The 90’s
1992—SIRS applied for and was accepted as one of the initial six agencies to be involved in the Indiana Employment Initiative( IEI). This initiative is funded by Vocational Rehabilitation and is intended to bring about systems change from segregated, facility based services to individualized, community based services. IEI is operated by the Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities (ISDD) at Indiana University . Technical assistance and training in best practices in Supported Employment was the focus of the first year.
1993—SIRS was again chosen as an IEI site and continued to grow in community based services. Supported Employment is a growing services in the agency. SIRS also began providing support for individuals to become a part of their community through social and volunteer activities. Through the efforts of the Perry Co. Development Commission and the Mayor, Bill Goffinet , SIRS was awarded a $500,000 Community Focus Grant for the construction of a multi-purpose building adjacent to Ivy Tech in Tell City . the city put another 50K into infrastructure and SIRS contributed 280K for the project. The 280 K was a loan from the PCDC at very low interest payable over 30 years with the deed going to SIRS at the payout. At present the building houses the Coordinator of the First Steps and Step Ahead Councils, WIC, D-P-S Coop lease, SIRS Early Childhood Program, And the System Point of Entry (SPOE).
1994—The SIRS Board of Directors examined the agency mission and decided to change it to reflect SIRS commitment the individuals we serve being a real part of the community. SIRS continued its affiliation with the IEI project with a firm commitment to move away from facility based services and develop more supports and services for individuals to work, live, and play in their communities.
1996—Over the course of 10 months most if not all of SIRS staff received six full days of training in the development of Self-Directed Work Teams. It has been determined by consensus that if the staff were to support an empowered consumer, then the staff had to be empowered as well. Organizational Associates, Inc. of Florida facilitated this growth. SIRS began a Semi-Independent Living Program (SILP) to support people to live in their own home or apartment. The program has started with only a few individuals, but we hope for more funding to expand this type of support. Individuals receive assistance in securing an apartment, paying bills weekly, shopping for food and other necessities, handling emergency situations, etc. SIRS continues its growth in Supported Employment services. Staff have been trained in best practices and most have received certification as Employment Specialists.
1997—SIRS is reorganized into Self-Directed Work Teams with the establishment of the following departments – Adult Services, Early Intervention Services, and Business Enterprises, and Human Resources. Each of these department have established teams within their departments and have provided continued support around team development.
1998—SIRS was awarded a $260,000 grant from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR )to address the barriers associated with converting the agency from a facility based to a community based service system. A Marketing Specialist and Transportation Coordinator were hired. The marketing focused on making key stakeholders as well as the general public aware of our efforts and supports around community inclusion. The Transportation Coordinator began pulling together Transportation Advisory Committees (TAC) to focus on the limited transportation available to get to jobs and activities in the community. In addition, this two year grant will provide training and equipment to continue the conversion process to total community based supports. During 1998 SIRS also began informal affiliations with Fours Rivers Resources Services to consolidate training opportunities, contract sales, pilot projects and other mutual interests regarding community based supports.
1999—SIRS experienced several name changes. SIRS, which had stood for Southern Indiana Rehabilitation Services, Inc., changed its name to Southern Indiana Resource Solutions, Inc., retaining the acronym, SIRS. Its supported employment services became known as JOBS+. Children’s Services became known as Bright Beginnings, and Business Enterprises took the name, SIRS Industries. The name changes demonstrated the new and inclusive direction of the organization.
