Access to new behavioral health resources
helps hundreds of low-income individuals and people with
disabilities maintain permanent housing and avoid
homelessness
CHICAGO, June 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Unlimited, a full
spectrum of care organization serving people with intellectual,
developmental and psychiatric disabilities, has expanded its
geographic and service reach to support more people in need in
Central Illinois. Through a recent
consolidation, Bluestem Housing Partners, a supportive housing
organization, joins the Envision Unlimited family. With this
consolidation, Envision Unlimited welcomes more than 200 residents
in 121 housing units in Springfield, Normal, Tuscola and Atwood,
Illinois.
![Envision Unlimited logo with tagline "Evolving care with empathy, every time everywhere." (PRNewsfoto/Envision Unlimited) Envision Unlimited logo with tagline "Evolving care with empathy, every time everywhere." (PRNewsfoto/Envision Unlimited)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2432608/Envision_Unlimited_Logo.jpg)
To enable residents to live their best lives with more choice,
independence and inclusion in these communities, Envision Unlimited
is rolling out supportive services, which may include 24-hour
onsite assistance, crisis response and clinical resources. In
addition, needs assessments will help identify service gaps and
create a road map for residents to navigate social service systems
to ensure mental wellness, stability and success in permanent
supportive housing. With the acquisition of Bluestem Housing
Partners residential units, Envision Unlimited now manages both
housing operations and behavioral health services in an extension
of its award-winning community living programs that have supported
individuals with disabilities and their caregivers for decades.
"We believe supportive housing extends far beyond just a place
to live, particularly for people with disabilities and mental
health challenges," says Mark
McHugh, Envision Unlimited President and CEO. "We know
people can thrive with access to behavioral health resources and
supportive staff so they live successfully and become part of their
communities – we have seen thousands of people do just that. We are
very invested in helping people in Central Illinois get this kind of
support."
Envision Unlimited has created a new supportive housing division
to continue to manage and expand services that address the
significant needs and wellness of people with mental illness. This
expansion also supports the continued evolution of the
organization's community living options that offer a full range of
support in group and independent settings in response to ongoing
needs across Illinois. The
integration of these housing units brings Envision Unlimited
residential living to more than 220 locations across Chicagoland
and Central Illinois serving 550
individuals.
"I have met with the leadership of Envision Unlimited and
appreciate their commitment to providing mental health supports and
community-based residential options for people with disabilities,"
says Illinois State Senator Doris
Turner, 48th District. "The demand continues to grow, and
expanding access is critical to meeting the need while giving those
wanting to live independently the support they need. I look forward
to continuing to collaborate with Envision Unlimited on the
investment of these resources, serving my constituents throughout
the region." Senator Turner represents part of the new service area
of Envision Unlimited.
For more information on Envision Unlimited services in
Central Illinois, contact
Anita Lewis at
alewis@envisionunlimited.org.
About Envision Unlimited
Envision Unlimited
is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with
intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities regardless
of age, gender, background, or ability. Since 1948, we have built a
legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and
everywhere. Today thousands of individuals and their caregivers are
part of our innovative services offered across Chicagoland and
Central Illinois that include
novel day programs, community living options, behavioral health
services, employment programs, respite for families and
foster care for children with disabilities. Learn more at
www.envisionunlimited.org.
About Bluestem Housing Partners
Bluestem
Housing Partners NFP is a nonprofit agency in Central Illinois providing affordable housing
programs that promote independent living solutions for people with
special needs. As residents often have disabilities that prevent
them from living independently without support services, Bluestem
partners with other nonprofit agencies to provide on-site support
services such as case management, life skills training,
transportation, and others as needed.
CONTACT:
Suzanne
Ross
Chief External Affairs Officer
sross@envisionunlimited.org, 312-506-4800
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SOURCE Envision Unlimited