January 2022
Empowering people with disabilities to lead independent and inclusive lives in the community.
From the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Like every other non-profit organization, CILO is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent a cross-section of the communities we serve in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. As a center for independent living, it is legally required that a majority of our board members be individuals with disabilities which brings a perspective of experience to the organization and strengthens advocacy and delivery of services. 
 
As I write this message, we are seeking candidates to fill a few vacancies on our board. If you have a passion for helping people with disabilities and an understanding of the Independent Living Philosophy, you may be who we are looking for! With a preference for people with disabilities to serve on our board, we are hoping you might consider lending your time and talents in support of our mission to empower people with disabilities. Read the full board member description here. Additional information is available by contacting me.
 
This new year also brings some other changes to our board. After serving as Board President for the last two years, Gena Stonefield will step down and continue as a board member. We truly thank Gena for her robust leadership and for being an excellent ambassador of the organization. We are pleased to announce that Board Member Africa Smith will be our new Board President. We are confident that Africa will bring continued leadership and a focus on our vision to be a recognized leader of quality and innovative services that promote Independent Living for people with disabilities. Continuing as Secretary and Treasurer are Clair Boyle and Lori Owen, respectively. I take this opportunity to thank all our continuing board members for their service. I am looking forward to the working with both current and new board members in 2022!
 
As always, I enjoy hearing from you. Please contact me by phone at 513-338-5100 or by email.

Regards,
 
Rob Festenstein

P.S. I am starting the new year with my $10 Starbucks Gift Card for the third person who contacts me by email indicating you have read my message.


With Appreciation
We are happy to share that our 2021 Home for the Holiday Project brought holiday joy to 27 adults and 30 children this year with holiday baskets and gift cards. Thanks to our generous donors including:

Greg Elmore, Ann Davis, Sharon Hannon, Gene Cleary, Rob Festenstein, Debbie Moorehous, Bonnie Kelley, Sheila Holmes Howard, Shannon Scott, Jane Hopson and Larry Pytlinski, David Jennings, Greg Dillion, and Gena Stonefield. 
CILO is pleased to offer free notary services to people with disabilities by pre-arranged appointment. For Ohio residents, contact Rob Festenstein; Kentucky residents contact Patrick Ober.
Unique Employment Opportunity with CILO

Do you have the desire to assist people with disabilities to live independent and inclusive lives in the community?

We are seeking candidates for the following position:

Youth Transition Services Specialist - more here

CILO is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring people reflecting the diversity of our community. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants.
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You can support CILO with every Kroger purchase just by using your
Kroger Plus Card!


Shopping with Amazon? Why not use Amazon Smile and have most purchases give a percentage back to our Emergency Assistance Fund!
 
  • Open the Amazon app on your phone
  • Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within
Programs & Features
  • Select "Independent Living Options Inc" as your charity
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in
the mobile app 
Employee Anniversaries

Share your congratulations with our staff celebrating work anniversaries in January:

Debbie Moorehous, Director of Advancement, 8 years
Amanda Hardcorn, PCAP Coordinator, 11 years
Save the Date!

CILO's Charitable Suds Night at Rhinegeist is Wednesday, May 18th
Jazzed About Art returns Friday, September 16th
This newsletter can also be viewed on our website.
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