I have had two jobs during my working career, the first was in Urbana Illinois as a machinist operating CNC turning centers, and then the second would be my current job at the Moultrie County Beacon. 

I began work at M.C.B. in August of 1994 as a part-time route driver, I was shortly then hired full-time as what we then called a job coach. I had a crew of individuals that I took south of town to a facility where we sorted recyclables (garbage) glamorous job but we made it fun. 

When our services were no longer needed at that location I was moved to the workshop as a supervisor overseeing the manufacturing of grade stakes. After a brief absence due to an accident it was noticed that I had been also taking care of the maintenance issues at the facility, on my return, I was offered a position as a full-time maintenance person. 

As the agency grew there was a need for more than one person in maintenance so I then had helpers. I am not sure when but during this time our executive director asked me to consider taking on a director's position overseeing the sheltered workshop, maintenance and transportation which is my current position here at the agency. 

During my employment at the Moultrie County Beacon I have been given the latitude to learn many new skills and hone those I already had, (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, manufacturing, and public relations, I even learned how to set up a loom and make rugs from blue jeans. 

I was once asked why you are still working here you could have any job anywhere you want and make more money. Life isn't always about how much you get, it is also about what you can give to help other people. I have made many lifelong friends here and consider everyone here as a family, and that is why I have stayed! 

I have been working with developmentally disabled individuals for 13 years. I love being able to assist individuals with identifying and achieving their goals and living their best life independently.  One of the biggest rewards of working at the Moultrie County Beacon is being taught by the individuals we·serve about living life to its fullest.

16 and 7. I have lived in Moultrie County for most of my life. I love the small-town atmosphere. I also enjoy cleaning, reading boats, and avoiding anything nature-related.

for the CILA homes.

From 1996 to 2000, Amber worked at the Moultrie County Beacon Inc. serving as an ADSP, and then became a CILA House Manager. In 2001, she began a 9-year-long career as a Tax Advisor/Financial Services Planner. In 2004, a hospice nurse greatly encouraged her to pursue nursing and in 2011, Amber graduated from the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing in Springfield, IL. She has 13+ years of experience in the field which includes: long-term care, geriatrics, clinical, procedural, oncology, and developmental disability nursing.

Amber has resided in Moultrie County her entire life, where she raised her 3 children: Bailey, Moranda, and Ayden, and also has a cat named Romulus Aurelius. She has an appreciation for the arts, and culture, and is a humanitarian. Amber is creative and enjoys painting, crafting, DIV projects, road trips, and vacationing in New Orleans.

First, she worked as a Developmental Training Specialist in the Developmental Training Program. Then Debbie worked as a Transportation Assistant and then Director of Transportation for a couple of years. After that, Debbie worked in the Sheltered Workshop as a Workshop Supervisor for 12 years. Debbie started in the Medical Dept. in November of 2023. Debbie has been the Head Coach for Special Olympics at the Beacon from 2002 till now.

In 2014, Debbie went to Lake Land College and earned her Associate Degree in Health Information and Medical Coding, in December 2016. Debbie was born and raised in Decatur, IL. Debbie is married to Mike and they have been married for 43 years. They have one daughter, Amanda who is married to Tyler and they have 3 children. Debbie has lived in Sullivan for the last 9 years and in Lovington before that. She has 2 dogs, Jade and Buddy.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, crocheting and attending my grandchildren's Blue Dolphin swimming competitions.

because it's a team effort everywhere. I've been a team player since I was a kid! I've played softball since I was 9 years old and played through college. I moved from the suburbs of Chicago to play softball at Lake Land College and got my associate's degree there! Since college, I've stuck around central Illinois and currently live in Bethany with three dogs a cat, and my fiance. Thanks to the Beacon I was able to afford to buy a house at 23!

because it's a team effort everywhere. I've been a team player since I was a kid! I've played softball since I was 9 years old and played through college. I moved from the suburbs of Chicago to play softball at Lake Land College and got my associate's degree there! Since college, I've stuck around central Illinois and currently live in Bethany with three dogs a cat, and my fiance. Thanks to the Beacon I was able to afford to buy a house at 23!

Transportation Assistant. Brooklyn aids to ensure safety, comfortability, and efficiency within our transportation services. This provides our individuals with transportation to and from our services, as well as utilizing our programs to better explore our local communities. Brooklyn resides in Sullivan, Illinois with the fiance and son.

"I began my career at the Moultrie County Beacon as a college student working the second shift after class. Today it has blossomed into so much more. Working closely with our individuals has provided me with a happiness I cannot explain. Throughout my career, I have finished school, got engaged, and had a child. These milestones could not have been achieved without our amazing community by my side."