No Limits

Program Purpose

No Limits helps qualifying members of the Champaign County community improve their quality of life. Program participants can achieve a higher level of self-sufficiency by partnering with a case manager to establish a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, responsibility, and hope.

About the Program

This step-by-step program provides structure and guidance to help participants develop the kind of positive habits that lead to a prosperous future. Case managers partner with low-income individuals and families to establish long- and short-term goals focused on stability. Through weekly meetings during the first month—and as often as necessary thereafter—participants plan and enact activities to work toward those goals. Goals include everything from employment and education to housing and budgeting.

Program eligibility and details of a potential participant’s current situation are assessed at enrollment using the self-sufficiency scale. To qualify, they must:

• Score under 70 points on the self-sufficiency scale
• Live in Champaign County
• Be within the poverty guidelines OR be referred for housing advocacy services through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Participants may continue in the program for up to two years after qualifying. They will successfully complete the program when they score above 70 points on the self-sufficiency scale.

Contact Information

Phone: 217-239-3557 (Intake Line)
Fax: 217-328-2426
E-mail: intake@ccrpc.org

Program Overview

During their first meeting, a case manager will explore the strengths of the participant’s family, along with their resources and vision for the future. The case manager will use the family self-sufficiency assessment to determine the participant’s self-sufficiency score based on 10 areas the program examines. Together, they will use a workbook and special tools to help foster a better understanding of priorities. Based on a participant’s vision for the future, case managers will help them plan short- and long-term goals and determine what is needed to achieve those goals.

As they meet regularly with their case manager, a participant will receive support and encouragement to help them prepare and adjust to employment, think through difficult situations, find and use community resources, and build on strengths. No Limits staff will be focused on helping participants complete tasks, realize their progress, and meet their goals.

Through the No Limits program, participants can:

• Discover strengths, skills, and interests
• Develop plans for achieving short- and long-term goals
• Learn critical-thinking skills, budgeting, coping strategies, and problem solving
• Learn to navigate the maze of community services to meet their needs
• Prepare to find a career, not just a job
• Receive limited financial assistance for emergency needs when no other community resources are available

The program offers access to additional services geared toward improving a participant’s quality of life, including the Individual Development Account and the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance programs.

Related Links