E-NEWS | MAY 2017

Recently, I've had the honor of being interviewed about the Illinois budget crisis and the They Deserve More campaign, related issues that are critical to delivery of services at Envision Unlimited and organizations like us.

Stagnant state funding for nearly a decade has resulted in a dearth of individuals entering the disabilities field to support people with disabilities, resulting in staffing shortages across the state. The They Deserve More campaign is advocating for the support of SB955 which would allow us to raise starting wages for direct support professionals to $15 per hour, a long-overdue increase to a living wage. I encourage you to take action and show your support by visiting the campaign's website and contacting your State Representative.

I have had the opportunity to speak publicly about the workforce shortage and need for adequate funding levels, and I invite you to listen to the segments on the Pretty Late Show on WGN Radio and Chicago's Morning Answer, and view my recent interview on CBS 2 - click on the video image below - to learn more about these crucial topics.

On a lighter note, I want to wish you a happy unofficial start to the summer! Our gardens are in full swing for the season - as you can see above - and I can't think of anything better than produce fresh from the garden on a warm summer night. Envision clients will be at farmer's markets, community activities, art fairs, and much more over the next few months, so be sure to check our Facebook page and website often for all the latest.

Sincerely,
Mark McHugh
President & CEO
"Illinois Caregiver System Hangs By Thread" - CBS 2
Watch as  CBS 2's Dana Kozlov discusses with Mark McHugh the challenges that are holding back Illinois caregivers, and the opportunity the state legislature has to change the system for the better.  #TheyDeserveMore
You Helped Us Make Bright Futures Ball a Success!
Our Legacy of Achievement award winner, Aon, and the compelling remarks given on the company's behalf by Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (center).

What a night!  We were thrilled to be joined by hundreds of supporters at Envision Bright Futures Ball 2017.  From the standing ovation received by client Leona Benion after she shared her Envision experiences to the heated (and very entertaining) bidding war over a luxury suite at a Blackhawks game, the evening was one of inspiration and excitement that fully embodied the joy we have in delivering our mission every day.


 

The live auction alone raised more than $45,000 in support of our work, ensuring that even more clients can experience the choice, independence, and inclusion that are at the core of everything we do.

 

In the coming weeks and months, we'll be sharing more stories on the impact that this event's generous guests and sponsors helped make possible.

 
Check out our Facebook photo gallery for all the fun!
Envision Receives Community Partner Award from UIC
(l-r) Ana Zalka, an Envision resident who has worked on two of the UIC projects; Donna Ennis Division Director; and Dr. Bo Fernhall, the Dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences at UIC
A big congrats to clients, staff, and our partners at  UIC Department of Disability and Human Development on the occasion of Envision being honored with the 2016-2017 Community Partner Award from  UIC College of Applied Health Sciences!   Click here to read more about this prestigious honor on our blog.
You're Invited to YEP's Brews & Blues 2017!
Thursday, June 8 @ 5:30PM

Join Young Envision Professionals (YEP) as they put the "'fun" in fundraiser at Brews & Blues this June!  Network with like-minded young professionals and stay for The Original Chicago Blues All-Stars at Motor Row Brewing, 2337 S. Michigan Ave.

Register before June 5th, and your first beer's on us!  Send an email to [email protected] to learn more and secure your spot at the event.
Envision Clients  Out and About in May
Every two weeks, Envision clients volunteer at Working Bikes, which sells refurbished bikes in Chicago, and sends donated bikes around the world.
Florencio takes in the view near a beautiful koi pond during a nature outing.
What an awesome time we had at The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities! Andrew and Kenny used their skills to teach others in the community how to pot and grow herbs and tomatoes. Great job by all involved!
Envision Unlimited serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the goal of enhancing their lives and expanding their futures. Our clients are diverse, spanning across all ages, abilities and backgrounds, but one thing they all share is a drive to excel in their work. We believe all individuals, given the right opportunities, are capable of achieving great breakthroughs and leading lives with more meaningful possibilities.
Envision Unlimited | envisionchicago.org