Below are some answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” regarding the services provided by Opportunity House. Also be sure to check the bottom of the page for some helpful links that contain additional information.
How do I access Opportunity House Services?
For most services such as group homes, Home Based Services, and Community Day Services you will need to contact your local Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency and apply for the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS). In DeKalb County the contact agency is Service Inc. of Illinois 815-339-0740.
You may contact Carol Parsons, Program Director at (815)895-5108 x 105 or [email protected] to find out more information about services.
How do I access group homes?
Our homes are licensed and primarily funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DHS/DDD). Individuals are selected from the PUNS list by DHS/DDD and offered a choice of services. DHS/DDD sends notification to the ISC agency and to the individual. If the individual accepts the funds being offered to purchase services, the individual can contact OH (or any other agency) to find out if there are openings. If there are openings the individual, family and agency staff work together to determine if it is a good match for the person.
How do I access Community Day Services?
Our program is licensed and primarily funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DHS/DDD). Individuals are selected from the PUNS list by DHS/DDD and offered a choice of services. DHS/DDD sends notification to the ISC agency and to the individual. If the individual accepts the funds being offered to purchase services, the individual can contact OH (or any other agency) to find out if there are openings. If there are openings the individual, family and agency staff work together to determine if it is a good match for the person.
How do I access Vocational Services?
Opportunity House works in partnership with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). DRS can contract with OH staff to help individuals seek community employment and obtain job coaching. The DeKalb DRS office (815) 758-2471 or you can contact the OH Vocational Manager at (815) 895-5108 x 109.
If I have not been selected from the PUNS list, what can I participate in?
We offer Special Olympics and Recreational Services, on evenings and weekends. Contact our Special Olympics Coordinator Marc Johnson at (815) 991-2990 x 120 OR our Recreation Coordinator Jil Cottone at (815)991-2990 x 199. Participation in Community Day Services may be considered, depending on available capacity.
How long does it take to be selected from the PUNS list?
In a crisis, selection can occur within a few days. Otherwise selection can take months or several years. Your local ISC agency can provide more information.
Helpful links:
Information on Developmental Disability Services (DHS/DDD)
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32253
More about signing up for services with PUNS
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=85196
How do I access Opportunity House Services?
For most services such as group homes, Home Based Services, and Community Day Services you will need to contact your local Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency and apply for the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS). In DeKalb County the contact agency is Service Inc. of Illinois 815-339-0740.
You may contact Carol Parsons, Program Director at (815)895-5108 x 105 or [email protected] to find out more information about services.
How do I access group homes?
Our homes are licensed and primarily funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DHS/DDD). Individuals are selected from the PUNS list by DHS/DDD and offered a choice of services. DHS/DDD sends notification to the ISC agency and to the individual. If the individual accepts the funds being offered to purchase services, the individual can contact OH (or any other agency) to find out if there are openings. If there are openings the individual, family and agency staff work together to determine if it is a good match for the person.
How do I access Community Day Services?
Our program is licensed and primarily funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DHS/DDD). Individuals are selected from the PUNS list by DHS/DDD and offered a choice of services. DHS/DDD sends notification to the ISC agency and to the individual. If the individual accepts the funds being offered to purchase services, the individual can contact OH (or any other agency) to find out if there are openings. If there are openings the individual, family and agency staff work together to determine if it is a good match for the person.
How do I access Vocational Services?
Opportunity House works in partnership with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). DRS can contract with OH staff to help individuals seek community employment and obtain job coaching. The DeKalb DRS office (815) 758-2471 or you can contact the OH Vocational Manager at (815) 895-5108 x 109.
If I have not been selected from the PUNS list, what can I participate in?
We offer Special Olympics and Recreational Services, on evenings and weekends. Contact our Special Olympics Coordinator Marc Johnson at (815) 991-2990 x 120 OR our Recreation Coordinator Jil Cottone at (815)991-2990 x 199. Participation in Community Day Services may be considered, depending on available capacity.
How long does it take to be selected from the PUNS list?
In a crisis, selection can occur within a few days. Otherwise selection can take months or several years. Your local ISC agency can provide more information.
Helpful links:
Information on Developmental Disability Services (DHS/DDD)
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32253
More about signing up for services with PUNS
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=85196
