Welcome to Envision Unlimited E-News!
 

We are surrounded by amazing people at Envision Unlimited.  From our staff to volunteers, Board Members to donors and sponsors: each plays a crucial role in fulfilling our mission of enhancing the lives and expanding the futures of  people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

While we focus relentlessly on providing opportunities for our clients, it's important that we take time to recognize our own accomplishments.  That's why we're setting aside November 10th for a staff and volunteer recognition event.  We'll share photos of that on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out for those.
 
I'm also thrilled to share below the experiences of  Marcos Herrera and  Jacqueline Steward , both of whom recently graduated from the prestigious IARFuture Leadership Program.  Marcos is the Program Director/QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) of Kruger Center and Jackie is the Administrator of the Short Term Stabilization Homes (SSH) program, one of the newest at Envision. 

Jackie and Marcos embody some of the best in leadership at our organization, and through this opportunity they not only acquired knowledge to advance their own careers, but they're passing it along to the next generation of Envision leaders.
 
Join me in thanking our Envision supporters - that includes you! - not only in November, but all year long.  They truly inspire me every day.
 
All the best,




Mark McHugh
President & CEO
Two Envision Staff Members Complete the Prestigious
IARFuture Leadership Initiative
Jackie Steward and Marcos Herrera

Marcos and Jackie agree: their IARFuture Leadership Initiative experience was nothing short of life-changing.  "It was an amazing professional experience," says Jackie. "We  got an opportunity to meet incredible people and develop some amazing bonds."

This initiative, created by the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, is intense, consisting of eight, day-long sessions held over the course of seven months.  The experience culminates at the IARF Conference & Expo, with graduates contributing to a pre-conference round table session and receiving recognition for their work.

Marcos likens the curriculum to that in a graduate program, with courses led by some of the fields' top professionals: "This program was not only about advocacy, but about being a good leader in general.  Not just in human services, but a leader, period."

With topics ranging from building a positive organizational culture to understanding power structures, database management to person-centered practices, no topic was off limits.  The openness of instructors created a group dynamic that encouraged questioning the status quo and pushed participants to think in new ways.

Jackie stated, "Being a leader is more than just saying 'I'm a supervisor.'  It's more than just a position or a title.  Great leadership creates good organizational culture."

A big congrats to Marcos and Jackie for completing this program!  Your accolades are well deserved and we look forward to all that you'll accomplish at Envision.
Envision Unlimited Clients Out and About in October
Boo! Envision clients channeled the un-dead on their float at
Chicago's Halloween Gathering Festival and Parade.
Host Family program residents and families visited Key Lime Cove Water Resort for some fun and relaxation.

Envision artists and staff had a successful experience at the
Beverly Area Arts Alliance's Annual Arts Walk, handing out literature and selling several pieces of their work to community members.
Mark Your Calendar: Nov 12/13

Envision Artists' work will be on display during this 2016 Open Studios weekend and throughout November by appointment in East Garfield Park.

As artist Barbara Koenen describes the project: " Working with the artists of Envision Unlimited, [Arts Consultant] Monika Neuland inspires the creation of the most amazing shaggy carpets and embellished animals, all created with surplus yarn, fabric and notions. Words cannot describe the magic that emanates from the creatures and the carpets. You will want them for your home, your family and your friends."

Envision Unlimited  serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the goal of enhancing their lives and expanding their futures. Our clients are diverse, spanning across all ages, abilities and backgrounds, but one thing they all share is a drive to excel in their work. We believe all individuals, given the right opportunities, are capable of achieving great breakthroughs and leading lives with more meaningful possibilities.
Envision Unlimited | EnvisionChicago.org