Dear Friends,
We all know the popular saying: If a tree falls in a forest and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound? We can’t always see the fruits of our labor. But lately, I’ve been noticing the immeasurable impact that Envision Unlimited members, staff and volunteers are making on the communities around us.
In just a few short weeks, our Summer of Cycling events showed individuals of all ages and abilities that cycling is possible if you have the right equipment. Our Westtown Center made an impression on one of the world’s most admired companies, and members of its staff are already volunteering their time with us. Plenty of other individuals and organizations have made generous, in-kind contributions over the past several months. There are countless other examples too.
The Envision Unlimited ripple effect can be seen in multiple stories in this newsletter. I invite you to learn more and share these impactful stories far and wide – so we can continue creating change every time and everywhere.
Sincerely,
Mark McHugh
President and CEO
Envision Unlimited
Photo: Volunteer Jenny Achuthan (left) accompanies members on an airplane ride at Clow Airport courtesy of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 461.
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An Incredible Summer of Cycling | |
We’re well into sweater weather, but we’re still feeling the impact of our Summer of Cycling. There were so many highlights that it’s hard to adequately sum everything up. More than 500 people attended our events, and our members and volunteers biked a whopping 5,000+ miles throughout the season! We even took our Adaptive Cycling program across state lines, as our members received a special invitation to tour the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, Ohio.
While there, we joined forces with Breaking the Labels, an organization that offers services to adults of all abilities. CEO Monica McKinney told Ohio-based newspaper The Daily Standard about the rare and “amazing” trip.
What’s even more amazing is we attracted many new volunteers, raised $125,000 this summer, from new and longtime donors, to support our programs that help our members lead their best lives.
“As our event at the Velodrome was winding down, a 3 year-old girl named Jade asked if she could ride on the motorized Duet bike,” recalled Envision Unlimited Board member Dan Durbin. “Once we strapped her in, I took her around the track twice as she kept raising her hands in the air with total joy.”
Our members also made new friends, gained greater confidence and achieved personal goals. It was truly inspiring to watch.
“I did 16 miles when we went to the Major Taylor Juneteenth ride this year,” said Envision Unlimited member Anthony in a recent issue of our member-driven newsletter, Unlimited Voices. “I wanted to do something bigger, so my goal was to ride 30 miles at Bike the Drive. I didn’t know if I could handle it. … It was actually pretty easy! I rode with [volunteer] Jenny for the whole 30 miles. She was the best partner ever. … I felt so proud of myself."
We’re already looking forward to Summer of Cycling 2024!
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Walking for Mental Wellness | |
When it comes to supporting a good cause, Envision Unlimited knows how to show up.
Earlier this month, our members and staff stepped out into the community for NAMIWalks Your Way Chicago, a yearly walk and community event that raises funds and awareness for free mental health support services, education and advocacy. Envision Unlimited has proudly participated in NAMIWalks for several years. Our members had a great time, and they particularly enjoyed the performance by The Jesse White Tumblers!
Envision Unlimited is a certified Community Mental Health Provider offering a full complement of services to people with a variety of mental health concerns.
If you or someone you know would like to talk, call our Mental Health Services intake coordinator at 773-506-3161.
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Our Members Meet One of World's Most Admired Companies | |
A wonderful partnership is blooming between Envision Unlimited and consulting firm Accenture. Named one of the world’s most admired companies by Fortune, Accenture aims to connect with nonprofit organizations and offer necessary assistance. Our members recently toured their local offices, examined various technological gadgets in the Accessibility Center and felt inspired by their visit.
Accenture staff members were so engaged with our members that they came to Westtown Center soon after and helped them create large butterfly wings for our display in this year’s Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade. We hope this is just the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership!
If you know of an organization looking for community engagement projects, employee service days or other ways to support organizations like Envision Unlimited, please contact Donor Engagement Executive Marty Kenahan at mkenahan@envisionunlimited.org.
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We’re very proud of Envision Unlimited members who have taken big steps to further their reading skills. Rose Center member Dahla is currently enrolled in reading classes through Literacy Chicago, the city’s oldest literacy organization, and is a very active participant. She has even been navigating the CTA to travel to her weekly classes.
Westtown Center member Marcus has also co-facilitated multiple “Story Time” sessions at the Humboldt Park Library, reading books like “Llama Llama Red Pajama” and “Toto’s Apple” to a room full of children and caregivers.
“Witnessing Marcus’ growth and impact through his journey has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Westtown Center director Hannah Lowe. “His co-facilitation of ‘Story Time’ has given him a sense of purpose and increased self-confidence. Marcus has not only forged a meaningful, inclusive relationship with his local community, but he’s also helping to foster a generation that will view people with disabilities with less limitations.”
According to the United Nations Development Programme, the literacy rate for adults with disabilities worldwide is only 3%. Kudos to Dahla and Marcus on their accomplishments and providing inspiration to members and the community!
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For decades, Envision Unlimited has provided award-winning community living options and support to individuals with disabilities so they can live their best lives as valued members of their communities.
Today, we offer more than 80 homes across the Chicago area and provide quality living arrangements to hundreds of people with a range of intellectual, developmental and psychiatric needs. Learn more about our services.
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Breaking Stigma for Employment Disability Awareness Month | |
According to recent data, only 12-13% of people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities are employed in Illinois. Why? Despite the many benefits that people with disabilities bring to the workplace, stigma often holds them back from being seen as capable employees.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we’re working to break that stigma. Envision Unlimited has offered job training and competitive, integrated employment opportunities for more than 50 years. Our members have earned positions at reputable companies, from McDonald’s to Jewel-Osco and the Shedd Aquarium, to name a few. Many are also employed with us at Envision Unlimited. Learn more about our services below.
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Creating a Safe and Collaborative Workplace | |
We’re committed to attracting, engaging, developing and retaining a diverse team who understands our members’ specific needs. That understanding of difference and uniqueness is also important to building a safe, collaborative and productive workplace. We invite you to watch the next video in our monthly DEI series featuring Chief Diversity Officer Betty Jackson.
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Boundless Gifts of Kindness | |
The Season of Giving has yet to arrive, but plenty of individuals and organizations have already expressed their kindness in a number of ways.
We’d especially like to extend our thanks to friend and volunteer Alan Yuen for treating Envision Unlimited members, staff and volunteers to an elegant lunch at Friendship Chinese Restaurant; Kim and Carlo’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs for feeding #TeamEnvision cyclists at our Bike the Drive event; Graymont Medical for their annual donation of new wheelchairs, walkers and other essential medical equipment; Lincoln Financial Group for providing book bags and supplies to our foster care families; Spavia for offering discounted services to our supporters; and so many more.
If you or your organization would like to make an in-kind contribution to Envision Unlimited, they are always appreciated! Please contact Marty Kenahan at mkenahan@envisionunlimited.org.
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Another successful Envision Classic is in the books, and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day on the greens.
We reconnected with old friends, forged new relationships and raised important funds so our members can continue living a life of choice, independence and inclusion.
Many thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone who helped organize the event. They include American Eagle, Beverly Bank & Trust, Culture Shift, Darque Syde of D’Lyte Productions, Great Computer Solutions, Home State Bancorp, Inc., The Horton Group, KPMG LLP, Metric Media, Olympia Fields Country Club, The Ozinga Foundation, Inc., Signature Bank, Sawing & Shearing Services, Inc., and Winning Systems, Inc.
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Three Cheers for Rose Center | |
Our Rose Center is getting decorated – and not just with Halloween accents! Back of the Yards library recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary and honored Envision Unlimited members for their years of assisting with art activities and community events.
Separately, member Noemi was also named an “outstanding volunteer” with Star Farm during its September soirée. Rose Center and Star Farm have maintained a longstanding relationship, collaborating on farming projects, art activities, selling produce and more.
Way to go, Adrian C., Ana C., Ana Z., Antonella V., Benjamin C., Dahla K., Genevieve D., Jose H., Karen B., Karren F., Latoya W., Leon H., Leona B., Mary C., Noemi C., and Wilmon J.!
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Meet Our Larger-than-Life Caterpillar | |
Our members spread their wings every time they try new things and step out into the community. But their wings literally became larger than life at the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, an evening parade filled with spectacle puppets, creative floats and unique performances!
This year, we collaborated with Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange – a nonprofit that redistributes donated surplus materials, equipment as well as supplies – and Opera-Matic – a local public art organization – for a display that showcased transformation. Some members helped with hoisting a 40-foot-long caterpillar while others played drums and rode bikes with butterfly wings. It was an amazing experience!
Check out our photo gallery here.
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Observing World Mental Health Day
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Members at our day centers recognized October 10 as World Mental Health Day in many ways this month. Some did yoga and went on nature walks while others made World Mental Health Day ribbons and said kind words about each other. We’re proud to see our members so involved in such a meaningful day! | |
Unlimited Voices
Do you wonder how our Envision Unlimited members see the world? Check out Vol. 67 of their bi-weekly newsletter, Unlimited Voices. In this issue, they share their various experiences, including dining at a Chinese restaurant, and instructions for how to create a beautiful butterfly costume, which they showcased at the ninth annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade.
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Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with disabilities from infants to 80+ years old regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability to pay. Founded in Chicago in 1948, Envision Unlimited has a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. To learn more, please visit www.envisionunlimited.org. | | | | |