Orchard Village is proud to have been selected as one of only a handful of organizations across Illinois to receive, through a competitive grant process, significant State funding to support individuals (specifically, those currently attending a day program or sheltered workshop) in their efforts to obtain community-based employment. The grant, known as the “Employment First Balancing Incentive Program” (EFBIP), was awarded by the Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities in October. EFBIP supports Orchard Village’s efforts to identify, evaluate/assess, place and retain individuals in competitive part-time jobs. Participating individuals will still be able to attend their current day program or workshop while they engage with the program—but their options for full community integration are expanded significantly. Since receiving the grant Orchard Village has placed 6 individuals in competitive jobs in the community.