fling. An additional program named Circles helped the individuals served understand better communication support from within family, peer and other relationships.

In addition to weekly staff training, opportunities were created for staff development. All staff attended an in-service and appreciation dinner sponsored by the Parent's group. Staff attended IDHS training in a positive behavior support and each completed First Aid and CPR training. A speaker was arranged from the American Diabetic Association to talk about diabetes and another speaker was invited from Christian Brothers to talk about the current pension program. Staff, administration and parents discussed business matters such as the CARF survey, home base services, finances and transportation.

We were also offered pro-bono a representative from Chicago Legal Clinic who will work in assisting families with guardianship. Planned encounters were held to present St. Rose Center to various community organizations.

St. Rose Center continues to spend time in the community. We have explored forest preserves and observed plant life in relation to environmental projects. We have visited the firehouse, Petsmart, varieties of libraries and stores, beaches at Lake Michigan, Noble Horse Theatre, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum and more. After outings individuals share verbal summaries and/or art and writing projects.

Holidays have given us other opportunities to interact with the community. Special Halloween and holiday performances included seeing the City of Chicago's Christmas tree and decorations and hearing choirs singing at the Daley Plaza. A Colonial Thanksgiving banquet was served to the center and our community partners. The Spring Fling showcased a parent-led Latin American Dance Band. Ms. Sue Halleron and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Alhambra hosted further holiday parties.

Other connections were made when Abraham Lincoln Center visited to learn how we integrate a variety of skills and workshop goals; our individuals supported letters to Marine Recruits at the San Diego boot camp and through those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. A presentation later followed as one of the young Marines said "Thank-you" in person.

Lastly, donations were accepted by many community members that represented Knights of Columbus Padre Pio Council, Wacky Vallagers Senior group, Father McCarthy from the SPRED program, Walgreen's, Sweetheart Cups, Most Rev. Gustavo Garcia Siller MSPS, Wirtz Rentals, Co. and more as well as other private donations.