TotalLink Welcomes New Employment Partner
Recently, Yinka and Kevin, two TotalLink2 Community job seekers, began new jobs at Restore Hyper Wellness & Cryotherapy's Northbrook and Evanston locations.
Yinka has been working at Restore's Evanston location since the beginning of March, where he cleans equipment, vacuums and mops, and washes and folds the laundry. "Yinka is one of our favorite team members here at Restore! He always comes in ready to help our entire team get set up for the day. His positive, cheery attitude makes Restore - Evanston a great environment for clients and employees," said Nicole Fusco, manager of the Restore - Evanston.
|
|
|
|
Kevin started at Restore's Northbrook location this month. He is currently responsible for restocking treatment rooms with socks, towels, and robes, laundry, greeting customers, restocking the beverage fridge, offering drinks to customers, and cleaning. "Kevin is a very social and friendly guy. One of his employment themes was hospitality. He loves working with and around people, and fits right into the environment at Restore," said Stephanie Galindez, TotalLink's Employment Specialist.
For more information on TotalLink's employment programs or becoming an employer, please contact Emily at eraming@totallink2.org or 224-412-4718.
|
|
|
You can help create
The Hiring Chain
|
|
|
On March 21, we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, a day of global awareness celebrating the gifts and talents of the young adults we serve with Down syndrome.
Check out "The Hiring Chain" video, which was made in honor of World Down Syndrome Day and shows how hiring a person with Down syndrome not only changes the life of that person but can also create a cycle of new opportunities.
|
|
Inspired? Learn how you can be a part of “The Hiring Chain” by partnering with TotalLink2 Community to create a job opportunity for a young adult with a disability. Contact us today at info@totallink2.org or 224-412-4718.
|
|
TotalLink Dining Day at Three Lou Malnati Locations on Wednesday, March 31 |
|
|
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Tuesday, March 16 for our Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Northbrook’s Plan for Affordable Housing. Special thank you to Village Trustee Heather Ross, who facilitated the conversation, and the Northbrook Caucus members who joined us, Kathryn Ciesla, Muriel Collison, Joy Ebhomielen, and Dan Pepoon.
The best way to ensure change is to vote. Early voting started on March 22 and election day is Tuesday, April 6. For complete information about voting, visit:
|
|
Kelli Hartfield
TotalLink is blessed to have such a wonderful community of dedicated staff and facilitators. Each month we look forward to introducing you to one of our fabulous facilitators.
This month we are excited to introduce you to Kelly Hartfield.
Q. How long have you been a facilitator at TotalLink2 Community?
I have been facilitating at TotalLink for around three years or so.
Q. How did you first get involved with TotalLink?
My cousin, Kasey, also works at TotalLink. TotalLink was looking for a second facilitator for Girlfriends' Group, and Kasey asked if I would be interested. I was very excited about the opportunity and fell in love with the TotalLink programs!
Q. What programs are you currently facilitating?
Currently, I am facilitating heART Words in the Teen Time program. I am also helping out with POMS interviews.
Q. What is your favorite part about being involved at TotalLink?
My favorite part about being involved with TotalLink is connecting with young adults. I enjoy learning from them and having fun together. I especially enjoy all of the laughs we share together.
Q. Tell us a bit about yourself. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I am a special education teacher for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in Arlington Heights. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and playing with my dogs. I love the outdoors and staying active. I enjoy spending time with my husband and my family. I am also a homebody and enjoy staying in, eating deep-dish pizza, and watching movies!
|
|
|
TotalLink Begins New Programs for
Teens and Parents
|
|
|
TotalLink2 Community was excited to recently host the first sessions of our new Parent Connection and Teen Time programs.
The Parent Connection program welcomed twelve families and aims to connect parents of children with disabilities with parents of young adults with disabilities.
The monthly series is facilitated by Jonathan Rauwerda, a behavioral analyst and Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional with over twelve years of experience in the disability world. The program focuses on parent-chosen topics and gives parents the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences.
|
|
We have also kicked off our new Teen Time programs for high school-aged participants. Teen Time features 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. There are still a few spaces open in both programs.
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 Teen Time and Parent Connection programs are made possible thanks to the support of the Village of Northbrook #NorthbrookStrong Grant.
|
|
Mark Your Calendar for
Upcoming Events
|
|
|
Join the TotalLink2 Community Junior Board for The Art of Brunch with Chef Jessica Dawson. The 90-minute class on Zoom will allow you and other attendees to ask questions and follow along step by step as Chef Jessica shows us how to make this sweet and savory brunch complete with a cocktail.
The Art of Brunch Menu
Grapefruit Lime Mimosas
Brie topped with Warm Bacon Jam
Asparagus and Egg Puff Tart
Strawberries with Vanilla Bean and Mint
Class is cook-along and recipes will be sent a week in advance to give you time to shop!
|
|
 |
Make plans to join us for TotalLink2 Community's Third Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Glen Flora Country Club in Waukegan.
|
|
|
|
Are you looking for a gift for that special someone? Birthday, Congratulations, Get Well Soon, or Just Because? Check out the amazing products in our Total Goodness line and support local businesses and young adults with disabilities. Shop today
|
|
|
|
Support TotalLink2 Community
You can help to continue to provide vital programs by
|
|
|
1200 Shermer Road, Suite 109 | Northbrook, Illinois 60062 | 224-412-4718
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
