matters - Milestone, Inc.

Building Lives • Building Futures
M A T T E R S
Newsletter For The Friends & Supporters of MILESTONE, Inc.
FALL 2011
CONTENTS
AREA BUSINESSES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
AT MILESTONE
LOWE’S VOLUNTEERS
V
Special Olympians
Win Big
6
Enjoying Her
Retirement
2
Everyday Miracles
3
Thanking Direct
olunteers from 2 businesses made a
difference at MILESTONE. The Lowe’s
Heroes, from the Machesney Park Lowe’s
wanted to do something to make a difference in
the community. The group of volunteers
considered 3 non-profit organizations in the
Loves Park/Machesney Park area. Each provided
different services and each had a list of projects
the group could complete. MILESTONE was
picked and the group spent a Saturday and
Sunday painting the outside of Applewood
group home, including the gardening boxes for
the raised garden at the home. The group also
hung new blinds in the living and dining rooms
at the home. The Lowe’s volunteers recruited
family members to help with the project.
Everyone who helped that day said it felt great
to give back to the community and help an
organization that serves others like MILESTONE.
Support Professionals
4
Raising Money to
Fight Cancer
5
Help with
MILESTONE’S
Ongoing Projects
7
RocVale Homes Get
New Furniture
TICOMIX VOLUNTEERS
The playground at RocVale Children’s Home
also got a new look thanks to a group of helpers
from Ticomix. The volunteers spent an evening
after work painting the playground equipment,
and did not stop until it was done. Several
times each year the employees at Ticomix
choose non-profits they would like to help, and
contact them to see if they can lend a hand.
The children could not wait to use the spruced
up playground equipment.
Everyone at MILESTONE extends their thanks to
both groups of volunteers.
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Corporate Office: 4060 McFarland Road • Rockford, IL 61111 • 815/654-6100 • www.MILESTONE-INC.org
M I L E S T O N E
M AT T E R S
FALL 2011
ENJOYING HER RETIREMENT
Ethel has lived in Rockford her
entire life, she attended Rockford
Public Schools and worked at
several businesses in the area. In
1988 she moved into Olson
Terrace from Fountain Terrace
Nursing Home. At the same time
she started working at the Center
of Hope and a local Arby’s. At first,
she enjoyed the company of the
other people living at Olson
Terrace and all the activity. But as
time passed she realized she wanted to live someplace
quieter. When Ethel’s brother became ill, the Office of
State Guardian was appointed her successor guardian,
and Ethel told Thema, her appointed guardian that she
wanted to move into a MILESTONE group home, because
she wanted to live in a quieter place with no kids, as she
was getting too old to deal with all the noise. So, the
process was started. But before she could move into a
MILESTONE home, she suffered an injury and had to
retire from working. But, Ethel missed socializing with
people, so she started to go to Brightside every day.
Brightside is part of Lifescape Community Services, and
filled the void created when she stopped working. The
staff at Brightside says Ethel loves to socialize with the
other people, and they add she also enjoys the exercise
programs and working on puzzles and other projects
during the day. After several years on the waiting list
Thema was notified that there was an opening at a
MILESTONE group home. She told Ethel and they visited
the home, so that Ethel could meet the other people
living there. During the visit they both knew this was
exactly what Ethel was looking for and needed, and she
moved in. Thema describes Ethel as a very patient and
pleasant person, who stays optimistic no matter what is
going on around her, so while the wait for the right
opening to occur at MILESTONE was long, Ethel knew one
day she would be calling MILESTONE home. Her guardian
says MILESTONE has provided Ethel with a much smaller
and quieter setting with women who are in the same age
range as her, and who share her interests. She enjoys
showing off her jewelry to her housemates, and talking
about clothes and possible shopping trips. Thema says
her new home is a perfect fit and she just loves living at
MILESTONE.
FALL 2011
MILESTONE MISSION
STATEMENT
“Everyone has the right to be treated with
respect, to participate in community life, to
develop and exercise personal competence, to
have family and friends, and to make decisions
in their lives.” MILESTONE, Inc. exists to ensure
that persons with developmental disabilities can
exercise these same rights.
2
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Dear Friend of MILESTONE,
The Christmas holidays connote a “season of miracles”, a special time where dreams so often
come true. At MILESTONE we are blessed to witness “everyday miracles.”
This summer hundreds of MILESTONE men, women and children attended summer camp,
making new friends and renewing friendships that last a lifetime, while being afforded the
opportunity to swim, fish, hike and enjoy an extraordinary camp life. Once again this year,
our Special Olympians competed and achieved what was once thought as impossible,
bringing home medals and smiles that shine. The MILESTONE singers and dancers share with
great enthusiasm their talents, at county fairs and retirement homes throughout the area,
bringing great joy for those they entertain.
Not as visible to the general public but every bit as incredible are the results individuals
achieve through the use of sensory integration programs. Occupational Therapists and
MILESTONE Interdisciplinary teams utilize specialized sensory equipment to help individuals
reduce problematic behaviors or reliance on certain medications, leading to achievements
once thought of as impossible. The individual’s achievements at MILESTONE Industries
include making holiday cards, helping with newsletter distribution or working with local
industry are equally incredible. And when you see the pride and joy that a bi-weekly
paycheck brings to our individuals, it too is an everyday miracle.
In the end I am amazed at what our individuals achieve every day. I am amazed at the work of
our hard-working, dedicated employees, that provide guidance, care and love to the
individuals they serve. And I am amazed by you, our supporters, many of which have given
of your time, talents and treasures for as many as 38 years. You help make it all possible, and
for that we are all incredibly grateful.
Despite a difficult economy, your giving continues to make a difference in the lives of our
individuals. Please help us continue to make “everyday miracles” happen by helping with one
of the projects on our wish list.
My best to you and your family, and may you have a blessed 2012!
Sincerely,
M.Shawn Way
President and CEO
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FALL 2011
M I L E S T O N E
M AT T E R S
FALL 2011
THANKING DIRECT SUPPORT
PROFESSIONALS
Many special activities helped everyone recognize
MILESTONE’s Direct Support Professionals and the
special care they provide to the Individuals
MILESTONE serves, during DSP week in September.
Some of the special events included breakfast or
lunch prepared by the supervisory and
administrative staff, snowcones on one of the many
warm days, and at one facility the supervisors and
administrators spent the day washing the DSP’s cars.
Many area businesses helped make the week even
more special by donating items that were given to
the Direct Service Providers throughout the week.
THANK YOU TO THE
FOLLOWING BUSINESSES
A Fire Extinguisher Service
Anderson Rock River Ford
Applebee's
Audio Engineering
Backyard Bar and Grill
Beef-a-Roo
Blackhawk Bank
Boelter
Brookside Immediate Care
Burpee Museum
Cadbury/Kraft
Cord Construction
Countryside Meats
DQ Grill n Chill
Dierks/Waukesha
Discovery Center Museum
Forest Hills Lanes
Genoa Healthcare
GFS
Happy Joe’s
Hawkeye Foodservice Distribution
Henry Schein, Inc
Information Controls, Inc.
Lube Pro’s
McDonald’s
McKesson
Medline
Meridian Promotions
Mid-City Office Products
Pepsi-Cola Co.
Per Mar Security And Research
Corp.
Personal Care Insurance Of Illinois
Rick Nelson Landscaping
RK Dixon Co.
Rockford Heating and Air
Road Ranger
Rockford Park District
Rockford Register Star
Salon 1300
Stone Eagle Tavern
Super Suds Car Care Center
Ticomix
Unum Life Ins Co. Of America
US Cellular
Venetian Club
Vonachen
MILESTONE INDUSTRIES BUSY WITH HOLIDAY CARD ORDERS
It was a record setting year for
everyone at MILESTONE
Industries, and while it is too
late to order personalized
holiday cards for this year. You
might be able to purchase some
of the designs without a
personalized signature, to find
out what is available please call
Jeanette Moore at (815)639-2821.
4
The new designs for 2012 will be unveiled in the spring
in MILESTONE Matters.
FALL 2011
M I L E S T O N E
M AT T E R S
RAISING MONEY TO
FIGHT CANCER
Individuals and staff at MILESTONE
Industries put their cooking skills to
the test and raised money for the
American Cancer Society and the
October Breast cancer walk. People
enjoyed both helping the cancer
society and tasting the goodies. Team MILESTONE,
led by Lenny was well represented at the walk in
October, and the goal was to raise $1,000 in
pledges for the fight against breast cancer.
FALL 2011
GRANT PROVIDES FUNDING
FOR ROCVALE’S BOY SCOUT
PROGRAM
A grant from the William S. Howard Charitable Trust will
continue to provide funding for the Boy Scout program at
RocVale Children’s Home. The program provides many
educational and social opportunities for the boys who enjoy
the many activities.
The William S. Howard Charitable Trust was established in
1982 as the charitable component of the companies of William
Charles, Ltd. Those companies include William Charles
Construction Co. and William Charles Investments. Together
they comprise one of the largest, locally owned companies in
the region.
ROCVALE BOY SCOUTS
ENJOY CAMP
SUCCESSFUL CRAFT SHOW
Everyone is busy at MILESTONE Industries creating items to
restock inventory after a very successful art show. Thank you
to everyone who stopped by the Milestone booth at
Edgebrook’s Cider and Cinnamon show and supported the
Artists at MILESTONE Industries.
Boy Scout Troop Six from RocVale
had an exciting week at Canyon
Camp this year. The Scouts
enjoyed many activities including
row boating and fishing, water
volleyball and taking part in a
paint ball competition. They also
learned how to throw a Tomahawk and shoot a bow and
arrow at the Archery Range. Many of the scouts helped
cook the meals over the campfire which all enjoyed. The
Indian program had to be moved inside because of the
record setting rain, but that did not dampen the fun or the
experience.
HELP MILESTONE EVERY
TIME YOU SHOP
NAACP HONORS A MILESTONE
STAFF MEMBER
The Rockford chapter of the NAACP awarded the 2011 Jane
Addams Freedom Award to Marva Brown from the Downtown
CILA Office for her volunteer efforts on behalf of grieving
families and her commitment to making the future brighter for
area young people. She received the award at the
organization’s annual Freedom Fund Dinner.
5
Help MILESTONE every time you
shop at Logli’s or Hilander
through the Schnucks eScrip
Customer Card program. All you
have to do is pick up a free card
at Logli’s or Hilander, register the
card and designate MILESTONE as
the non profit organization you want to help. Then give the
card to the cashier when you check out. Each time you
shop Schnucks will contribute up to 3% of your grocery bill
to MILESTONE. For more information call the Resource
Development Department at (815) 639-2965.
FALL 2011
M I L E S T O N E
M AT T E R S
FALL 2011
SPECIAL OLYMPICS UPDATE
AWARD WINNING
VOLLEYBALL TEAMS
The MILESTONE/RocVale Volleyball teams won
big at the State Qualifying tournament at
LaSalle High School. The V-ballers placed
fourth, the Slammers and RocVale Whoosh
brought home third place medals, and the
Smashers won second. This was the first year
RocVale had its own Volleyball team, and
everyone did a great job and had fun, and
everyone was thrilled to be able to keep their
tie died team shirts at the end of the season.
ENJOYING TIME WITH
TEAM MATES
Members of the MILESTONE/RocVale Special
Olympics teams celebrated a great season with a
pizza party and a game of volleyball. A good time
was had by all who attended.
MOTOR ACTIVITIES
PROGRAM EVENT
GOLF SKILLS EVENT
Three golfers from MILESTONE took part in the
fall golf skills event at Aldeen Golf Course. The
team did well at the event and afterwards
enjoyed a celebration lunch.
Everyone was all smiles at the Special
Olympics Motor Activities Program at
the MILESTONE Training Center. All 70
athletes had their picture taken with
their medal after participating at the
various event stations.
RAMP BOWLING TEAM
COMPETITION
Eight athletes won gold medals at the Ramp Bowling
tournament at Park Lanes. 22 bowlers competed at the
State Qualifier this year at Cherry Bowl.
DID YOU
KNOW...
257 Milestone/RocVale
athletes compete in 10
Special Olympic
events
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FALL 2011
M I L E S T O N E
M AT T E R S
FALL 2011
PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING WITH ONE
OF MILESTONE’S ONGOING PROJECTS
RocVale Children’s Home
Several of the homes on the RocVale Campus need new furniture. The items needed are specially
designed and built to meet the needs of the children living at RocVale. $20,000 is needed to complete
this project.
Elmwood Heights
Each year over 200 slings need to be replaced. These slings are used when individuals need to be
moved or lifted. $15,000 is needed to meet this goal.
Milestone Training Center
The Behavior Modification Therapy program at MTC needs to be expanded. In order to complete this
project, $15,000 to $20,000 is needed to purchase Sensory Equipment.
Adult Group Homes
There is an ongoing need for furniture for the group homes. $20,000 is needed for this project.
Milestone Industries
Many of the sewing machines used to create the Holiday Cards need to be replaced. There is also a
need for a “Cricket” machine and cartridges. $7,000 is needed to make these purchases.
Milestone Dancers and Singers
The MILESTONE Dancers and Singers need new shirts to wear when they perform. The cost for new shirts
for the two groups is $1,100.
Dental Clinic
A growing number of patients at the MILESTONE Dental Clinic have no insurance coverage to pay for
needed dental care. $50,000 is needed to cover the cost of providing care to these patients.
If you would like to help with any of these projects please use the enclosed envelope, mark restricted donation and
fill in which project your donation will help fund. For more information about these projects or the items listed on
the WishList, please call the Resource Development Department at (815) 639-2965.
MILESTONE, INC. RECOGNIZES
LONG TERM EMPLOYEES
THANK YOU MILESTONE SUPPORTERS
Thank you to the Roscoe Culvers for the backpacks
filled with school supplies for the children at RocVale.
Thank you to Rockford Heating and Cooling for the
donation.
Thank you to Tyson and Billy Architects for the
donation.
Thank you to Northern Mechanical for the donation.
Thank you to HMC Products, Inc. for the donation.
Thank you to Rockford Charter Coach for the donation.
10 years
Shanay Thompson
Robelys Batista
Keri Johnson
Patrice Neely
Antonio Leach
Bridget Redig
Laura Van
Edna Capitulo
15 years
September
October
October
October
October
October
October
December
Amy Scoville
Bonita Dismuke
September
December
20 years
Emma Jenkins
October
25 years
Beth Eichstedt
Myron Shaw
October
December
MILESTONE WISHLIST
Games for Wii consoles for all MILESTONE facilities
Large Plastic Radio Flyer Wagons
Newspaper subscriptions
PEOPLE Magazines (new or used)
Family friendly DVDs
Art supplies
IPADS for the Individuals to use
Webcams
Movie passes
Local baseball game tickets
Restaurant gift certificates
FALL 2011
MILESTONE, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) Illinois not-for-profit organization.
MILESTONE Matters is developed to inform the public of the program
services we offer to developmentally disabled citizens from Northern
Illinois. To learn more about MILESTONE and the individuals we
serve, please call (815) 654-6100.
President and CEO: M. Shawn Way
MILESTONE Matters Editor: Arles Hendershott
Copyright ©2011 by MILESTONE, inc.
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M I L E S T O N E
M AT T E R S
FALL 2011
ROCVALE HOMES GET NEW FURNITURE
MILESTONE received two grants from the Community Foundation of Northern
Illinois for furniture for the homes on the RocVale campus. One was from the United
Cerebral Palsy of Blackhawk Region Fund, and the other was from the Ralph E. and
Mildred Johnson Fund.
As the area's leading provider of philanthropic services, the Community Foundation
of Northern Illinois stewards over $62 million. Each year the Foundation awards
grants and scholarships of over $3 million on behalf of caring donors who want to
give something back to their community..
All of the children at RocVale thank the Community Foundation of Northen Illinois
for their support.
Address Service Requested
4060 McFarland Road
Rockford, IL 61111
Building Lives • Building Futures
Permit #640
Rockford, IL
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Non-Profit
Organization
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