SouthSTAR Services self advocacy group, the Ray of Hope Self Advocates (ROHSA) is active in advocacy on all levels on the local, state and national levels. Self advocates from ROHSA are active on statewide committees and have presented about self advocacy locally and on the national level. Closer to home, the self advocates interview all prospective employees at SouthSTAR, co-teach various training classes with staff, organize their own fund raising events and serve on agency committees.

As part of self advocacy SouthSTAR Services uses a tool created by New Visions called Dare to Dream.  People served by SouthSTAR participate in classes that help them to get a vision for their lives.  People who have participated in Dare to Dream have realized many dreams big and small.  Another tool in the New Visions package is Bridging the Gap, a class that teaches staff how to help the people served achieve their dreams.  Everyone hired by SouthSTAR participates in this training during new employee orientation. Finally, Dreaming New Dreams, helps parents and other family members support their family member in the dream exploration.

The Ray of Hope Self Advocates group is part of the Illinois Alliance for Change, a statewide advocacy group with the mission of helping local advocacy groups come together to have a stronger voice in the State of Illinois. If you would like more information about the ROHSA group, need a speaker for an event or would like to support this program financially please contact Leanne Jessie, SouthSTAR’s Advocacy and Employment Manager ljessie@southstarservices.org or 708-747-0627 ext 117.