June 2025

Employer Spotlight:

Emily Finding Her Lane at Pinstripes!

Emily has always loved bowling, so it made sense that she’d find her way to a job at Pinstripes—a place she already enjoyed in her free time.


She began working as a host at Pinstripes in Northbrook in April, and her role includes greeting guests and helping them find their way to a table, bocce court, or bowling lane. She helps set up lanes, answers the phone, and takes payments at the host stand. While these tasks are part of any host's job, Emily’s approach makes her stand out. She brings a positive attitude, a friendly smile, and a willingness to learn something new.


Like anyone starting a new job, there were parts of the role that felt intimidating at first. Answering the phones was one of them. With the support of her Employment Specialist, Jacob Cohen, Emily came up with a plan to practice and build her confidence. Over time, and with encouragement from her coworkers, she not only began answering calls but also learned how to find the right answers or ask for help when she needed it.


Emily enjoys being part of the Pinstripes team and says the best part of her job is helping make people’s outings fun and memorable. Her coworkers and managers appreciate her enthusiasm. “Having Emily on our team at Pinstripes has been an absolute joy,” said Jackson McLaughlin, General Manager. “Her ear-to-ear smile and friendly disposition brighten the day of every guest. She takes pride in doing any task given to her and sees it through to the end.”


Emily’s story is one of learning and finding the right fit. Through her determination and the support of her team, she’s making a difference at work—and showing what’s possible when people are given a chance to shine.



Click here to view more TotalLink employment success stories.

Progam Highlight: More than a Laugh, Building Life Skills through The Improvaneer Method!

Just over a year ago, TotalLink to Community partnered with The Improvaneer Method to bring this groundbreaking, nationally recognized improvisational program to our community. Best known for creating The Improvaneers - the world’s first improv troupe made up entirely of individuals with Down syndrome - The Improvaneer Method uses improv to build essential life skills in a fun and supportive environment. Through weekly, structured one-hour virtual classes, individuals gain confidence and connection while developing key communication and social skills.


Since launching the program, we’ve seen participants grow in confidence, independence, and self-expression. Connor, a class participant, shared, “It brings us together, helps us focus on our acting goals, and express our talents.” His favorite game, Breaking News, lets participants create and perform short stories as pretend reporters, combining creativity and fun. 


But this program is about much more than acting. The benefits often carry over into other TotalLink programs and everyday situations. Individuals strengthen their ability to maintain eye contact, project their voices, think on their feet, adapt to change, solve problems, and develop character-driven performance skills, with the support of a Certified Director from The Improvaneer Method. These benefits often carry over into other TotalLink programs and everyday situations.


With every laugh, scene, and “yes, and…” moment, our improv stars aren’t just acting — they’re growing, connecting, and shining center stage in their own stories.

Meet Sheila: TotalLink's Artist of the Month

Help Us Finish Strong —

We’re Almost There!

Your gift by June 30 helps close the funding gap and fuels inclusive employment, social programs, and community connections. Every dollar makes a difference. Don’t wait—be part of the movement for inclusion.


Strikes, Smiles and Support at TotalLink's Family Bowling Fundraiser!


Over 50 bowlers and spectators gathered at the Wilmette Bowling Center for a fun-filled TotalLink Family Bowling Event! The lanes were alive with laughter, cheers, and community spirit as friends, families, and supporters came together for an afternoon of connecting with friends and to raise funds for our programs.


Thank you to our generous sponsors, raffle donors, committee members, and families who helped make the event a success.

Thank you to our Family Sponsors:


Strike Sponsor: The DiVincenzo Family

Spare Sponsor: The Finerty Family

Lane Sponsor: Uncle Sam's Golf Ball Source (The Needlman Family)

Hi-Five Sponsor: Graff Machine Tools (The Graff Family)

Crafting Connections at the St. Norbert Block Party


The TotalLink Pop-Up Shop joined the fun at the St. Norbert Block Party with a booth full of creativity and community spirit! The booth was run by TotalLink entrepreneurs and team members who helped sell our handmade Total Goodness products and led craft and bracelet-making activities with young visitors.



It was a wonderful opportunity to share our mission, showcase the talents of our entrepreneurs, and connect with local families. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support inclusive employment and creativity!

Hannah, Sophie, and Naomi promoting TotalLink and our Total Goodness products.

TotalLink Tees Up for Inclusion at the

Maureen Kogen Memorial Golf Outing!


More than 110 supporters came together at Glen Flora Country Club for the Maureen Kogen Memorial Golf Outing, a day of golf, camaraderie, and championing choice and inclusion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


Thanks to our generous sponsors, donors, golfers, and volunteers, the event was a tremendous success. Your support helps fuel TotalLink’s customized employment, vibrant social programs, and lifelong learning opportunities, all designed to empower people to live full and meaningful lives as valued members of their communities.

Together, we’re shifting perspectives, creating opportunities, and building more inclusive communities.


Special shout-out to TotalLink entrepreneur, Sam & Uncle Sam's Golf Ball Source for designing the fabulous first and second-place trophies (center picture below). These trophies were made with the help of Zebra Technology volunteers at a TotalLink Make Day.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Madame ZuZu's

1876 1st St.

Highland Park, IL


4:00 - 6:00 PM


July 17, 2025

August 24, 2025


Everyone is welcome to join us for this fun community event.

New to TotalLink Programs or Employment?

Check out our Getting Started with Services page.

Support Our 2025 Sponsors

TotalLink is proud to partner with many generous sponsors whose support helps make our mission possible. Visit our sponsor webpage to view all their logos and to learn more about the organizations that share our commitment to building inclusive communities. We encourage you to consider supporting these businesses, just as they’ve supported TotalLink and our work.


TotalLink offers a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Alisa at amartorano@totallink.org or 224-412-4718.

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