Zebra Technology Receives APSE Employer Award
Congratulations to TotalLink Employment Partner Zebra Technologies Corporation on receiving the 2021 Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Employer Award.
TotalLink nominated Zebra for its outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. As an employer, the Zebra Technologies Corporation supports disability inclusion within the workplace. This can be seen from all aspects of working with Zebra, from its hiring process to support on the job and even looking toward the employee’s future success. Zebra strives to have its employees feel that they are valued and respected. Zebra is committed to learning the skills that create a culture of inclusion and belonging.
One of TotalLink's job seekers, Steve has been working at Zebra for over six months. "I lost my job as a result of the pandemic. While being part of TotalLink2 Community’s social groups, they introduced me to a job opportunity at Zebra Technologies that was similar to my previous job. TotalLink provides job coaching and I really look forward to going to work each day," said Steve.
"Over the past six months, Zebra has encouraged Steve to explore other roles in the plant for advancement. They have increased Steve's work hours and salary. He was also publicly recognized in the Manager Discretionary 2021 program for teamwork and given 'Zebra points',” said Steve's mom, Lynn.
APSE and its members emphasize the importance of collaborating with businesses to create good job matches. The success of APSE's Employment First program relies on partner employers who seek to value and demonstrate the importance of an inclusive workforce by employing people with disabilities.
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TotalLink Hosts Zebra for a Service Day |
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On July 13 and 15, TotalLink welcomed more than 25 volunteers from Zebra and the community for Make Days. The volunteers helped package TotalLink's original artwork greeting cards, make Giving Plates, and decorate TotalLink's "Heart of the Community" Collaborate Art Piece. |
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Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton Joins TotalLink for Service Day |
TotalLink was happy to have Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton stop by during the Zebra Service Day on July 13.
Commissioner Britton learned more about TotalLink and then joined participants Frankie and Steve in adding to the "Heart of the Community" Art Collaboration.
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TotalLink Introduces New Community Life Program |
TotalLink's Community Life program has been having so much fun this summer. Recently the group met to enjoy a concert in the park.
The Community Life program offers an opportunity for our young adults to spend time in the community with the support of facilitators and volunteers. The group works together to research, plan, and attend the events with their friends in the community. This fun social program enhances inclusion, independence, and community connection. For more information about TotalLink's Social Programs and Learning Labs, visit https://www.totallink2.org/social-programs
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Staff Spotlight
Drew Philips
This month we are shining the spotlight on one of our incredible Employment Specialists, Drew Philips. In addition to being one of TotalLink’s Employment Specialists, Drew is also the facilitator for the Virtual Karaoke Meet-Up and Next Chapter Book Club programs.
Q. How did you get involved with TotalLink?
It's a long and kind of funny story, actually. My brother Mac was asked if he was interested in facilitating the Guys Night Out program. My brother and I, who are very close, hadn't hung out for a few weeks, so I called to ask him what he was doing that night. He shared that he was doing a program called Guys Night Out. I responded, saying, "Well, I know all your friends anyways." Mac then explained what Guys Night Out was, and I asked if I could volunteer. After volunteering for a few sessions, Mac had to stop facilitating the program to go to grad school, so I stepped in to be the lead facilitator. Leading a program on my own really made me fall in love with the program, TotalLink, and all of the fantastic participants.
I led Guys Night Out for about 2-3 months and started asking what other programs I could run. I was given a list of programs that needed facilitators, and I asked to run them all. Two months later, Emily talked to me about becoming a job coach. After 90 days of job coaching an amazing young man, I was asked if I wanted to work part-time as an Employment Specialist. I enthusiastically said yes, and in January of 2018, I was lucky enough to be offered a full-time position.
Q. Tell us about your role at TotalLink and what programs you are currently facilitating.
I am an Employment Specialist. I assist our job seekers with finding jobs that are the best fit for them through the Discovery and Job Development processes. When they are working at a job, I assist them to become independent at work. My favorite part of my job is when we find a position for our job seekers that is their dream job. Nothing is better than watching them succeed.
Currently, I facilitate two virtual programs with TotalLink. I facilitate Karaoke Meet-up and Next Chapter Book Club. It is so much fun to see the participants singing during Karaoke!
Q. What is a fun fact about you that you would like to share?
I'm really into football, especially the Chicago Bears! I spend most of my off-time watching football or learning about everything that is happening in the league.
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New Body, Heart & Mind Program to Begin this Fall |
Body, Heart & Mind is a new program that TotalLink will be offering this fall. The program will be facilitated by Program Director Madison McGinty, who is certified in both sexual education and special education. This course is a holistic approach to human sexuality. |
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The new program focuses on allowing people to understand their physical bodies, look within and understand sexual identity, and practice the skills needed to develop and maintain relationships and advocate for their safety. Overall, this program is a space to understand better who we are as people and about different kinds of relationships. While connecting aspects of the body, heart, and mind, this program also encourages advocacy, relationship building, and independence.
“Body, Heart, & Mind is a safe place to gain a greater understanding of who we are as people and learn about having healthy relationships with ourselves and others,” said program facilitator Madison McGinty.
The content of this program will come from the ElevateUs Curriculum, a sexual education curriculum designed for people with developmental disabilities. It includes providing families access to materials for talking with their loved ones about topics covered in class.
Watch your email for more information on registration for the Body, Heart & Mind program and TotalLink's other fall programs that begin in September.
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Third Annual Golf Outing Success |
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Thank you to everyone who helped us make our Third Annual Golf Outing a great success! The sell-out crowd enjoyed a beautiful day on the course at Glen Flora Country Club. |
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"Jason's was proud to sponsor this year's golf outing and support
TotalLink's mission. Looking forward to continuing to support this event
to raise awareness and funds for the organization."
Andrew Wenk, Jason's Foods
“The golf outing was fantastic and such a tribute to all that TotalLink does for young adults with disabilities. There were new and experienced golfers and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The community support for TotalLink continues to amaze me.” Christa Bolt, 2021 outing participant
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Additional Sponsors and Supporters:
Kovitz, Shifrin and Nesbitt, Greg Kunkel, Ansafone,
Scott Simpson Designs, Lana Gray, Kevin Caceres,
Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy,
Kiwanis Club of Glenview-Northbrook, Ron Bernardi, Sunset Foods
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It's Farmers Market Season!
Visit TotalLink2 Community’s booth at the Northbrook Farmers Market on the last Wednesday of each month - August 25 and September 29. We will have items from our Total Goodness Collection available for purchase. Make sure you stop by and say hello!
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Support TotalLink2 Community
Help to continue to provide vital programs to young adults with disabilities.
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1200 Shermer Road, Suite 109 | Northbrook, Illinois 60062 | 224-412-4718
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