A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

I like the idea of giving credit where credit is due. Even more, I like the practice of formally giving credit to employees with disabilities who make tremendous contributions to our lives, economy, and workplaces. That is the goal of a national observance called National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” which makes me proud that we factor this equation into our daily life here at Envision Unlimited. We routinely acknowledge the vital role that people with disabilities play in our diverse and inclusive workforce. We also have an employment program that prepares members for the workplace, helps them land a position, and provides support to succeed on the job.

This past year, our program experienced its most successful year yet. We exceeded our state contracts. And recently, we expanded our employment program to include students with disabilities in the Chicago Public Schools. That is very exciting!

Today, 125 Envision members actively participate in our employment programs. They work an average of 20 hours a week for FedEx, Jewel, Jiffy Lube, Macy’s, Marshall’s, The University of Chicago, and many other employers. One of our members we placed in a part-time position at Walmart now has a full-time job there with benefits.

Driving our success is the young man who is in this month's Staff Spotlight. I am #EnvisionProud to introduce Christopher Watts, MBA, our incomparable workforce consultant.

Thanks for all you do, Chris!

Sincerely,

Since arriving at Envision Unlimited nearly four years ago, workforce consultant Christopher Watts has been a solid bridge for job-seeking members. Some have been out of the workforce for a while. Others have never worked. All have disabilities--and an advocate. This year, he delivered record job placements for members with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities.

We can draw a straight line from Chris’s success today to his first job. It was in a grocery store, where he worked alongside a cashier who did not have fully formed arms. Chris marveled at how well the cashier performed his job. He emerged from that experience with something unexpected, an attitude best described as compassionate confidence in people with disabilities.

Chris provides full support for our job-seeking members. After accompanying member Antoinette on interviews, he took her shopping for work clothes. She had no work experience, but interviewers felt that she communicated well and projects a “nice and friendly” attitude. Before the end of the day, Antoinette had received job offers from the Harry Potter Experience, Macy’s, and The University of Chicago. One offer arrived while she and Chris shopped (pictured).

Envision Classic Breaks Fundraising Record

Congratulations to Envision board member Dan Proft for breaking his own Envision Classic fundraising record! Dan has chaired this event for five years. This year, he hosted more than 80 golfers at the prestigious Olympia Fields Country Club and raised more than $180,000 in cash gifts and pledge commitments to support Envision and our DreamHome capital campaign.

These donations provided a tremendous boost to the capital campaign following the groundbreaking of Envision's historic accessible group home for Envision seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The home will be built in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood on Chicago's Southwest Side.

Clockwise: Envision President and CEO Mark McHugh thanks board member Dan Proft for the highly successful event, which was also a special treat for Envision members who enjoy golf. Tournament winners, (left to right) Connor Mulvey, Don Pescara, and Tony Sambo, received their awards at the dinner.

Enjoy the video that inspired one tournament-winning golfer to make a significant donation to our capital campaign!

Envision Unlimited's Mental Health Department, led by Senior Vice President of Mental Health and Business Development Jean Xoubi, joined dozens of organizations throughout the city to support affordable access to mental health services. NAMIWalks Your Way Chicago stepped off from beautiful Jackson Park on September 17. They traveled the scenic lakefront trail and around Promontory Point. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Need help managing your anxiety and depression?

Call (773) 506-3161 or (773) 769-4313 ext 431 during business hours.

For general information on our mental health programs, click here.

Members Step Up to Save Lives

Rose Center members Dahla and Lily proudly donated blood at a recent resource fair in the Back of the Yards community after learning that every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion. Unit Coordinator Briana Martinez offered to go first, to model how to donate, but they insisted they could do it. And they did! Envision Unlimited co-sponsored the fair.

Westtown Kindness Team Rallies to Help

Man Who Is Terminally Ill, Homeless

Members sold homemade apple cider, coffee, and other beverages to raise money for the Westtown Center Kindness Team’s current fundraiser. This one supports a man who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Dave is the best friend of Eve, a tenant in the Idelle Kipperman Kitchen. Eve recently launched a GoFundMe page for Dave, who is not only battling cancer but currently experiencing homelessness.

"The funds are intended to make this end-of-life transition as comfortable as possible," explained Westtown Program Director Hannah Lowe. The Kindness Team has raised $230 so far. If you would like to help Dave, here is the link to Eve's GoFundMe campaign.

Congratulations to the Lewandowski Family Center's flag football team for capturing first place at LaVillita Field on October 1. After defeating their opponents, Eckhart Park and Kosciuszko Park, they now advance to the state competition on November 4-6.

Coach Michael Gordon, QIPD is so proud of the outstanding performance of members Jeff S., James B., Marcus A., Jaron P., and Wilbur P., "It was the Lewandowski team's first competition!" he exclaimed.

Let's cheer on Michael and the team good luck as they prepare to face their state competitors in Pekin, Illinois next month.

Farm-to-Table Dinner Satisfies

It was the first chilly night of fall, but guests and members at this year's Farm-to-Table dinner were warmed by the scrumptious food, fresh from the garden--beautifully plated and professionally served--and great conversations. Envision Media Club members Sulema and Jessica helped capture the spirit of the evening.

Members' creative projects have been on public display in several locations this month and receiving rave reviews.

Member Artists' Work Featured in Two Public Shows

Six quilts created by Envision members were featured during Chicago Textile Week (September 25-October 1). In its third year, CTW held events in more neighborhoods, curating an art exhibition at The Mart and Chicago's South and West sides. Westtown Center members attended the Community Conversation and Quilt Installation at Nichols Tower in Homan Square.

"This positions our artists to play an even bigger role next year and hopefully host an event in-house,” said Envision creative consultant Monika Neuland.

Exhibiting quilters were Linda J., Ruth and Rosa M., Vahid M., Anthony W., and Lillian D. from Westtown, plus Perlina J. from Frick Center.

"Our member artists were excited to see their work on display in such a cool venue! They spent the evening meeting other artists, talking about their work with fiber arts, inviting others to the upcoming shag show, taking pictures of the views, and enjoying the refreshments,” said Hannah Lowe, Westtown Center Program Director.

The quilts are now on sale at the BUDDY pop-up shop at the Chicago Cultural Center, along with numerous shag carpets created by Envision members.

Look Who's Here!

Sherome Brown, Community Living

Keiarra Coleman, Community Living

Kila Crosby, RBT- SSH

Tanesha Crowder, Foster Care

Tanya Crowder, Foster Care

Brittney Earls, Mental Health Care

Doris Eze, Care Manager

Ronetta Hamilton, Care Coordinator

Emma Holmes, QIDP, Community Living Torrence (CJ) Ivy, Maintenance

Marcus D. Jackson, CLS

Cheri Joyce, Care Manager

Yetunde Kunrunmi, ABA Therapist

Ebony McKinney, Job Developer

Eugene Nelson, CLS

Nilofer Patel, FDDP

Aryonna Patterson, Host Family

Joann N. Pierce, Community Living

Thomas Smid, Mental Health Specialist

Debra Smith, Respite-Central IL

Andranika Springfield, Community Living

Tammy T. Strickland, Community Living

Latona Tatum, Outreach Specialist

Ada M. Turner, Community Living

Toshiba Walker, SSH

Caprice E. Williams, DSP Floater

Ava Winckler, Medical Care Manager

Don't Stumble Around in the Dark!

Wondering about your benefits? Have a friend who's interested in working at Envision Unlimited? How do you get the answers you need?

Don't be spooked! Use this handy chart to find the HR team member who can answer your specific questions.

Ask HR

Stay Fit! Keep Moving!

Conveniently fulfill your fitness goals in the comfort of your own home by tuning in daily to our online fitness programs. Click here for the October 10-14 classes.

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Having Their Say

Want to see life through the eyes of Envision members? Read the latest issue of Unlimited Voices, their bi-weekly newsletter.

Volume 40 covers Envision members' involvement in Chicago Textile Week, Les Dames d’Escoffier Culinary Bazaar, and of course, the much anticipated monthly entertainment review.