Annual Report - Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living

CENTER for INDEPENDENT LIVING
Annual Report
2008-2009
Specialized Services
Answering the needs of specific
disability populations:
• Assistive Technology for school-aged youth
• Low Vision Loan Closet for visually impaired persons
• Amplified Telephones for hard of hearing individuals
• Transition Training for post high school youth
• Special Education Conference for parents
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Core Services
• Information and Referral
• Independent Living Skills Training
and Enhancement
• Video Relay Service for deaf people
Providing valuable educational outreach to disabled
adults, seniors and veterans in both counties:
• Computer Training
• Individual and Systems Advocacy
• Financial Education
• Peer Counseling
• Legislative Internship
• Disability Law Series
Key Programs
• Peer Support Groups
• Community Reintegration
• Voter Registration
• Personal Assistant Training/Registry
• Customized Workshops
• Home Ownership Program
• Individualized Tutoring
Increasing awareness of disability issues
community-wide:
• Accessible Cities Alliance
• Sensitivity Training/Disability Awareness
• Disability Forum
Workshops and events held in
the Program Year included:
• Legislative Internship
• Freedom Quest
• Special Education Conference for Parents
• Disability Forum
• Disability Law Series
• Transportation Training Courses
• Special Education Conference for Parents
• Financial Education Classes
• Home Ownership Program Overview
• State of Illinois Employment Opportunities
for Disabled Persons
• Disability Mentoring Day
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SUPPORT and SPONSORS
Maintain Programs, Services and Staff
The Center operates solely on grants and contributions to provide programs and
services to disabled persons of all types and all ages in two of the fastest-growing
counties in Illinois. Therefore, those dollars that come in from varied sources are critical
to our ongoing ability to maintain and, in some cases, expand resources for our
growing consumer base.
Major grants have been gratefully received from:
- U.S. Department of Education
- Illinois Dept of Human Services/ Division of Rehabilitation Services
Corporate and Organization Donors
(over $100 in Program Year 2008-2009)
For the Good of It
Wadsworth Golf Charities
Lincolnway Community Bank
"D" Construction
Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co.
James E. Hearns Charitable Foundation
Remco Medical
Gordon Flesch
Michas and Michas
Contractors Association Will/Grundy
Counties
Will County Clerk Nancy Voots
Harris Bank
Friends of A.J. Wilhelmi
Automated Direct Mail Services, Inc.
BGI Advertising
Morris Hospital
Prairie Trail Credit Union
IL Network of Centers for Independent Living
Wal-Mart of Morris
First Midwest Bank
Exxon Mobil
Coal Bin Storage
Holly Club
Will County Democrats
Edward Jones
Rodawold Farms
Grants Appliances
Lincolnshire Properties
Friends of Careen Gordon
D’Arcy Motors
South Suburban Housing Center
Founders Bank/The Private Bank
Senesac & Lennon
Abbey Woods Foundation
Caterpillar Inc.
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Joliet Junior Woman’s Club
Individual Donors
(over $100 in Program Year 2008-2009)
Mr. & Mrs. Wieslaw Paradowski
Glen Zaloudek
Jean Cagwin
John Heavens
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Mott
Ed and Gloria Dollinger
Lela and Ralph Haldorson
Jeff Allen
Bob Klein
Michael Reardon
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Thompson
Rose Mancuso
Linda Clark-Baker
Peter Corsetti
Mr. & Mrs. David A. June
Mark Bruno
Richard DeGrush
David Lennon
Russell Wunderlich
James Albritton
Paul Lagomarcino
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Consumer Case Studies in Success Makes for Good News
Many great stories emerged from the Center in the Program Year 2008-2009. Most
important were the significant benefits that consumers received by working with CIL staff
and participating in programs to enhance their independent living skills and become
strong advocates for disability rights, systematic and individual. Throughout both Will and
Grundy Counties, countless testimonials were shared with staff about the value of the
Center in the lives of its disabled consumers.
Disabled Adult Male Gains “Freedom” through Community Reintegration
This year, Community Reintegration staff worked with 14 people with disabilities move
from nursing homes into their own apartments. One consumer, an disabled adult male
from Morris shared his experience with guests at the Annual Meeting, and recalled the
positive impact that the Center’s Community Reintegration Program had on his life.
Grundy County United Way Director, Kelli Walker, and Brent Newman of the Grundy
County Housing Authority, now a CIL Board member, were one of nearly 100 guests
touched by the first-person account of how powerful the sense of independence is for
adults previously residing in dependent living situations.
Elderly hard-of-hearing woman stays in own home thanks to ITAC Free Amplified
Telephones
Of the record number 344 free amplified telephones distributed by the Will-Grundy
Center for Independent Living in 2008-2009, dozens of notes and cards of appreciation
were written to CIL staff. Consumers, mostly seniors experiencing hearing loss and
frustrated with their limited communication on standard telephones, learned about the
program operated by the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC), and
expressed thanks for the simple but helpful assistive technology which allowed them to
use their phones once again to stay in contact with family members, friends and
doctors.
Assistive Technology for Grade School Child Makes a Difference with grant from the
Abbey Woods Foundation
Dozens of grade school-aged youth have worked with the Center have received
assistance
in
purchasing
assistive
technology
devices
that
enhance
their
independence. Thanks to a generous grant, the program continues to fill this void and
service youth.
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Community Partners
Achieving More with Affiliations and Action
Throughout the year, the Will-Grundy Center for
Independent Living collaborates with a broad
variety of fellow agency partners, civic leaders,
elected officials and governmental bodies, as
well as representatives from higher education,
banking, labor and business. This year was no
exception, and we wanted to salute those
entities whose coordination with and support of
the Center made for positive progress in helping
us accomplish our mission.
Will County Executive’s Disability Advisory Panel
Will County RTA Paratransit Council
Will County Clerk Nancy Voots
Joliet Mayor’s Committee on Disabilities
Agencies United
Grundy County Inter-Agency Council
Grundy County Housing Authority
Campaign for Real Choice in Illinois
Cornerstone Services
Trinity Services
Direct Service Summary
A total of 130 consumers
received direct services from the
Center in the 2008-2009 Program
Year. This means that a case file
was opened and Independent
Living Advocates on staff at the
Center worked closely with
individuals with disabilities who
chose to have ongoing resources
and programs provided for
development of particular skills,
achievement of determined
goals, etc. The following statistics
reflect those consumers receiving
direct services in Will and Grundy
Counties.
Gender
Female
Male
57
73
Race
Caucasian
African American
Hispanic
Pacific Islander
69
36
24
1
Age
Under 5
5-19
20-24
25-59
60+
3
10
26
80
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United Cerebral Palsy
Community Services Council
Association of Persons with Disabilities
Sacred Heart Church
University of St. Francis
Lewis University
Deaf Seniors
Hopewell Academy
Career and Community Connections
Illinois Human Rights Commission
DuPage Center for Independent Living
Catholic Charities
Senior Services of Will County
Joliet Rotary Club
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Highlights of our 20th Year
• Information and Referral was provided to just over 2,200 disabled individuals.
• Legislative Internship 2009 saw a record number of consumers, a total of 63, aged 18-76, involved in the
12-week civics refresher course. Federal and state elected officials, as well as municipality
representatives from County and local government participated. The program was held in three
locations, including the Center’s office in Joliet, Saratoga Towers in Morris, and at Career and
Community Connections in Lockport. Rave reviews from guest teachers and from participants, as well
as proven advocacy skills put to the test in the months that followed program completion, reinforced
the importance of this Program.
• Summer Serenade once again drew nearly 150 guests to enjoy an evening of fine dining and terrific
Big Band tunes in support of the Center’s annual dinner dance and only major fundraiser. Thanks to
sponsor and event host Harrah’s Joliet Casino, and major sponsor, James E. Hearns Charitable
Foundation, along with dozens of corporate and individual supporters, the evening was a success!
• The 2009 Disability Forum, held July 24 in conjunction with the ADA Anniversary, presented a range of
speakers on key issues. Topics ranged from accessible voting, taxes, emergency preparedness and
parking for persons with disabilities. In recognition of a grant to study expanded Paratransit programs
throughout Will County, the RTA was presented with the Accessible Cities Alliance “Ambassador of the
Year Award.” RTA President Jim Reilly was joined by local RTA Board member J.D. Ross, as well as Will
County Executive Deputy Chief of Staff Nick Palmer, who is coordinating the RTA Paratransit Study. The
Center’s staff and board (pictured) is involved in the Study Committee.
• The Summer 2009 Disability Law Series offered consumers from across our service region with valuable
information on a host of laws and updated legislation related to persons with disabilities of all types
and all ages. Experts, including advocacy leaders, judicial appointees, architects, lawyers and
consumers presented current news and information on transportation, employment, public
accommodations and education from which consumers, family members and advocates benefitted.
• Disability Mentoring Day 2008 included a diverse mix of workplace mentors paired with career-minded
high school students with disabilities in this annual, national job shadowing program.
ACCOLADES for ADVOCACY and LEADERSHIP
• Annual Meeting, held in November, 2008, focused on the positive experiences that Center consumers
shared with the nearly 80 guests. Consumers from the Morris and Joliet areas detailed the benefits
gained from participating in such programs as the Legislative Internship, Transportation Training and
Financial Education programs. Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Mike Lord, Ed Roberts
Excellence in Independent Living was presented to Vincent Foster, Sr.
• Two leaders from the Center, Executive Director Pam Heavens and long-time Board Member Val Rand,
were acknowledged by the community for their service in November, 2008. Joliet Will County Project
Pride inducted Ms. Heavens into its Hall of Pride, acknowledging two decades of advocacy and
commitment to disabled individuals. The same month, Silver Cross Foundation presented Mr. Rand with
its Sangmeister Medal of Excellence for disability community support.
• The Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) awarded the Center with an Award for
having distributed the largest number of free amplified telephones, 344, in one year.
• Will County Take Back the Night Committee recognized the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living
for its advocacy to women and children during its annual October event and rally.
• Community Service Council of Will County selected our Center as the “Agency of the Year” during the
commemoration of the CSC’s 70th Anniversary in April, 2009.
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Will County Treasurer Pat McGuire shared valuable information with the
Joliet Central students who participated in the 2009 Legislative Internship
Program.
The Center's Legislative
Internship Coordinator, Mary
Tisdale, is joined by Joliet City
Manager Tom Thanas, who
answered questions from
consumers like long-time
advocate Dorothy Chess.
Congratulations goes out to the adult and senior consumers who
completed the program,and join many others who continue to
advocate for federal,state and local disability issues.
The Center was pleased to welcome New Lenox-based Hopewell
Academy students, transitioning after high school, who were active in
the 2009 Legislative Internship Program.
Students who completed the 12-week program had the honor of
receiving certificates from State Senator Linda Holmes.
Participants gained insight on effective communication with
elected officials from Will County Executive Larry Walsh.
Republican House Leader Tom Cross,
shown here with CIL Board member
and consumer Vincent Foster,
presided over the graduation
ceremonies at the Center.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is recognized for
service by the community in April 2009.
Current and new board members,
many pictured above, were
welcomed during the 20th Annual
Meeting.
Pictured on left, Bill Bodgdan, the
State of Illinois' leading authority and
enforcer of its handicapped parking
program, received the Center's top
honor, the Accessibility Achievement
Award
Velocita Technologies, Stanton Architects and the Housing Authority of Joliet were three of 30
workplaces where mentors provided career exploration for a total of 53 students from four area high
schools during Disability Mentoring Day in October, 2008.
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The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is a proud United Way agency, and
extends gratitude to the United Way of Will County and United Way of Grundy County
– their staff and supporters – for ongoing and vital support.
Our Center is also an active member of the Illinois Network of Centers for
Independent Living. The Board and staff offers sincere appreciation and
congratulations to INCIL Executive Director, Ann Ford, who has served as
a terrific leader and efficient advocate in that role, for ten years.
In Memorium
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living lost a friend, consumer, board
member and role model in the passing of Margaret Ward in January, 2010.
Margaret had served on the Board for nearly two years, joining on since retiring from
Catholic Charities after 34 years of service. Margaret earned a Masters of Social
Work and applied it, with wit, wisdom and courage, to help and support those who
were fortunate enough to call her friend. On behalf of the Board of Directors, entire
staff and fellow consumers, this Annual Report is dedicated to Margaret.
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Staff
Pam Heavens, Executive Director
Festus Fabilola, Program Manager
Carol Warunkek, Office Manager
Kelly McKenzie, Personal Assistant Advocate
Mary Tisdale, Independent Living Advocate
Debbie Tarrant, Independent Living Advocate
Laura Zeiger, Community Reintegration Advocate
Olivia Cruikshank, Reintegration Aide
Tijuana Sanders, Community Reintegration Advocate
Jerry Kewley, Low Vision Advocate
Maria Cristina del-Moral Hansen,
Hispanic Outreach Advocate
Marie Malfatti, Clerical Aide
Mike Lord, Clerical Aide
Peggy Bailey, Administrative Assistant
Shoma Vachachira, Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors
Denise Winfrey, President
Val Rand, Vice President
Dan Donica, Treasurer
Alan Trantina, Treasurer
Andrea Robison, Secretary
Jim Albritton, Delegate at Large
Bob Smith
Sister Rosemary Small
Nancy Pohlman
Margaret Ward
Charles Fuqua
Vincent Foster, Sr.
Paul Lagomarcino
John Stanton
Lynn McLaughlin
MaryAnn Pinkney
Brent Newman
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Our Mission
As people with disabilities and their advocates, the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living
strives for equality and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the Will and Grundy County areas.
We inform persons with disabilities of their rights, educate them about their responsibilities, provide
support services, promote advocacy, and raise community awareness about disability issues.
Visit or call:
2415-A W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, Illinois 60435
815-729-0162 (Phone)
815-729-3697 (FAX)
815-729-2085 (TTY)
815.768.2582 VRS/VP (local)
Visit our websites:
www.will-grundycil.org
www.ada411.com
The WGCIL is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization which operates solely on grants
and contributions. We appreciate and welcome ongoing support. Contact the
Executive Director to discuss annual giving and program sponsorship.