Elisha's Cove

04/01/2026

More information:

Just ahead of Autism Awareness Month, a skating rink in St. Charles is introducing a new mission centered on inclusion.

03/24/2026

Join us Illinois!

🚨 Take Action: Witness Slip Needed

Support HB5605 – Community Supported Living Act

We Need Your Help, Illinois!

Community Supported Living with 24-hour support is a federal Medicaid option available in most states—but not in Illinois.

Currently, the Illinois Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver does not include a defined 24-hour community supported living service for adults whose needs require continuous, coordinated supports in a home or community-based setting.

As a result, individuals with complex support needs are left without a workable community-based option, increasing the likelihood of institutional or other out-of-home placement away from their families and communities.

There is a solution.

HB5605 — the Community Supported Living Services Act — creates a pathway for Community Supported Living–24 Hour (CSL-24), supporting individuals to receive 24-hour services in a home of their choosing, with provider choice and supports guided by the person-centered planning process.

📝 Take Action Now — File a Witness Slip by Wednesday, March 25

This is one of the most important ways to show your support right now.

Every witness slip counts—and directly shapes how legislators view public support for this bill. Without strong support in committee, a bill may not advance this session.

👉 Witness Slip for HB5605: https://witnessslips.ilga.gov/House/Hearings/details/3061/22636/CreateWitnessSlip/?legislationId=167658&GaId=18&View=Create

How to complete it:
• Representation: Self, Parent, Family Member, Advocate, Ally, Friend
• Select “Original Bill”
• Position: Proponent (if you agree)
• Testimony: Record of Appearance Only
• Submit

HB5605 helps close a critical gap in Illinois, supports community living, and promotes more effective use of long-term system resources.

📣 Please share this message widely—every voice matters.

Contact us at: IPACDD@gmail.com or
visit: www.SupportTheComplex.org

03/21/2026

Being part of the change in Illinois! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D8UqfbUhW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🚨 Take Action: Witness Slip Needed

Support HB5605 – Community Supported Living Act

We Need Your Help, Illinois!

Community Supported Living with 24-hour support is a federal Medicaid option available in most states—but not in Illinois.

Currently, the Illinois Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver does not include a defined 24-hour community supported living service for adults whose needs require continuous, coordinated supports in a home or community-based setting.

As a result, individuals with complex support needs are left without a workable community-based option, increasing the likelihood of institutional or other out-of-home placement away from their families and communities.

There is a solution.

HB5605 — the Community Supported Living Services Act — creates a pathway for Community Supported Living–24 Hour (CSL-24), supporting individuals to receive 24-hour services in a home of their choosing, with provider choice and supports guided by the person-centered planning process.

📝 Take Action Now — File a Witness Slip by Wednesday, March 25

This is one of the most important ways to show your support right now.

Every witness slip counts—and directly shapes how legislators view public support for this bill. Without strong support in committee, a bill may not advance this session.

👉 Witness Slip for HB5605: https://witnessslips.ilga.gov/House/Hearings/details/3061/22636/CreateWitnessSlip/?legislationId=167658&GaId=18&View=Create

How to complete it:
• Representation: Self, Parent, Family Member, Advocate, Ally, Friend
• Select “Original Bill”
• Position: Proponent (if you agree)
• Testimony: Record of Appearance Only
• Submit

HB5605 helps close a critical gap in Illinois, supports community living, and promotes more effective use of long-term system resources.

📣 Please share this message widely—every voice matters.

Contact us at: IPACDD@gmail.com or
visit: www.SupportTheComplex.org

02/18/2026

Join us for the Third Annual Touch-A-Truck hosted by the Belleville Police Department!

🗓 Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
🔇 Quiet Hour: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 2300 West Main Street, Belleville, Illinois

This FREE community event will feature police vehicles, fire trucks, construction equipment, and more. The Belleville Fire Department will be there with our apparatus and crew ready to meet you!

Enjoy food, games, prizes, and hands-on fun for the whole family. We hope to see you there!

02/14/2026

✨ Advocates of the Roundtable – We Are Black History ✨

Join us for a powerful virtual conversation celebrating Black History Month and disability — centering the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of Black people with disabilities and community leaders.

🖤 Theme: We Are Black History
📅 Date: February 26
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (ET)
💻 Location: Virtual (Zoom)

This event will be co-facilitated by Golda Duncan and Richard Potter and will feature meaningful discussion and storytelling from leaders in our community.

🎨 Phoenix will share how she uses her artwork to express all of her identities.

Because our stories, leadership, and lived experiences matter — we are Black history, past, present, and future.

👉 Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GlXfUMsaTwa8q24Kxu0DHg #/registration

02/13/2026

Your voice matters—and we want to hear it. 💬

Family Matters PTIC is coming to Belleville, and this time, the conversation is led by YOU. 💚

📍 Community Listening Session
🗓 Friday, March 6, 2026
⏰ 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📌 St. Clair County Regional Office of Education | Belleville, IL
Register Today: https://fmptic.org/happenings/event-calendar.html/event/2026/03/06/family-matters-community-listening-session/553213

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child or youth with a disability? This is your chance to:
Share what it’s really like navigating special education

Talk about what supports are working—and where things fall short
✨ Identify what families truly need to succeed
✨ Help shape future trainings, resources, and supports from Family Matters PTIC

This is not a presentation.
This is not a lecture.
This is a listening space built for families—because real change starts with real stories.

Registration is required and space is limited, so don’t wait!
Scan the QR code or register today to save your seat.

Your experiences can help improve systems—not just for your child, but for families across Illinois. 💚

02/12/2026

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

The Answer Inc. will now services 3 to 6 year olds with Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities!
Interested!

Complete our Services Interest Form today to learn more!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5Jpv06IVCe8mUjCyP29jthVl_pQZ-4g0h-Hr17gfPHz-U9Q/viewform?usp=header

01/23/2026

FATHER ENGAGEMENT IN FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
An insider’s perspective for fathers, mothers, caregivers, and those who support families of children with special needs.

Co-Sponsored by:
Child & Family Connections #9
21st Century Dads Foundation
Special Fathers Network

Held By Zoom
Friday, February 6, 2026
Noon to 1:30pm CST
Registration is free but you must register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v_b9zu2RSiKXlINALpMZSA #/registration

01/12/2026

Calling Parents, Caregivers and Special Education Supporters!
Join our COMPASS Parent Training Series
📅 When: Tuesdays, January 13 – March 3
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💻 Format: Virtual
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xmZ96gr7SZCn49RYmASFdA?ampDeviceId=2683ce46-7234-4737-9b8e-6e3710634973&SessionId=1767885616147&DeviceId=2683ce46-7234-4737-9b8e-6e3710634973&SessionId=1767885616147 #/registration
Family Matters (FMPTIC), in collaboration with Waukegan Public Schools, invites you to join our COMPASS Parent Training Series — an 8-week virtual learning experience designed to empower families navigating special education.

🧭 What is COMPASS?
COMPASS helps parents and caregivers become confident, informed partners in their child’s special education journey. Sessions are interactive and include discussion, Q&A, polls, and chat, along with optional readings and trusted resources.

🧠 Topics include:
• Foundations of Special Education (IDEA & Section 504)
• Understanding the IEP & meaningful participation
• Procedural safeguards & dispute resolution
• Early intervention & early childhood services
• Mental health, behavior & discipline protections
• Transition planning, self-advocacy & student voice

Whether your child is just starting early intervention or preparing for adulthood, COMPASS provides a clear roadmap and a supportive space to learn and connect.

👉 Register today!
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xmZ96gr7SZCn49RYmASFdA?ampDeviceId=2683ce46-7234-4737-9b8e-6e3710634973&SessionId=1767885616147&DeviceId=2683ce46-7234-4737-9b8e-6e3710634973&SessionId=1767885616147 #/registration
Scan the QR code or visit www.fmptic.org

Questions? We’re here to support you!

01/12/2026

🌈 Social Skills Group – Now Enrolling! 🌈

The Judevine Center for Autism is excited to offer a FREE Social Skills Group for children and teenagers ages 5–15 with autism, thanks to funding from Developmental Disabilities Advocates.

🗓 When: Wednesday evenings, 4:00–5:30 PM
📍 Where: Judevine’s Jefferson County Hub Building
👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Meeting: February 4th at 4:00 PM
▶️ Groups begin the following Wednesday at 4:00 PM

This group is based on the Superflex & Zones of Regulation curriculum and focuses on:
✔️ Building & maintaining friendships
✔️ Identifying and expressing emotions
✔️ Talking with peers
✔️ Understanding social cues
✔️ Decision-making
✔️ Coping skills

🔹 Requirements:
• Child must have a DMH ID
• Enrollment is first come, first served

📩 To learn more or register, contact:
Zoe Green – zgreen@judevine.org
Jayna Bailey – jbailey@judevine.org

Please share with families who may benefit! 💙

11/30/2025

11/22/2025

Looking for the cutest Santa photos in town with a great cause behind it? There’s still time to register for Sundaes with Santa at SugarBot Creamery!

🎄2025 will be our 5th year of Sundaes with Santa, and we hope you’ll join us!🎄

We started Sundaes with Santa in 2019 as a way to give back to the St. Charles community. (We took some time off in 2020 & 2021 to protect our Santas and team.) It’s two nights of Santas - this year we’ll have Santa Layne on Sunday night, and Cocoa Santa will return for the 5th year running on Monday night.

Sundaes with Santa is a low stress, personal Santa experience that is great for everyone - including those with sensory sensitivity, low tolerance for waiting in line, and a high desire to get a few minutes of face to face conversation with Santa to see where they’re landing in the spectrum of Naughty vs Nice.

Each booking gets 5 minutes of time with Santa, and a several posed and candid photos of their encounter. Attendees will also get vouchers to come back for a sundae of their choosing at a later date, and a decorated sugar cookie the evening of the event. All you have to do is book your slot, prep your adorable outfits (or jammies!), practice that smile, and show up 5 minutes before your time for check in. After that, our elves handle the rest, and you’ll get high resolution, digital photos within just a few days of the event.

If that’s not enough to get you interested - 100% of the proceeds go to support a St. Charles family in need this holiday season. We work with Boys & Girls Club of St. Charles to find a family that can use a little cheer for Christmas and beyond. In the past, we’ve been able to not only provide toys and clothes from Santa, but we’ve also been able to buy beds, mattresses, bedding, space heaters, and other urgent household needs to ensure that one less family is sleeping on a cold floor as we enter the new year.

For registration and more info, head to www.getsugarbot.com/santa - we hope to see you there!