December 2025 Newsletter

December 2025

From the Executive Director

Dear Independence Alliance Supporters,

As we enter the month of December, I find myself reflecting upon the fact that on December 4, 2025, I will have been in service to this organization for eight years. When I started back in 2017, little did I know what this incredible career opportunity would hold for me.

There have been remarkable accomplishments despite a global pandemic and changes in funding models, we have implemented creative and innovative initiatives. As we celebrate these collective accomplishments of our staff, board, and collaborative partners, we will not let dust gather. There are exciting opportunities ahead of us in the coming years, most notably the celebration of our 50 years as a Center for Independent Living (CIL) as well as celebrating 20 years for our art program, Art Beyond Boundaries. We also look forward to the expansion of our services now that we are officially a Kentucky CIL serving the eight counties in northern Kentucky. We will continue to share information on these exciting milestones and initiatives.

I wish to extend my appreciation to everyone who has been a part of the past eight years, and I am looking forward to the next few years with great excitement and fervor. This is a collective effort as a team of people who are passionate about our mission, vision and core values, all centering around people with disabilities.

Your feedback and input are important to me. It is good to hear from people with different ideas and different thoughts. Please feel free to contact me by calling 513-338-5100 or by emailing me; I am always willing to speak with you or meet with you.

I will close by saying Thank You for the confidence you have shown in me to lead this incredible organization. As someone who had previously not worked in the disability community, I have learned so much, and I have grown as an individual and as a professional. I am looking forward to great things ahead in the years to come.

My best wishes to you and your families for a joyous and meaningful holiday season.

Regards,

Rob

Bringing Holiday Cheer!

December 2 is #GivingTuesday, a day when generosity lights up our communities! A small act of kindness can make a huge difference during the holiday season.

At Independence Alliance, we are focusing our efforts on providing holiday gift cards to individuals with disabilities who have limited resources. We are relying on your support to help us purchase these gift cards and bring smiles and holiday cheer.

Be part of #GivingTuesday with your donation: Support Us

Join the Independence Alliance Team

Independence Alliance is currently seeking a motivated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Support Services Specialist. We invite interested candidates to submit their resumes for consideration. Learn more about this position, qualifications, and how to apply.

Questions about any of the following classes or services? Please contact us by email.

Accessibility & Brews will meet on Thursday, December 11th at HighGrain Brewing Company - Brentwood, 9176 Winton Road, Cincinnati, 45231.

Mission Moment:

In November, our Director of Programs, Suzanne Hopkins, and Youth Transition Services Specialist, Dawn Engel, participated in the Journey into Adulthood Expo: Navigating New Horizons. This one-day event offered breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall—creating a comprehensive, one-stop experience for learning about the transition from youth to adulthood for individuals with disabilities.

The expo’s target audience included youth and adults with disabilities, their families, educators, service providers, county boards, state agencies, community members, and parent mentors. Independence Alliance was one of 59 exhibitors and welcomed many of the 522 attendees who stopped by our table to learn more about all the programs and services we offer, most specifically our Youth Transition Services. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to interact with the attendees and share our mission to empower people with disabilities to lead independent and inclusive lives in the community.

In addition to exhibiting, Dawn and Suzanne served as panelists for a session titled Self-Advocacy as an Adult with Disabilities. The discussion was moderated by Jason Harris, a former member of the Independence Alliance Board of Directors. Panelists explored key topics such as defining self-advocacy, navigating the transition into adulthood, accessing tools and supports, and establishing healthy relationships and boundaries.

Learn more:

Services for Youth

Services for College-Aged Youth

Winter Crisis Program

Income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Department of Development's Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

The Winter Crisis Program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service, and those required to pay for a service transfer. It also supports households with 25% or less of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service.

Learn more here.

Warmest wishes for a festive holiday season and a

happy New Year from our entire team.

Meet our Team

Independence Alliance will be closed for winter break starting Wednesday, December 24.

We will re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Do you plan on visiting Independence Alliance?

We maintain a fragrance-free environment; therefore, we ask that you avoid the use of fragranced products when visiting our office.

Please know we are available to discuss your need for accommodations or accessibility for your visit with us. Contact us!

Learn more here about how using your

Kroger Plus Card can support our organization! Once you have signed up there is nothing more to do other than use your Kroger Plus Card at the checkout!

Help us increase the number of households participating by signing up today!

(You will still sign up as supporting Center for Independent Living.)

Do you know someone that would like to receive our newsletter?

Email us!

This publication is available in an alternate format upon request.

Follow us on social media for announcements and trending topics related to Independent Living for people with disabilities.