A Smooth Transition at
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Meet Emilio. In October 2021, he started working at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Glenview. He makes smoothies; chops, dices, and portions herbs, vegetables, and fruit; makes sauces and salsas; helps clean; and much more. "Each task has different volume bins and different places they need to go when finished. There’s a lot to remember,” said TotalLink Employment Specialist, Greg Spigelman.
“It is a pleasure to have Emilio as part of our team. He has an important role in ensuring all of our preparations are properly portioned, labeled, dated, and rotated. He has grown professionally in his abilities and helps co-workers keep up with their assigned tasks to serve our customers. He is always positive and willing to help. We appreciate Emilio. He is a pleasure to have on our team.”
-John Vogelmeier, Store Owner
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In addition to working at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Emilio attends art classes at Oakton Community College. His art will be showcased at TotalLink's art show at Restore Hyper Wellness in Northbrook on Sunday, April 24, from 10 am to 3 pm. This June, his artwork will also be featured on a golf tag for TotalLink2 Community's upcoming golf outing.
For more information about TotalLink’s Employment Program, visit totallink2.org or contact Emily Raming at eraming@totallink2.org or 224-412-4718.
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Body, Heart & Mind
A Safe Space for REAL Talk
Body, Heart & Mind, one of TotalLink’s favorite learning programs, is a safe place to have real talk and ask hard questions about life.
Participants explore the ins and outs of relationships and dating, healthy communication, gender identity, body image, using social media safely, self-advocacy, consent, caring for our bodies, and so much more. We use a curriculum called ElevatUs, written specifically for adults with disabilities. The curriculum guides our work and allows us to shift depending on need or participant questions and suggestions.
For more information about TotalLink's Body, Heart & Mind program or our other social and lifelong learning programs, visit our website or contact Madison McGinty at mmcginty@totallink2.org.
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Body, Heart & Mind participants crack up as they practice a "healthy communication" role-play during class.
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"Role play seems to be the most popular activity throughout the curriculum, as it allows the young adults to practice the skills they are learning in a silly but real way. Recently, we practiced role-playing about expressing feelings for someone and responding appropriately whether they reciprocated feelings or not. These are situations we all wish we could practice!”
–Madison McGinty, Program Director &
Body, Heart & Mind Facilitator
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Welcome to TotalLink's New Employment Specialist -
Molly McGinty
This past March, TotalLink welcomed Molly McGinty as an Employment Specialist. She previously worked at TotalLink, co-facilitating a session of the Body, Heart & Mind program. Molly joins Greg Spigelman and Drew Philips on our Employment Team, where she will prepare young adults for customized employment, connect them with employers, and provide on-the-job coaching.
Molly graduated from Colorado State University, where she received a BS in Equine and Biomedical Science with concentrations in neuroscience and reproduction. She spent many years as a volunteer and trainer at an equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic riding program in Fort Collins, Colorado. There, she combined her two greatest passions, horses and helping others develop new skills and reach their potential. During this time, she was able to work with people from all walks of life, including children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and young women with troubled pasts.
Molly moved to Illinois in 2018, where she has spent the last four years working as a paraprofessional with the Kildeer Countryside School District at both the elementary and middle school level. She loves sports, spending time with family, being outdoors, and being with her dog Riley and horse Shazam.
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Introducing TotalLink's Podcast - Totally Linked
Recently, TotalLink debuted our new podcast, Totally Linked. The Totally Linked podcasts were created as part of our Totally Linked Public Speaking Course in partnership with Edge of Orion.
Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks as we release five inspiring podcasts featuring stories from Nina, Kai, Jenna, Sarah, and Nick. They will be featured on our social media platforms and included in our weekly email blasts, and monthly newsletter.
This month, we hope you enjoy Nina and Kai's podcasts. They are linked on Spotify but are available where ever podcasts are found.
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Thank you to our Golf Outing Sponsors:
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The Nuflatot Trot is a great way to share your enthusiasm and support of TotalLink with friends, family, co-workers, and anyone in your network.
There are a couple of ways you can help us:
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Thank you to our Nuflatot Trot Sponsors:
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THE SANTACROSE
FAMILY
THE LAW OFFICE OF
STEVEN E.
GLINK
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Raise a Slice for TotalLink on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Lou Malnati's Northbrook, Wilmette, and Park Ridge locations.
Lou Malnati’s will donate 20% of total sales to TotalLink2 Community (based on pre-tax purchase, excluding alcohol) from every order received from carryout or delivery (within zone). Click here for complete details and flyer.
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Support TotalLink2 Community
Help to continue to provide vital programs to young adults with disabilities.
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1200 Shermer Road, Suite 109 | Northbrook, Illinois 60062 | 224-412-4718
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