Inclusion in the Workplace  TotalLink2 Community is dedicated to ensuring young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities thrive by working, socializing, and contributing to their community. We are excited to celebrate one of our job seekers, Levi, on his success in his job as a member of the KidCare support staff. Levi began working with TotalLink and his Employment Specialist, Stephanie Galindez, in 2019. After going through the Discovery and Job Development process, Levi started his job at Northbrook District 28 KidCare. “Through our Discovery process, we learned that Levi loves being around kids. The position at KidCare was a great match with his job themes. He is a valued member of the KidCare staff and uses his abilities and skills to interact and supervise the kids and leads various games and activities,” said Stephanie Galindez. "I like to play with the kids and help them out. It feels good to talk with them and my co-workers. It also feels good to make my own money.” –Levi Levi’s job has been an excellent opportunity for him to find a sense of purpose and belonging while providing KidCare with his commitment, reliability, and enthusiasm for his job. “Levi likes to work in the community because it gives him a sense of belonging and giving back. He has participated in many community-based programs over the years, and working at the school reminds him that he is not only a consumer but also can provide a service and help out others. The circle of giving and receiving is complete when adults like Levi have an opportunity to work in their community,” said Levi’s mom, Marla Davishoff.  For more information about TotalLink2 Community’s employment programs or becoming an employer, please contact Emily Raming at eraming@totallink2.org or 224-412-4718.

Commitment to EXCELLENCE

Recently, TotalLink2 Community’s accreditation by CQL, The Council on Quality and Leadership was renewed. This latest accomplishment is part of TotalLink’s ongoing commitment to excellence in person- centered services and support that lead to increased quality of life. CQL is an international accreditation program and accreditation signifies that an organization is committed to the fundamentals of Basic Assurances®, Shared Values®, and Personal Outcome Measures®.

Facilitator Spotlight Jessie Fryman  Q. How long have you been a facilitator at TotalLink? I started with TotalLink in September of 2019. Q. How did you get involved with TotalLink? I heard about TotalLink through a WERQ fitness Facebook group that I was a part of. Someone had posted that TotalLink was looking for a new facilitator and I had just moved back to the suburbs from the city. I thought the opportunity sounded right up my alley because I was previously a teacher and hold a degree in special education.  Q. What programs are you currently facilitating? I teach WERQ, a cardio dance fitness class set to rock, pop, and hip hop music. Q.. What is your favorite part about being involved with TotalLink? I love all of the friendships I have built with the participants! I’m not just the dance teacher, I’m a friend and that means a lot to me. Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was recently married and live with my husband and our two dogs. I work full-time for a data analytics company where I lead our customer success team. Prior to entering the corporate world, I taught second and fifth grades. When I’m not working or dancing, I enjoy crafting and running my online Etsy store. My favorite food is mac and cheese and I’m randomly obsessed with dragonflies.

Maker’s Lab recently began its virtual session with each maker creating their own personal command center. Command centers are a customized tool to help stay organized and keep important information in one place.  Maker’s Lab is a creative learning environment where young adults create their own products using a variety of tools and materials. Each session includes a demonstration of skills with the opportunity to use a wide range of tools and mediums. Young adults have the opportunity to share their ideas, skills, and talents with other makers on individual and collaborative projects.

“The personal command center is a great project to be creative using self-expression.  Our makers had the opportunity to share their ideas with one another, learn from internet bloggers, YouTubers, and our volunteer. We gathered tricks and hacks for keeping ourselves organized and focused while living busy active lives." –Joan Martin, Maker’s Lab facilitator

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus Divine Word Council #7331 for their generous donation to TotalLink2 Community. It was great having Mr. Michael Burg and Mr. Michael Furby join us on Zoom so we could thank them.

Thank you to our friends at Medline for recently joining us for Community Action Team Meetings for two of our job seekers. A Community Action Team meeting is one part of our Customized Employment Job Development process. It brings together an inclusive community to help brainstorm potential work opportunities for each individual job seeker. Members of Medline’s CSR and HR teams joined us for the virtual meetings to meet our job seekers, celebrate their gifts and talents and create a circle of engaged community members to help brainstorm and support their goals.

Are you interested in learning more about Customized Employment and how you can get involved?  Visit our website at www.totallink2.org/employment

Support TotalLink2 Community Help to continue to provide vital programs to young adults with disabilities. Donate today at www.totallink2.org/donations  

1200 Shermer Road, Suite 109 | Northbrook, Illinois 60062 | 224-412-4718 info@totallilnk2.org | totallink2.org

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