A Note from Our Executive Director

Dear Friends:
 
I am quite happy that we are finally transitioning into a beautiful spring season! One of our core services at CILO is to facilitate transition; but this means more than just a process of change, a successful transition is fundamental to independent living.

In order for our consumers to experience success in reaching their independent living goals, we access a variety of resources that can provide items that directly impact their quality of life; especially resources that can assist us to provide the basic needs beyond a toothbrush or dishes. We often take for granted the security and comfort a bed can offer as well as the health benefits of having a bed to call your own. I am proud to share that over the last two years CILO's Beds for Children Project has provided brand new beds and essential bedding items for 48 children - infants through teens who would not otherwise be sleeping in their own bed. Thanks to the generous support of the CareSource Foundation, Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation, Parker Hannifin Corporation, and Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati who recognized the importance of this ongoing project.



On Friday, April 26 the  CareSource Foundation awarded a new grant to CILO - this time to launch our  Beds for Healthy Living Project which will provide new beds and essential bedding items for our adult consumers. These consumers have a better chance at success with their transition to independence with a restful night's sleep which is vital to productivity and personal motivation.




CILO is grateful for the community's support for both of these important projects. Do you know of a resource that may help us expand these projects? Let us know!

I look forward to sharing more successful outcomes throughout the year. As always I want to hear from you! Email me or call me at 513-241-2600 Ext. 211.

Regards,

Rob
 
Rob Festenstein
Executive Director

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Celebrate the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at Abilities at Bat with the Cincinnati Reds

Friday, July 26 @ 6:40pm
Includes post-game concert with Zedd and fireworks!

CILO is one of the participating organizations in Abilities At Bat, a community night celebrating the lives and stories of people with disabilities; a portion of each ticket sold on behalf of our organization will be donated back to us!

We have a limited number of outer mezzanine seats (including several wheelchair accessible seats) at a cost $20 per ticket (includes exclusive hat!) If you are interested in being seated with our group you can purchase these tickets directly from CILO at $20 each (no service fee).  Email us!

You may also purchase $54 tickets (Riverboat Deck includes a ballpark buffet and exclusive hat) or you can purchase your own $20 tickets. To purchase v isit Reds.com/AbilitiesAtBat and select Center for Independent living Options.


Focus on Independent Living/Peer Support


Spring is a great time for our Healthy Choices Class to plant herbs and cherry tomatoes! Check out some of our other opportunities:

Need access to a computer? Internet? Printer?  
Visit our Open Computer Lab!  Learn more  here.

Advocate for all people with disabilities by helping us learn what services and supports are most important. Our next Consumer Advisory Council Meeting is June 5th.  Learn more  here. 

Celebrating Inclusion: Beyond the Basics
An engaging and informative conference for professionals, advocates and individuals with disabilities 
Tuesday, May 21, Independence, Ohio

Topics Include: Access to Travel, Access to Arts, Leisure & Recreational Opportunities, Assistive Technology, Civic Engagement, Parenting & Personal Relationships, and Real Life Stories
Scholarships available.  Learn more


Are you an Amazon shopper? Did you know you can shop for Mother's Day and more at Amazon Smile a nd support CILO?

Go  to  www.smile.amazon.com   with  your Amazon credentials and select  Independent Living Options, Inc , (make sure it says Cincinnati).  Once signed up each of your qualifying purchases at Amazon Smile   will give 0.5% back to CILO! 


Kroger Community Rewards

Looking for a super easy way to support CILO? Learn how shopping at Kroger this spring can benefit our programs and services throughout the year. Read more here!

CILO Employee Anniversary

Congratulations to Suzanne Hopkins, Director of Programs celebrating her 3 year anniversary!


Do you have a question about how you can support CILO?
Contact Debbie Moorehous, Development Director by email 
or phone 513.241.2600 ext. 123 


Do you need our newsletter or other CILO publication in an alternative format?
Contact us at 513.241.2600 or send your request via email

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