Independence through opportunity

For more than 45 years, Challenge Unlimited, Inc. has been committed to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities into mainstream society and to assisting individuals in obtaining their optimum level of independence by providing educational opportunities, personal adjustment training, vocational training and community-integrated housing and employment. The work force of Challenge Unlimited, Inc., and its affiliate companies, Alpha Industries and Residential Options, Inc., consists of nearly 1,000 people, about 450 of whom are employees. The remaining individuals are persons with disabilities who receive services from the company.

Our Mission Statement       Our History       Our Growth Plan

Overview of Our Programs and Services

Challenge Unlimited, Inc. provides educational, vocational, employment and independent living support services through four divisions: Operations, Community Rehabilitation, Developmental Training and Residential Options.

Operations personnel receive vocational training, or are employed, at businesses throughout the community, at state and federal government sites, and at internal production facilities. The Operations Department provides service labor for custodial, food service, grounds and recycling contracts at several locations in the tri-state region including Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Food Service Grounds Custodial

Community Rehabilitation’s Employment Services provide a wide range of opportunities including Intake and Recruitment, Vocational Evaluation, Supported Employment and Placement Services. Placement of individuals in employment throughout the community is an important part of the Community Rehabilitation effort.

The Developmental Training Program serves individuals by developing and maintaining practical skills which provide opportunities for significant, non-work and work related roles in the community. The DT Program serves individuals with developmental, mental and physical disabilities in need of habilitation.

Residential Options, Inc. was established in 1989 to provide housing and support services to persons with disabilities. Currently about 140 people live in eight- and 16-bed group homes. Individuals engage in all privileges and responsibilities of a typical home including cooking, laundry, cleaning, gardening and pet care. All housing is community-based, encouraging residents to become active members of their neighborhoods. Each setting emphasizes a genuine home environment.