Essential Worker Recognized as Ambassador of the Week  Nick loves to work on holidays. As an essential worker in the produce department at Mariano’s, Nick likes to dress up in costume when working on the holidays and take pictures with the customers.  Last November, Nick received special recognition from Mariano’s as their Ambassador of the Week, recognizing his outstanding performance and dedication and maintaining high standards of excellence in customer service.  Nick has been working throughout the pandemic. “I was happy to do my part to help others,” he said. In addition to Nick, TotalLink2 Community is proud of our other essential grocery store employees who continue to serve the community throughout the pandemic. We would like to thank Harrison at Trader Joe’s in Glenview, Josh and Evan Ernsteen at Jewel in Deerfield, and Sean at Mariano’s for their dedication to their jobs.

Totallink Welcomes RENOWNED ARTIST ANASTASIA MAK

Last December, TotalLink welcomed renowned Expressionist painter Anastasia Mak to teach a five-week virtual painting workshop for TotalLink artists. Participants joined together on Zoom to learn painting techniques as well as learn about other Expressionist artists. Anastasia Mak is a Contemporary Expressionist Artist who creates her art in her studio in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. She has exhibited internationally in galleries and art fairs. Her pieces are known for their non-realistic "signature skies," and infusing bright colors and high contrast into her pieces.

Check out the fantastic work as each artist created his or her own version of a stained glass tree.

The Anastasia Mak Painting Workshop was sponsored by the ComEd Powering the Arts Grant.

Featured Staff Member Nick Betsoleiman  TotalLink is so fortunate to have such a wonderful community of dedicated staff members. We are excited to introduce you to Nick Betsoleiman, TotalLink’s Social Media Coordinator. Q. How long have you worked at TotalLink2 Community? I have worked at TotalLink for almost five years now. It will officially be five years this summer! Q. How did you first get involved with TotalLink? I first got involved with TotalLink2 Community about eight years ago. I was working with them as an employment resource to help me look at some different job opportunities. Emily Raming was my job coach. Q. What is your current role at TotalLink? My current role with TotalLink is Social Media Coordinator. Q. What is your favorite part about being involved at TotalLink? My favorite part about being involved at TotalLink is being a part of the social programs.  Q. Tell us a bit about yourself. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? One interesting fact about me that you probably don’t know is that I wanted to become a full-time sports broadcaster. Recently, I was thinking about possibly becoming a head coach or manager in either the MLB, NFL, or the NBA! My other recent mini dream job on the side would be to hopefully one day run for President of the United States of America!

Totallink Introduces New Programs for TEENS AND PARENTS

TotalLink2 Community is excited to be introducing two new programs to expand our reach of services to people with disabilities in our community. Our recent strategic planning process identified the need to connect with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families at an earlier age. We also determined that parents are looking for support and the opportunity to connect with one another. As a result, TotalLink created two new programs called Teen Time and the Parent Connection Programs.  In December, TotalLink was among seven Northbrook social service and mental health agencies that received contributions funded by the “Northbrook Strong” vehicle sticker donations, budgeted funds, and fine fees. The grant allowed us the resources the implement the two new programs, which will begin this winter.  “TotalLink is so thankful for the support of the Village in our work. Their support is allowing us to expand our outreach to Northbrook residents," said TotalLink's Executive Director, Emily Raming.

Third Thursday of the month at 7pm on Zoom: February 25, March 25, April 29, May 27, June 24 The new Parent Connection program aims to connect parents of children with disabilities with parents of young adults with disabilities. The five-part series will be facilitated by Jonathan Rauwerda, a behavioral analyst and Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional with over twelve years of experience in the disability world. The program will focus on parent-chosen topics and give parents the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences.

heART Words Sundays, 1-2:30 pm on Zoom, March 7 - May 23 Dinner with Friends Mondays, 5 pm on Zoom, March 8 - May 24  The TotalLink Teen Time programs will invite high school-aged participants into two of our most popular virtual social programs, Dinner with Friends and heART Words. The programs are designed to provide engagement and social connections and the opportunity to meet new people. For more information about any of TotalLink's programs, please visit our website at www.totallink2.org or email Emily Raming at eraming@totallink2.org.

NEW THIS SPRING! Virtual MAKER'S LAB Join us as our Maker's Lab goes virtual this spring. Spend your Sunday afternoon with facilitator Joan Martin for this hands-on virtual workshop. Two five-week sessions will be offered with a different project completed each session. For complete information, visit www.totallink2.org/virtual-makers-lab

Support TotalLink2 Community Help to continue to provide vital programs to young adults with disabilities. Donate today at www.totallink2.org/donations  

1200 Shermer Road, Suite 109 | Northbrook, Illinois 60062 | 224-412-4718 info@totallilnk2.org | totallink2.org

FOLLOW US ‌ ‌