Note from the Executive Director
To put it mildly, life has changed and it is hard. Our whole world has been forced to think and behave differently but the disability community is no stranger to changes and challenges. In fact, we are experts in thinking differently and pivoting when the normal way doesn’t work. You see, our work involves changing, or modifying, the “normal world” for people with disabilities to succeed. So, as the world changes, we change. We adapt. We modify. We create a new normal so people with disabilities continue to have opportunities to grow and contribute through employment, life-long learning and social connections. Our work these days may look different but our passion and commitment remain strong.
TotalLink has adapted our educational and social programs to a virtual platform. We recently kicked off our summer session and are excited to be offering more than fifteen online classes a week and one-to-one coaching opportunities.
We transitioned our employment services to a virtual platform as well. In partnership with the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), our employment team completes weekly wellness check-ins with our job seekers and their families. We provide support navigating the transitions from work to a temporary leave as well as the transition back to work again. We continue to work with new job seekers by getting to know them and discovering their skills through virtual activities, interviews and observations.
We were able to adapt during pandemic life because of the amazing circle of people in our community and two new funding streams – a grant from the Arc of Illinois and Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities and funding from the CARES Act Payroll Protection Program. We are thankful for our strong board and leadership team, dedicated staff, supportive community stakeholders, incredible volunteers, generous donors, and resilient young adults and their families.
Throughout this newsletter, we will share additional details on how we are adapting as our world changes.
We’re in this together and together we’re TotalLink2 Community.
Emily Raming
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847-975-6573
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“I am so grateful that TotalLink was
able to provide my son with structure, support and socialization during these unprecedented times. Their Zoom programs were essential in keeping him engaged and connected with others
while staying safe at home with me.”
–Marla Davishoff, parent of Levi
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OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE AND IMPACT
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Throughout the last few months, TotalLink has adjusted and responded to the changing landscape. Thanks to the support of our generous friends and a grant from the Arc of Illinois and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, we have brought COMMUNITY to the young adults we serve. Our programs have brought connection, structure, skill development and social opportunities in a time when it has been needed most.
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HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT TOTALINK?
Partner
• Employ a TotalLink Job Seeker
• Sponsor an Event or Program
• Host a Total Goodness Pop-up Shop or ArtLab Gallery Showing
Participate
• Join us for a TotalLink Community Event
• Become a Member of our Corporate Advisory Committee
Donate
• Support our Annual Fund by visiting our website at totallink2.org
• Host your own Facebook Fundraiser for TotalLink
• Make an In-Kind Donation
Volunteer
• Volunteer for a TotalLink Program
• Join a Committee
Connect
• Do you know someone that could help us further our mission - a potential employer, sponsor, or community connection?
Be an Ambassador
• Help spread the word about TotalLink and encourage others to support our mission.
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For more information about how
you can get involved with TotalLink,
contact Alisa Martorano at
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SUPPORT AN EVENT AS A GUEST
OR SPONSOR
Thursday, September 17, 2020
2nd Annual Golf Outing
Stonewall Orchard Country Club
Grayslake
Friday, November 6, 2020
The Revelry
Our largest fundraising event of the year. This year may have a little different look and feel, but the need is even greater so we hope you can join us.
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YOUR DONATION MAKES
A DIFFERENCE
$5000 - Supports six weeks of our virtual programming providing educational and social programs for young adults with disabilities.
$3000 - Provides a young adult with job coaching services for three months.
$1000 - Underwrites one 12-week session of an educational or social program.
$500 - Supports one year of technology services and platforms to provide the vital connections between our programs and our young adults.
$336 - Provides a scholarship for a Social Connection Unlimited Access Pass for summer programming for one young adult.
$100 - Supplies Summer Camp Kits for the young adults participating in the TotalLink Virtual Summer Camp program.
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TotalLink Spotlight:
Naomi Talsky
When COVID-19 closed all schools in March, Naomi, a Bridges transition program student at Niles North High School, found her daily routine and connections with friends looking completely different than what she was used to. She soon began participating in TotalLink’s virtual programs such as Karaoke, Girlfriends’ Group, ArtLab and Saturday Social.
ArtLab is one of Naomi’s favorite classes because she found it helped her to remain calm. The programs also helped her to maintain a routine and important social connections. “TotalLink is a family that I enjoy being with. It makes me a better person and I get to meet new people,” said Naomi.
“We were so fortunate to have come to meet TotalLink. The level of integrity of relationships and genuine interest and care between the staff, facilitators, young adults and families has set an exceptional bar,” said Debbie Talsky, Naomi’s mom.
Check out Naomi’s video about what she loves about TotalLink at www.totallink2.org.
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2020 VIRTUAL NUFLATOT A SUCCESS!
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This year’s Nuflatot took on a different look. Rather than the indoor carnival event that was originally planned for April 17, the event went virtual. It included four days of events featuring a Dance Marathon - WerQ Workout with Jessie; Bingo with DJ Ryan from 4Sure Entertainment; Karaoke with our own DJ John; and a “Happiness” Hour where we presented the 2020 TotalLink Volunteer of the Year Awards, pulled the Nuflatot Raffle winners, enjoyed a costume parade and celebrated the TotalLink community!
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VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
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TotalLink2 Community is proud to announce the recipients of our inaugural Volunteer of the Year awards, Amy Malter and Sam Kogen.
The Volunteer of the Year award honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the mission of TotalLink2 Community through their time, actions, talents and dedication. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty to consistently support the ideals of the TotalLink2 Community mission.
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SAM KOGEN
Sam is entering his senior year at Glenbrook North High School. He has been a constant and tireless volunteer for many of TotalLink’s fundraising efforts. For the past four years, Sam has volunteered at TotalLink’s annual Revelry Gala fundraiser, working throughout the evening to ensure a successful event. On his own initiative, Sam approached the coaches at Glenbrook North High School to initiate several different fundraising events from the GBN Lacrosse and Golf teams to benefit TotalLink2 Community.
“Sam was an integral part of TotalLink2 Community’s first Golf Outing last year. He helped to secure all the prizes for the event through his own golf connections and working with our planning committee,” said Susan Mack Hans, President of TotalLink’s Board of Directors.
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AMY MALTER
Amy is a Northbrook resident and has been volunteering with TotalLink2 Community for over five years. She volunteers regularly in the TotalLink Maker’s Lab program, helping the young adult participants to create the TotalGoodness products they sell at the TotalLink Pop-Up Shops throughout the year.
“Amy has connected with the young adults and her creative energy and enthusiasm is contagious,” said Teri Rosenberg, TotalLink’s Volunteer Coordinator.
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TotalLink2 Community
2nd Annual Golf Outing
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Thursday, September 17, 2020
Stonewall Orchard Country Club, Grayslake
Watch your email or our website for
complete details.
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TotalLink Artists’ Work
On Display
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Check out the TotalLink2 Community Artists’ work on display at Georgie V’s Restaurant located at 1139 Church St. in Northbrook through August.
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Thank You to the following organizations and foundations
for your support of TotalLink2 Community
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Allstate
First Bank of Highland Park
Northfield Township
Northbrook Woman’s Club Foundation
Northbrook Civic Foundation
Northbrook Rotary Club
Taproot Foundation
The Arc of Illinois and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
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This project is supported in part by grant number CFDA 93.630, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their
findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.
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1200 Shermer Road, Suite 109 | Northbrook, Illinois 60062 |
224-412-4718
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