Coach Nick is Ready for Action!

Coaching requires a mix of skill, passion, and enthusiasm. For Nick, it offers a chance to use his talents to inspire and guide others. Nick leveraged these qualities, his love for sports, and strong organizational skills to land a job at High-Five Sports Zone, which was made possible by teaming up with TotalLink.

“I enjoy coaching the kids. It’s not just a job; it’s a lot of fun! My manager, PJ, and all my coworkers are super cool. I’m proud to work at Hi-Five.”

-Coach Nick

According to Nick's mother, Maria Kotsinis, “TotalLink and Nicholas’s job coach, Greg, have been wonderful throughout the process of securing a job for Nicholas. Greg was meticulous in finding the right fit for him and worked with him on the job site until Nicholas felt comfortable. As a result, Nicholas loves his new job at Hi-Five Sports.”

It took months and a lot of conversations to find the right opportunity. However, Nick's patience paid off when he joined Hi-Five Sports Zone as a Coach in March. Nick sets up activities, sanitizes equipment, and actively engages with the athletes, coaching and playing alongside them.

“Working with TotalLink has been an amazing experience. Nick brings a ton of value to Hi-Five through his commitment to doing a good job and taking care of the kids. He’s always happy, energetic, and eager to learn. I look forward to working with Nick in each class." -PJ, Nick's manager and Director of Hi-Five

Exploring Community Engagement: A Day with President Ciesla and Northbrook First Responders

President Kathryn Ciesla and the TotalLink Community Life participants meet for a Q&A session at the Northbrook Village Hall.

When each new session of Community Life starts, the group brainstorms experiences they would like to have in the community. This session, "Can we meet the mayor?” was a question a participant posed. After some research, the Community Life group made arrangements to visit and meet with the Village of Northbrook.

President Kathryn Ciesla and her team from the Village of Northbrook provided a memorable day for TotalLink by first gathering in the boardroom for a question-and-answer session. The group was delighted by President Ciesla’s transparency as they asked tough questions - from affordable housing options to her favorite restaurants in town. After chatting with President Ciesla, they connected with Northbrook’s first responders. Richard Rash, Community Relations Supervisor from the Northbrook Police Department, shared online safety tips. The Northbrook Paramedics gave the group a tour of their new ambulances and educated them on the tools and technology inside the vehicle.

Community Life's visit to Village Hall was educational and exciting, and it again demonstrated that Northbrook is a welcoming, inclusive, and kind place to live, work, and play. Thank you, President Ciesla, the Northbrook Village team, and Northbrook's first responders!