Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton along with the new Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services Dulce Quintero made their first visit to Murray Developmental Center in Centralia last week.
The President of the Murray Parents Association Rita Winkeler says the visit went well and allowed them to press for some improvements.
“It was really eye-opening for them. They were very impressed. When they left both of them said what they noticed more than anything was the love and joy that the individuals had. You can’t fake that. That was coming from their heart. How happy the individuals were. They commented on staff. They were very impressed with what they saw. We talked about the capital development things that need to be done at the center putting on new roofs on many of the buildings, fixing leaky roofs, and also the need for a new heating and cooling system which is in the process of being discussed.”
Winkeler says Murray officials were able to provide good news on the employment front as many of the openings for mental health techs have now been filled and large training classes are underway. Additional staff are being added to allow Murray to accept more residents. Winkeler says new residents could begin coming to Murray by June after new residents were cut off in October due to the staff shortages.
The group visited Apple Cottage, Berry Cottage, and the Community Building Day program in addition to meeting with several members of the Murray Parents Association.
State Representative Charlie Meier set up the visit. Other state officials attending were Tonya Piephoff, Director for the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Kimberly Jones-Oparah Interim Deputy Director of State Operated Developmental Centers, and Amanda Elliot, Chief of Staff (IDHS). Murray leadership in attendance were Interim Center Director Lori Demijan, and Assistant Center Directors Kacie McIntosh and Sara Myers, along with Murray Medical Director Dr. Shrestha.
Rep. Meier and Lt. Governor Stratton greet an Apple Cottage individual, and staff Nick.
Apple Cottage individual Phil showing Lt. Governor Stratton his communication device, along with Murray Center staff.
Top state officials visit Murray Center. Front Row: Dr. Shrestha, Kacie McIntosh, Marsha Holzauer, Rep. Charlie Meier, Lt. Governor Stratton, Secretary Quintero, Chief of Staff Amanda Elliot, Interim Director Jones-Oparah, Lori Demijan, Back Row: Rick Langhauser, Rita Winkeler, Director Piephoff, Sara Myers, Murray staff Jennifer Gross
Representative Charlie Meier, Rita Winkeler, son Mark, Secretary Quintero, and Lt. Governor Stratton meet during Murray visit.
