When Partnerships Empower Choice
Jennifer Buoy is a dedicated volunteer at PACE and member of Community Choices, who also serves as her Self-Direction Assistant (SDA) under the HCBS Medicaid Waiver. When Jen decided to hire her own Personal Support Workers (PSWs), she brought our two organizations together to assist. In a joint meeting with Jen, staff from PACE’s PSW program and Community Choices’ Self-Direction Assistance program discussed Jen’s requirements and the support available through PSWs. PACE helped identify PSW candidates, while Community Choices is assisting with onboarding them into the HCBS Medicaid Waiver system and providing ongoing SDA support. Jen’s experience highlights how PACE can partner with other organizations to strengthen support for consumers. We look forward to continuing collaboration with Community Choices and building similar partnerships with other agencies and consumers in hiring PSWs under the HCBS Medicaid Waiver.
Meeting Urgent Needs Through Community Support
Elaine and her family were referred to PACE from CRIS Healthy Aging of Vermilion County for assistance obtaining standing fans to keep her home cool as she was living without functioning air conditioning. Elaine had reached out to other community resources with no success. Due to a medical disability she was in need of a way to keep cool during the latest heatwaves . Using Pull for Access, our pop tab fund, PACE was able to purchase 2 standing fans from Walmart for the consumer and hand deliver them to her. Elaine and her family are thankful for PACE’s assistance during their time of need when they had nowhere else to turn.
Breaking the Silence:
How One Tablet Changed Everything
As a Deaf individual with a large family, she often felt a lack of
communication while having conversations with her children and other
family members. The struggle was even greater during frequent doctor
visits, where limited interpreter availability in our area left her feeling
frustrated and isolated.
That changed when a PACE staff member introduced her to a
communication tablet. With our help, the consumer applied for and
received the free device through ITAC. Suddenly, she could connect
directly with her children, relatives, and doctors — no longer relying
solely on interpreters.
Now, the consumer uses her tablet daily to stay in touch, manage her
health, and fully participate in conversations. Thanks to this small but
powerful tool, the consumer has regained independence, confidence, and
connection.
Bridging the gap:
From Financial Struggle to Medical Stability
In a time of financial uncertainty, a consumer came to PACE worried
about how he would afford the co-pays for his prescription
medications. His health depended on those prescriptions, but the cost
felt overwhelming. Thanks to the generosity of the Orange Krush
Foundation at UIUC and their dedicated grant funded this very need.
PACE was able to step in and help, because of this support, he was able
to cover his co-pays, continue his treatment, and focus on staying
healthy and stable.
This is just one example of how the Orange Krush grant allows PACE
to assist consumers in our community with medical co-pays. With the
assistance of the Orang Krush Foundation grant, PACE continues to
help consumers maintain access to the treatments they need — proving
that sometimes, a little help at the right time can make all the
difference.
A Simple Change, A Safer Home
With support from a grant received from the McKinley Foundation, PACE was able to have a grab bar installed for Mrs. Liggett in her bathroom after a fall which made daily tasks unsafe. The modification improved her stability and confidence, helping her remain safely at home. We’re grateful for the opportunity to assist and for the partnership that made this possible. Consumer reflection: “After experiencing a fall, everyday tasks became difficult and unsafe. Thanks to PACE, I was able to have a grab bar installed in my bathroom. It has made such a difference in my daily life, giving me the stability and confidence I need to stay safe in my own home. Thank you for helping me regain some independence and peace of mind.
Support at the Right Moment: Helping a Family Stay Housed
With support from a grant received from the McKinley Foundation, PACE was able to cover a three-night hotel stay for Betty Hobbs and her daughter, Regina, while their Urbana housing application was processed. This short-term lodging helped them remain safe and stable until their housing was approved. PACE in coordination with Cunningham Township were able to make sure they were not homeless during their wait for housing. We’re grateful for the opportunity to assist and for the partnership that made this timely support possible. Consumer statement: “I would like to take the time out to thank PACE for helping me and my mom take shelter in a hotel room for 3 days when we had no resources or no one to turn to. ”Thank you so much PACE.”
When the Right Support Makes the Difference
With support from a grant received from the McKinley Foundation, PACE was able to cover the apartment hold fee so Jimmie Dorris could secure a safe, affordable unit in Champaign. Mr. Dorris had been working with us since May 2023 and, after leaving a family member’s home in February 2025, was relying on hotels costing about $1,000 per month. We’re grateful to have been able to assist at this pivotal moment and will continue coordinating with community partners to support a stable move-in. As Mr. Dorris shared, “things are finally starting to come together.”