THE LINK :: TotalLink to Community Newsletter, November 2024

November 2024

From Special Olympics to Bagels -

Sam Succeeds in the Pool and at Work!

Sam knows the value of hard work. In 2015, he began training for the Special Olympics. Eight months later, he earned a gold medal in his first Olympic meet and has been swimming towards success ever since. Whether it is in the pool or the workforce, Sam consistently demonstrates his dedication to his passions.

Sam worked at a local bakery for five years, and when his employment circumstances changed, he joined forces with TotalLink to find another job. While meeting with his Employment Specialist, Bridget, during the Discovery process, it became clear that his passion was working in a bakery, and being a back-of-house bakery team member at Once Upon A Bagel was an ideal fit.

From setting up display cookie sheets with a unique arrangement to packaging customer favorites, Sam's careful attention to detail adds a special touch to each product. His knack for folding also shines through as he folds coffee cake and to-go circle boxes, a job he particularly enjoys.

Ira and Adam, the owners of Once Upon A Bagel, and team member Fernando are incredible partners. They ensure Sam is engaged in tasks that highlight his strengths and interests, making his time at work productive and enjoyable. Adam shared that, "Sam is a real asset to the team. He gives it his all. We couldn't be happier to have him here!"

"Sam has been a natural fit at Once Upon a Bagel. He thrives in the back-of-house environment, where he can focus on his packaging and other responsibilities, leading to a high-quality product that customers love," Bridget proudly shared.

Fall Fun at the Wilmette Theatre!

Exploring the community is always an adventure, and this fall brought an exciting discovery—a Halloween party at the Wilmette Theatre that became the highlight of the season.

Once a month, our Saturday Night Out program enjoys dinner and activities with friends while uncovering fun opportunities our local communities have to offer. This October, Halloween fun took center stage at the Wilmette Theatre, and it was an evening to remember.

The event was filled with festive energy, perfect for adults to hang out and have fun. Three local artists entertained the crowd with live music, while a costume contest encouraged everyone to show off their creative side. Our group came dressed to impress, wearing imaginative and fun costumes.

By the end of the night, we knew we had found a special spot at the Wilmette Theatre, and we can’t wait to visit again.

Building Community Connections Through Service

TotalLink's Community Life program connects with the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook Hotel staff and the Northbrook Police Department.

Community connections often start with a single meaningful experience. Omar Rivera-Buzenberg, the Director of Sales at the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook Hotel, was inspired by volunteering alongside TotalLink adults during a TotalLink Make Day and invited TotalLink's Community Life program for a special day at the hotel.

The afternoon was filled with purpose, fun, and heartfelt connections. It began with a collaborative volunteer project: decorating and packing lunch bags to be delivered to the Northbrook Police Department. The Sheraton staff generously provided the materials, and the adults in TotalLink's Community Life program contributed their creativity and enthusiasm. Together, they created thoughtfully decorated lunches that brought smiles to the faces of the Northbrook Police Department.

Following the volunteer project, Omar and his colleagues treated the TotalLink group to a delicious lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel. The group explored amenities like the pool, gym, ballroom, and kitchen, gaining insight into the dynamic world of hospitality and what it's like to work at a hotel.

Thank you to Omar and the Sheraton Northbrook team for their generosity and hospitality and for creating this fantastic opportunity. And thank you to the Northbrook Police Department for your service and for welcoming this gesture of appreciation with open arms. These simple yet powerful acts of kindness demonstrated the strength of community partnerships and the joy of giving back.