It always is an honor when a valued employee refers someone for a job opening at Envision. That is how we met Yolanda Kirkwood more than 13 years ago. Today, Yolanda is a member of our DSP “float staff,” which means she engages with members in numerous homes. Her positive energy is welcomed wherever she goes, and members lovingly greet her as “YoYo.”
According to Donna, "Yolanda is always active, always smiling. Over the years, I believe she has worked at every one of the CILA homes and most special events, including as a coach with Special Olympics. "She gets everyone—members and staff, on their feet, chanting, singing, dancing, laughing. She is also a strong advocate for the members, and she goes above and beyond. Yolanda is also able to work with members who may have more challenging behavioral or medical issues. She is a calming presence and exercises good judgment."
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Andrew Idehen may appear more reserved than Yolanda, but those who know him say he has a playful sense of humor and an easygoing demeanor that is transformative in challenging situations. Like Yolanda, he is highly regarded by members and peers, and he does whatever the job demands—regardless of his schedule or how much time is needed to assist a member.
"Behind the scenes, he is a person who ensures that members in the Intermittent CILA program have what they need," Donna shared. "It might be a medical follow-up, helping them with their benefits, dealing with their landlords, or ensuring that they have appropriate furniture in their homes." Andrew is always there for them.
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Once again, thank you to all our DSPs who bring their hearts to work every day. We are actively advocating for you with our government funding sources to make the job more financially rewarding because we agree that You Deserve More.
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Do you know a caring, responsible person who genuinely enjoys helping others? Invite them to join our awesome team. More information here.
Gratefully,
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Join us in welcoming Envision's newest Direct Support Professionals!
Sheena Lemon, Moody/Mental Health
Shyera Gaston, Touhy CILA
Zachary Vargo, Moody/Mental Health
These colleagues have completed 40 hours of classroom training and 80 hours of on-the-job training. They are now listed on the Illinois Department of Public Health's Health Care Worker Registry.
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Congratulations to colleagues who are now approved for Illinois' Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) database:
Brandon Cade, Unit Coord.-Frick Ctr
Abreya Cunningham, Admin-MH
Brandon Phillips, Admin-MH
Babatunda Sowemimo, Admin-Cluster/MH
Your next step: The QIDP 40-hour training course. You've got this!
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Mental Health Residential House Manager DuWade Moses
has already met his FY 2022 CEU requirements.
Will You Be Next?
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InMotion Finishes Big at Bike the Drive
Congratulations to Everyone Who Met Their Fitness Goals! Enjoy the wrap-up video by Envision Board Member Zernul Shackelford, Jr.
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Buddy Biking Co-Founder Paul Rink
Completes the Longest Ride of His Life
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Chopper 7 hovers over Paul Rink and his pilot Mike Kenahan during Paul's lakefront birthday ride on August 20. |
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For attorney and biking enthusiast Paul Rink, overcoming challenges is normal. Born blind, he completed college and law school, enjoyed a long legal career, and is now an active volunteer.
Paul often leverages his biking enthusiasm to support Envision fitness programs. During the past three years, he has helped generate nearly $100,000 through fitness-focused events. Last August, for example, Paul and his Biking Buddy Mike Kenahan rode 200 miles in the InMotion for Envision challenge. They then challenged themselves to keep moving. By December, the pair had logged 1,000 miles. They completed 200 miles!
"Mike is terrific!" Paul told the Gazette. "He has brought me so much happiness. I will be forever grateful to him."
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When Paul shared news of their accomplishment with Envision Adaptive Cycling Coordinator David Pufundt, David suggested riding 75 miles on Paul's 75th birthday--and he offered to help pilot the tandem bike. So on August 20, Paul and Mike departed Paul's South Loop home early in the morning and headed north on the lakefront trail to Hollywood, then south to South Shore Cultural Center. After heading north again, they were met at the Margaret Burroughs Beach (31st Street) by a welcoming party that included Envision members Jamie P., Charles A, and Gregorio R., Board Chair Dan Durbin, Multimedia Coordinator/Facilitator Jimmy Sanchez, and Chief Development Officer Marty Kenahan, who biked with them to Museum Park, where Dan treated everyone to lunch. Members served homemade cupcakes.
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After returning home for a little rest, Paul headed back out for the second half of his 75-road trip a couple of hours later. This time, with David as his pilot. The two arrived at Paul's Plymouth Court home after logging the final 37.5 miles. Their smiles in this selfie reveal their glee!
Congratulations to Paul, Mike, and David for their spectacular accomplishment!
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With a Little Help from Our Friends |
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Members Enjoy Legendary Lake Geneva Camp
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Envision supporter Nancy Brown has been attending the Norman B. Barr Camp in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin since 1960, initially as a child. Then, like many others, generations of her family have volunteered there for decades, building on a tradition to spend time in what she describes as “a little place in heaven.”
As outlined in this At the Lake magazine feature story, Norman B. Barr established the camp in 1909 as a nonprofit organization that provides a camping opportunity for those who might not be able to have that experience. After meeting Marty Kenahan, she invited our members to Lake Geneva for a day they won’t soon forget.
With the help of Envision staff members Donna Ennis, Linda Hawkins, Marty,
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Yolanda Kirkwood, and Catrina Paino and volunteers Tim Smith and Jenny Achuthan, 11 members -- David C., Luke C., Victoria H., Josephine H., Timothy J., Dana J., Andrew K., Mark M., Wilbur P., Phoenix S., and Ana Z -- journeyed to Wisconsin for a day of non-stop fun.
“We did a lot that day!” recalled Ms. Brown. “The camp is staffed by volunteers who took them on a motorboat. That was super exciting. They went hiking, fishing, and flew kites. We had a talent show and a little dance party at the lakefront. In the evening, they had pizza before they went home. So yeah, it was really, really fun!”
Members agreed—and are eager for their next trip to Norman B. Barr Camp. According to Ms. Brown, they are invited to return.
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Ride-On, Returning Volunteers!
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It has been great seeing old friends again since the pandemic broke our stride. Seventeen volunteers from Graymont Medical, led by the medical supplies and services company's co-founders, Nathan Gray and Matthew Montanari, and managing partner Nick Wright, hopped on tandem bikes and took members on a spin along the 606 Trail or walked with members who are not able to ride. It was a glorious outing, and members were grateful for the time and energy the Graymont Medical volunteers devoted to them.
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LIBERTY
PLUMBING AND SEWER, INC.
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The annual fishing outing at Montrose Harbor with the father and son team, Christ and Christopher Eb, from Liberty Plumbing and Sewer in Skokie is always a summer highlight--even when the fish aren't biting. Members returned home this year with no fish and no fish stories. But they were very grateful for the opportunity to spend time with friends. And they were excited about being on the lakefront and learning fishing tips, just in case a fish nibbled at their lines. |
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Doing something for others makes us feel good. That's why it is at the heart of the Envision model. Here, Envision members diligently clean their North Side neighborhood so that it is more pleasant-looking for residents and visitors (left). On the South Side, Frick members pick fresh vegetables to give to those in need (right).
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Support Our Mental Health Staff This Saturday |
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This Saturday, Envision Mental Health professionals are walking with the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Chicago Chapter (NAMI Chicago) to raise funds for those who cannot afford mental health services. The funds raised will provide free mental health support, education, and advocacy programs for those in need.
"We walk for awareness. We walk to end stigma," explained Michele McDonough, Division Director of Mental Health Services. "We are here for you. Whoever you are, whatever your circumstance. It is time we all work to become mentally healthy."
Click here to support our mental health team.
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If you or someone you know needs support, don't hesitate to reach out to Envision's mental health professionals. The department's comprehensive services range from therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation, employment assistance, and residential care to psychiatry. Their phone number is (773) 506-3161. |
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How do you keep pace with our always-busy Envision members? First, make sure you have a copy of their latest newsletter. The free online publication is always accessible on the home page of our website and within our monthly newsletters, like right here!
Unlimited Voices is the dream child of Envision members. The bi-weekly newsletter gives them an opportunity to see life through their eyes. It is proof-positive that we are fulfilling our mission to promote inclusion and give voice to individuals with disabilities.
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Discover Our Story of Resilience
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