Protected Tomorrows February 2018 Newsletter

In this Issue:

President's Message

Tails for Life Annual Charity Golf Outing Has Been Scheduled

Amazing Inspirational Companies

Protected Tomorrows Directory

Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games 2018 - Good Luck to all the Athletes!

This is Where We Will Be...

President's Message:

Dear Clients and Friends,

It's FEBRUARY !!!! Where did January go? The good news, one cold month of Chicago winter is already behind us. I do hate to see time go by so quickly; there is always so much to do, both work and play, and I sometimes just want to slow down the clock, don't you?

This issue has some great inspiring stories. I enjoy reading about how the world is changing and how new innovators and entrepreneurs are creating amazing businesses that improve our lives. I reflect now on how much growth has taken place in this space we work in, and it truly warms my heart. But, there is still so much that can be done to improve work opportunities, residential environments, and recreational opportunities. If you know of, or are involved in programs that you think we should know about, please feel free to email us at [email protected] so we can share them with others.

Protected Tomorrows is continuing to add value to families by offering new ways of delivering our services. We are putting the final touches on these initiatives and hope to announce them next issue. Look forward to our exciting news.

Many of you ask me, "How are Darby and Delaney doing in their training?". They are so amazing, and at times, they just make me laugh. Delaney loves to bring me prizes, and Darby somehow knows to bring me a blanket and pillow when he thinks I'm cold. Truly, he does that. Ask my friends as he brings them blankets when they walk in my door! Both pups will be heading to Tails for Life training for the month of February. All I have to do is say "JAKE", (the trainer's name), and they get so excited. Their reaction lets me know just how much they love learning. But letting them leave me for a month... well Mom is going to have some separation anxiety to be sure!!!

I'll have some videos with their progress to share with you in March.

Enjoy this issue and stay warm!

Mary Anne Ehlert,

President & Founder

Tails for Life
Annual Charity Golf Outing Has Been Scheduled!

Many of you that attended the Tails for Life Fundraiser here last September, may be interested in Tails for Life Golf Outing.

When: Saturday August 18th, 2018, 9:00 am Shotgun

Where: The Golf Club at Camelot - Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Who: You

How: Sign up Now!

Complete the Registration Form below

~Sponsorship opportunities also available~

Registration includes 18 holes of golf, car, lunch and multiple prize opportunities!

All proceeds will go towards the training of our service dogs

Registration Form

Sponsorship Form

www.tailsforlifefdl.org

Amazing Inspirational Companies

We have posted on our Facebook page about individuals and companies that are amazing inspirational companies created by and for those with disabilities. So many of these innovators and entrepreneurs are success stories that in turn create successes for those that work for these companies. We wanted to spotlight some of these again as well as bring you a few new ones.

	John's Crazy Socks 1200 socks! These are bold, colorful and fun. The company's founders are John Lee Cronin and his father, Mark. The company was inspired by John's love of colorful socks. John is a young man with Down syndrome. 5% of their earnings is given to Special Olympics and other causes like Down Syndrome awareness, Autism awareness, and Breast Cancer Research Visit John's Crazy Socks here
	Erin's World Frames created by Specs4Us SPECS4US was created by Erin's mom Maria Dellapina. The name SPECS4US stands for Superior Precision Eyewear for Children who are Special. It was created after years of searching for an eyeglass frame that fit properly. "Erin's World" is a frame line designed for children and adults with Down syndrome. The frames are available in the US and 28 countries. Find a location near you here
	Sweet Heat Jam Company Young adults with disabilities run this company created by Nolan and his family. Nolan, who has Down syndrome, had a passion early in life for cooking, out of that, 13 flavors have been created, such as Apricot Jalapeno, Habenaro Gold and Texas Apple Pie! You can buy these at several grocery stores in Texas as well as an online store. Find out more and how to order these jams here
	JJs List Disability Awareness Trainings We've highlighted JJs List before, but we will again and again! "The Disability Awareness Trainings help people build confidence and experience how to communicate comfortably and appropriately with customers, co-workers or potential hires who have disabilities". They have done many staff trainings throughout the Chicago area, at places like the Shedd Aquarium, and Baxter as well as churches, schools and libraries. Find out how your company can benefit here
	Bitty and Beau's Coffee Bitty and Beau's Coffee currently employs 40 people with IDD and has been featured on the Today Show, Rachel Ray, CNN, Harry, Good Morning America, and many others. Beau's Coffee created a path for people with IDD to become more valued, accepted and included in every community. The business sells hot and cold coffees along with sandwiches and breakfast selections. Find out where they're located and look through their online store here
	Prospector Theater Valerie Jensen, founder, has been interested in improving the quality of lives of people with disabilities her entire life. Her sister, Hope, had Down syndrome and inspired Valerie to create Prospector Theater because of Hope's love to work. "The Prospector Theater was designed from the ground up for our mission of meaningful employment for adults with disabilities". Find out more on Prospector Theater and what movies are playing here

Protected Tomorrows Directory

We have a Directory of 2875 products and service companies on our website. These are companies that have come to us to be listed in our Directory for and about people with disabilities. We are adding more every month.

Take a look to see if we can point you in the right direction here.

Advocacy	Dental	Education	Equipment & Technology
Financial	Furniture	Legal	Government Benefits
Medical	Mental Health	Personal Care	PT Advocates
Publications	Recreation	Residential	Religious Affiliation
Training	Respite Care	Therapies	Resources & Support
Transition	Transportation	Travel	Vocational