January Newsletter

Center for Independent Living Options

Empowering people with disabilities to lead independent and inclusive lives in the community.

January 2018

Activity Calendar

January 2018

Dear Friends:

On December 4, I started my new role as Executive Director at CILO. I am very excited to be here and look forward to continuing in the footsteps of my predecessor, Lin Laing. My thanks to everyone for the very warm welcome I have received.

In the few weeks I have been here, I have enjoyed learning from our dedicated staff team and meeting with some consumers we serve throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Our mission serves a very specific niche in these communities and provides so many vital services. I am told we are one of the best kept secrets in Cincinnati and I am committed to see that change.

In the coming year, here are ten things I would ask you to consider doing in support of CILO:

1) LEARN more about Independent Living by clicking here.

2) FOLLOW us on social media ( Facebook and Twitter)

3) VISIT our Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery in Over the Rhine and see some of the amazing work done by artists with disabilities.

4) SUPPORT our Welcome Home Project by donating personal care items and other essentials needed by consumers.

5) DESIGNATE YOUR SHOPPING AT KROGER toward benefitting CILO. You can do this online by clicking here. Our organization number is #49379 and CILO will get a percentage of your purchases, while not impacting your fuel points.

6) ENCOURAGE your local, state, and federal elected officials to maintain support for affordable housing initiatives.

7) READ more about the vital services we provide.

8) Do you SHOP on Amazon? Support CILO by designating us as your charity of choice at Amazon Smile. Login the same way you would with your regular Amazon account. CILO will receive 0.5% of eligible purchases.

9) ADVOCATE on behalf of people with disabilities with local, state, and federal elected officials.

10) Contact me or Debbie Moorehous, our Development Director, about other ways YOU can make a long-term or short-term personal investment in the organization.

I want to hear from you. Please feel free to call me at the office or contact me by email. I wish you and your families a joyous and prosperous 2018 and may we all go from strength to strength.

Regards,

Rob Festenstein

CILO has new office hours!

Beginning Monday, January 8, 2018 CILO's new office hours will be from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday.

Wheelchairs still available at CILO!

CILO has a few brand new manual wheelchairs still available at no cost for persons who are in need of mobility assistance and are unable to acquire a wheelchair due to limited resources. Chairs have vinyl seats measuring 18" wide and 16" deep. To find out if you or someone you know may be eligible for one of the chairs, please email us.

Pre-Employment Transition Services now offered!

CILO is offering a new program through a partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

Pre-Employment Transition Services will be provided to students ages 14-21 who are on IEP's or 504 plans. These introductory services starting with Self-Advocacy Instruction are meant to help students with disabilities get an early start on identifying their needs, career interests, and options for their future. Email Jen Kroell for more information.

Start your new year with us!

Join us each Tuesday afternoon from 1-3 PM for Writer's Express where you will have an opportunity to express yourself through creative writing. Work independently or one on one with our staff, learn how to publish your writing. For more information email us.

Art Beyond Boundaries celebrates 11 years!

Please join CILO in celebrating the talent and creativity of artists with disabilities. Mark your calendar for Friday, January 26th to stop by Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery between 6-9PM for our 11th anniversary reception. Learn more here.

In most cases, CILO will be closed when Cincinnati Public Schools close due to inclement weather. Please call our office on those wintry days to make sure we are open before coming to class, attending a group, or if you have an appointment!

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