Community, Connection and Care at Taylorville Terrace
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Rachel Elam
Breeze-Courier Writer
Since opening its doors in the early 90’s, Taylorville Terrace has served as a residential home for up to sixteen adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering around-the-clock care, and essential life-skills training. The facility focuses on helping their residents grow toward greater independence, whether it be learning how to manage their money, take their medicines, build job skills, or simply learn how to make their bed. Their mission guides every part of the day which is to provide an array of social and life services focused on individual enrichment, growth and independence.
The admission process is designed to be thoughtful and gradual. Jessica Ashcraft is the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) Intake Coordinator for the five ICFs in Central and Southern Illinois oversees new admissions. She explained that the process begins with a simple dinner visit so the potential resident can meet everyone and start to feel comfortable. “If that goes well, they’ll come back for dinner and stay a night with us, and get up for breakfast. Then we may do a weekend visit, and after that they’ll come visit our workshop.”, Ashcraft said. Exceptions can be made when someone is in a crisis situation and needs immediate placement.
From Monday through Friday, some residents attend workshops through A Step Forward in Decatur, while the others attend workshops through Central Illinois Development Services in Taylorville. Inside the home, residents eat meals together, can gather in the shared living room space, or relax in their bedrooms, which they share with one other resident. In the dining area an activity board highlight’s daily events that could be anything from Taco Tuesday, to a craft, or a community outing.
Community support plays an important role in helping the residents stay connected and engaged beyond their daily routines. Some individuals are able to work part-time jobs in the community and Residential Services Director Kate Mansfield would love to see more local businesses partner with the home. “Our goal is to get them out there as much as possible” said Mansfield. “They thrive when they have chances to be a part of the world around them.”
Donations from the community also make a meaningful impact. Each resident receives a cake and small gift on their birthday, and with tight budgets, party supplies and decorations are always appreciated. Holiday decor, craft materials and sponsorships for outings such as bowling trips or renting out the movie theater allow the residents to enjoy experiences they might not otherwise have access to. “A small donation on the outside goes a long way in here,” Mansfield said. Body care items like shampoo, deodorant, body washes and body sprays are also welcome. “It’s the little things like that, that mean so much to them.”
Beyond donations, Taylorville Terrace welcomes community members who want to get involved more directly. A local church comes on Sundays to hold a worship services for residents. Mansfield also started a Buddy Program that pairs community members with residents. Many buddies send cards, drop of goodies or a meal, and come to visit with their buddy throughout the year. Every resident currently has a buddy, but community members are encouraged to check in periodically for opportunities to join.
The home also hosts special events to create joy and connection. Earlier this year, the staff organized an on-site summer carnival complete with games and prizes, so that residents who struggle with mobility or crowded spaces could still enjoy a festive day. They will be holding a “Friends Thanksmas” lunch and dance in December, where residents invited their favorite people as a way to give back. Invited guests include their buddies, nurses, dentists, and even the mayor of Taylorville. These events create a sense of connection and joy that ripple far beyond the walls of the home.
As Taylorville Terrace looks toward the future, they hope the community will continue to walk alongside them through donations, partnerships, or simply showing up for their events. Together they aim to ensure every person who lives there not only receives care, but also experiences connection, dignity and the opportunity to grow.