Celebrating Three New Jobs in the Community

TotalLink is excited to celebrate three of our job seekers who have started new jobs this month.

Liam recently started his new position at Home Goods in Vernon Hills, where he performs maintenance duties: sweeping, mopping, and dusting the store and cleaning and restocking the bathrooms. "Working at Home Goods makes me feel good. I like cleaning, and it makes me happy," said Liam.

Stephen began his new job at Quantum Group, where he packages informational packets with the necessary materials such as brochures, cards, or sample products. "Quantum Group is an excellent fit for Stephen as he excels at and enjoys creating mailers and packaging items. Stephen currently makes between 200-500 informational packets in a three-hour shift," said Drew Philips, Stephen's Employment Specialist at TotalLink.

Jack utilized his talents in Microsoft Office, data entry, and web editing to make himself a valuable new addition at Affordable Portables. He works on the company's website to update prices and edit and add product descriptions. "I like working a lot. I give it a 10 out of 10. It is great to get a paycheck!" said Jack.

For more information about TotalLink2 Community’s employment programs or becoming an employer, please contact Emily Raming at eraming@totallink2.org or 224-412-4718.
Liam on his first day at his new job at Home Goods.
Stephen sorting mail on his first day at Quantum Group.
Jack working with his co-worker, Karl, updating the Affordable Portable website.
Are you interested in learning more about Customized Employment and how you can get involved? 

Visit our website at www.totallink2.org/employment
Welcome to our new Program Director,
Madison McGinty
At the end of April, TotalLink2 Community welcomed new Program Director Madison McGinty. Madison is a certified special educator and previously taught in Oregon. She brings a deep understanding of the development and implementation of curriculum and will be instrumental in enhancing and growing TotalLink's programming. In addition, Madison is passionate about inclusivity and giving people the opportunity to reach individualized goals. 

Over the last few weeks, Madison has been busy learning about TotalLink's programs and participants. "I have had the opportunity to join programs and meet the wonderful young adults and facilitators over the last several weeks! I feel connected already, as everyone has welcomed me with such kindness. I love the TotalLink community and the way everyone truly cares for one another. The participants work so hard, and I look forward to watching them grow in their skills!" said Madison.

Learn more about Madison and her background by reading her bio on our website.
Painting Workshop with Guest Artist, Julia Hagen
In April, several TotalLink artists began a five-week painting workshop with Chicago Impressionist artist Julia Hagen. Julia is teaching the artists techniques to create a cityscape painting in the Modern Impressionist style.

The workshop is facilitated by Janice Weinstein, and the artists meet weekly to view Julia's lesson and have an optional painting day each week to work more in-depth on their pieces.

It's such a wonderful honor to be in Julia's painting workshop," said Jenna. "I have learned so much about painting techniques, texture, and the idea of working with the city skyline. It is beautiful."

For more information about TotalLink's ArtLab for EveryONE and artist workshops, visit https://www.totallink2.org/learning-labs.

Registration is currently in progress.
Virtual and face-to-face program options are available.
Giving Back to the Community
On Saturday, May 15, several members of the TotalLink Team joined the Northbrook Civic Foundation for their Clean Up Northbrook! Day. The team cleaned up the area around the Northbrook Village Hall.

"It was such a fun morning to get together with our team and a great way to give back to the community that gives us so much," said TotalLink's Executive Director, Emily Raming.
Volunteer Provides Helping Hand
Thank you to an Allstate volunteer for empowering people and our community. Denise Janci gave her time and helped TotalLink to receive a $500 Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grant. The Allstate Foundation supports the causes that Allstate agency owners, financial specialists, and employees care about most by providing Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grants to nonprofits where they volunteer their time to help communities thrive.

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
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