***PRESS RELEASE***
Effingham, Il – Community Support Systems received a significant contribution from the family of Shelia Jansen that will assist them in their current expansion effort. The Jansen Family donated $100,000 to
the Teutopolis based human service agency in their support of a redesign of the CSS residential services program.
The Jansen Family contribution will help offset the cost of constructing two four-bed homes, one in Teutopolis and one in Dieterich.
Shelia first began receiving services from CSS when her parents, Frank and Mary Jansen, enrolled their daughter in the Nanon Wood Achievement School in 1962.
Today, Shelia is a resident in one of four homes currently operated by CSS and is employed at the Developmental Training Center in Teutopolis.
The gift from the Jansen Family stems from Shelia’s parents setting up a special trust many years ago specifically designed to support Shelia.
The Jansen family thought it best to designate the funds to CSS given the agency’s long history of providing quality driven, compassion-centered services to Shelia.
Jerry Jansen, speaking on behalf of the Jansen family, shared that the decision to donate funds to CSS was an easy one.
“My parents were told that Sheila would probably not live past her teenage years – she proved everyone wrong.”
“Community Support Systems has provided exceptional care to Shelia for many years.”
“I am sure that my parents would be very happy that we chose to support CSS with this gift.”
Joining Jerry and Shelia in presenting the donation to CSS were sisters Janet Pierson, Lynn Stremming, Judy Loafman, Kathy McClain, and Sue Bushue.
CSS Executive Director Andy Kistler commented, “The gift from the Jansen Family will make a lasting impact upon the lives for many people for years to come.
The family’s contribution validates our core beliefs and commitment to providing individuals and their families opportunities to live, learn, work and play.”
The Jansen donation is the single largest of its kind in the history of the 55-year- old human service agency.
Construction on the new home in Teutopolis is nearly complete.
The second home, to be built in Dieterich this spring, will be named the “Jansen House” in recognition of the family’s gift.
The Jansen House will be one of six homes operated by CSS. In addition to 24-hour residential services, CSS provides intermittent residential support services to several other individuals who reside in their own homes throughout Effingham County.
CSS employs over 50 staff members in its residential program.
For more information about the services offered at Community Support Systems visit their website at www.csscares.o g
Courtesy of Community Support Systems
