Publication: Morris Daily Herald
Date: Thursday April 12, 2012
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living hosted an open house at its Morris office on March 15, in conjunction with Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, to inform residents of Grundy County about the services provided in its Morris office and to introduce the center to the general public.
With the basketball season heating up, seems that the timing is right to consider pro hockey player Wayne Gretzky’s words: You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
www.morrisdailyherald.com
For Immediate Release
Contact: Deb Tarrant at 815.729.0162
February 13, 2012, Joliet, IL -- Persons experiencing hearing loss, and having a hard time communicating on the telephone, are encouraged to attend a free event sponsored by a local United Way agency and a local hearing specialist. A Free Hearing Screening and Amplified Telephone Selection Event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CN Hearing, located at 2006 Wolf Road in Mokena.
The event is a collaboration between CN Hearing and the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living (WGCIL), who are teaming up to offer hearing screenings and
amplified telephones at no cost to the seniors, veterans or hearing impaired individuals of any age. This assistive technology helps persons with hearing loss increase
their safety when living alone, by allowing them to maintain contact with family members, friends and healthcare providers, as well. No appointments are being scheduled,
as hearing screenings will be provided on a first-come,
first-serve basis.
Debbie Tarrant, Independent Living Advocate at WGCIL will complete necessary paperwork required for individuals to qualify for the free amplified telephones once the hearing screening has been conducted by CN Hearing. Persons will be able to select from a variety of amplified phones provided by the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC), for which the Will-Grundy CIL has been a Selection Center for five years. Individuals need only bring the latest land line telephone bill and identification as proof of Illinois residency to qualify for the free ITAC phones.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is a United Way agency which provides free programs and services to persons with disabilities of all types and all ages. Over the past year, more than 250 free amplified telephones have been distributed by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living through ITAC. Individuals interested in trying out the amplified telephones are encouraged to contact the Center Monday through Friday, or stop into its Joliet office at 2415 West Jefferson Street. Operating solely on grants and contributions, the Center -- which promotes independent living and provides programs and services year-round -- is pleased to partner with businesses and agencies to provide assistive technology and independent living skills to consumers seeking resources to maintain independence. To learn more, call Debbie Tarrant at the Center at (815) 729-0162/V, (815)729-2085 (TTY), or log onto www.will-grundycil.org
With the basketball season heating up, seems that the timing is right to consider pro hockey player Wayne Gretzky’s words: You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
www.morrisdailyherald.com
For Immediate Release
Contact: Deb Tarrant at 815.729.0162
February 13, 2012, Joliet, IL -- Persons experiencing hearing loss, and having a hard time communicating on the telephone, are encouraged to attend a free event sponsored by a local United Way agency and a local hearing specialist. A Free Hearing Screening and Amplified Telephone Selection Event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CN Hearing, located at 2006 Wolf Road in Mokena.
The event is a collaboration between CN Hearing and the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living (WGCIL), who are teaming up to offer hearing screenings and
amplified telephones at no cost to the seniors, veterans or hearing impaired individuals of any age. This assistive technology helps persons with hearing loss increase
their safety when living alone, by allowing them to maintain contact with family members, friends and healthcare providers, as well. No appointments are being scheduled,
as hearing screenings will be provided on a first-come,
first-serve basis.
Debbie Tarrant, Independent Living Advocate at WGCIL will complete necessary paperwork required for individuals to qualify for the free amplified telephones once the hearing screening has been conducted by CN Hearing. Persons will be able to select from a variety of amplified phones provided by the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC), for which the Will-Grundy CIL has been a Selection Center for five years. Individuals need only bring the latest land line telephone bill and identification as proof of Illinois residency to qualify for the free ITAC phones.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is a United Way agency which provides free programs and services to persons with disabilities of all types and all ages. Over the past year, more than 250 free amplified telephones have been distributed by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living through ITAC. Individuals interested in trying out the amplified telephones are encouraged to contact the Center Monday through Friday, or stop into its Joliet office at 2415 West Jefferson Street. Operating solely on grants and contributions, the Center -- which promotes independent living and provides programs and services year-round -- is pleased to partner with businesses and agencies to provide assistive technology and independent living skills to consumers seeking resources to maintain independence. To learn more, call Debbie Tarrant at the Center at (815) 729-0162/V, (815)729-2085 (TTY), or log onto www.will-grundycil.org
September 20, 2011
September 20, 2011, Joliet, IL – Persons experiencing hearing loss -- and having a difficult time communicating on the telephone -- are encouraged to attend a free event to be held at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living (WGCIL) on Columbus Day, October 10, from 9:30 a.m. – noon. The Center is teaming up with Prairieland Audiology to offer hearing screenings and amplified telephones at no cost to the seniors, veterans or hearing impaired individuals who stop in to the Joliet office at 2415 West Jefferson Street, at Barney Drive. No appointments are necessary. Individuals need only to bring the latest telephone bill and identification to verify a land line and offer proof of residency.
During the hearing screening/phone selection event, Karen Pastell, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology at Prairieland Audiology of Joliet, and Debbie Tarrant, Independent Living Advocate at WGCIL, will work with individuals to coordinate the required hearing screening and follow-up with paperwork required for individuals to qualify for the free amplified telephones. Persons with hearing impairments will then be able to select from a variety of phones provided by the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC). The free event is open to any individuals who are experiencing hearing loss, regardless of age.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is a United Way agency which provides free programs and services to persons with disabilities of all types and all ages. Operating on grants and contributions, the Center has provided free phones as an ITAC distributor for six years, and is eager to empower more disabled consumers.
“We appreciate the ongoing partnership with a local, helpful business like Prairieland Audiology,” said Deb Tarrant from the Will-Grundy CIL. “Dr. Pastell’s expertise in helping individuals receive these hearing screenings and connect with assistive technology that makes their lives, and their communication with family or physicians, so much better. These events are a great opportunity for individuals with hearing impairments to ask questions, receive a free screening, and learn about the wide range of technology and independent living skills available to consumers seeking resources to maintain independence,” explained Tarrant, who serves as the ITAC liaison at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.
Prairieland Audiology has served individuals in the greater Joliet region for nearly four years. Pastell, with over 20 years experience, is a member of Zonta and the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, who has also worked in Alaska and Seattle, Washington. She reports, “It’s gratifying to be able to help individuals who are losing their ability to communicate with their family members, friends and those who provide services to them, whether in the grocery store or the doctor’s office. She adds, “Hearing loss can increase isolation, and create safety concerns, especially if a person cannot hear the phone ring or communicate well with a regular phone. We try to work with the patients’ best interests in mind and encourage them to seek technology available – like these ITAC phones from the Will-Grundy Center – to help them reconnect with others.”
As both the Will-Grundy CIL staff and Dr. Pastell have witnessed, regaining your ability to hear better and experience two-way communication once again can be a very empowering and encouraging experience.” To learn more about the Free Hearing Screening and ITAC Phone Selection event, call the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living at (815) 729-0162/V, (815) 729-2085 (TTY).
Morris Daily Herald: August 27, 2011
JOLIET — A mix of big band, swing, Latin, and standards filled the evening air Aug. 13 as the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living held its 17th Summer Serenade. Harrah’s Nevada Ballroom served as the location of this entertaining event. Sous Chef Wendy Gonzalez created a specialty entrée for the guests, including a demonstration of preparing Bananas Foster for dessert. The gala raised funds that support the Center’s unique programs, including advocacy, independent living skills enhancement, peer support, information and referral, community reintegration, personal assistant program, and youth services. These are just a few of the many free services that are available to people with all types disabilities of all ages.
A United Way agency, the Center is pleased to have a physical presence in Morris since January to better serve Grundy County residents. Located at 1700 Newton Place in Saratoga Tower, the office is staffed on Wednesdays and Fridays, with appointments available on other days if needed. The event’s major sponsor was the James E. Hearns Charitable Foundation. The Empowerment Sponsor was the Dorothy C. and Richard A. Parks Foundation. Harrah’s Joliet served as the Access Sponsor. Choice Sponsors included “D” Construction, Northern Illinois Steel Supply Company, Illini Care/Centene, First Midwest Bank, and D’Arcy Motors. Freedom Sponsors were Senesac and Lennon, CPAs, Ed and Gloria Dollinger/Edward Jones Investments, Remco Medical, Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Mission Services, Silver Cross Hospital, and ExxonMobil. Val and Bobbie Rand, For the Good of It, Bob Smith, JD Brown, The Private Bank, and Bill Michas were Independence Sponsors.
Grundy County residents in attendance included Jim and Sharon Hearns; Jack Heavens; Betty Davito; WGCIL Board members Brent Newman, Linda Thompson and Leslie Sutton; June McLuckie; Art Nyc; Heidi and Greg Litchfield; and Coal City native Pam Heavens, WGCIL Executive Director. People in need of the Center’s services are welcome to stop in the office at 1700 Newton Place in Saratoga Tower Wednesdays or Fridays or call (815) 416- 6460 voice/tty.
Joliet Herald News: August 16, 2011
JOLIET — The Will Grundy Center for Independent Living’s annual Disability Law Series is under way.
Free of charge, these weekly two-hour sessions, which run through Sept. 22, offer regional experts providing in-depth, current information on a wide range of disability issues.
In this week’s session, to be held Thursday, Curt Paddock, Will County land use director, will update participants on PACE, building inspectors accessibility and community development housing.
All sessions run 1-3 p.m. Thursdays at the center’s office, 2415 W. Jefferson St. (at Barney Drive). Registration is encouraged, as are requests for reasonable accommodations. To register or make requests, contact series’ coordinator Mary Tisdale prior to the session, at 815-729-0162 or 815-729-2085 (TTY) or 815-768-2582 (video phone/video relay service).
Other sessions include:
Aug. 25: Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments, presented by Anel Gonzalez from the Great Lakes ADA Center-University of Chicago. Gonzalez offers easy-to-comprehend but thorough knowledge of the now 21-year old ADA and the amendments which were passed into law in recent years.
Sept. 1: Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, facilitated by Equip for Equality’s Consuelo Puente. A longtime partner with the Will-Grundy CIL, Puente is a disability rights attorney and mother of disabled children, who has helped countless families and youth with disabilities seek a quality education.
Sept. 8: Illinois Access Code and Accessible Parking will be addressed by John Stanton of Stanton Architects in Crest Hill. The center’s board president, Stanton offers valuable information to disabled individuals, business owners, city inspectors and developers.
Sept. 15: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Laws by Karen Aguilar, associate director at Midwest Center on Law for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Her workshop on laws and regulations in working with the deaf is useful for organizations, municipalities and businesses. This session is tentatively scheduled; call to confirm.
Sept. 22: Voting Accessibility, presented by Lana Jakaitis from the Will County clerk’s office. The Will County Clerk and her staff are eager to update disabled voters on the importance of voter registration and the various types of assistive technology and reasonable accommodations provided at polling centers.
Pam Heavens, Morris Daily Herald: August 5, 2011
“This Act is powerful in its simplicity. It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard. Independence, freedom of choice, control of their own lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream,” said President George H.W. Bush when he signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990.
Those of us with disabilities agree with this statement. We found it amazing that our fight for equality took so long to come to fruition. However, when that glorious day arrived in 1990, we all rejoiced. Our civil rights were now protected by a landmark piece of federal legislation.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living sponsored a celebration at Illinois Valley Industries in Morris on July 26 to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the ADA. Dozens of people with disabilities, WGCIL staff members, plus board members Brent Newman and John Stanton, enjoyed a picnic-style dinner and program.
Celebrating this historic piece of legislation that guarantees equal access and equal opportunity is important to people with disabilities and the general public.
Many physical and communication barriers have been eliminated. It is now common to see curb cuts with truncated domes, lifts on public buses and trains, computer software for people with vision disabilities, captioning on television programs, etc.
Sadly, the unemployment rate among working-age people with disabilities still hovers at 70 percent. Additionally, the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court’s order that states create a plan to allow people with disabilities living in institutions the opportunity to move into the community has not been fully achieved.
Those of us in the independent living/disability rights field will continue to work to remove barriers so our neighbors with disabilities may enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A United Way organization, the Center opened its Morris office in January. The Center is pleased to have a physical presence in Grundy County since transportation to Joliet is often difficult to find. The Grundy County Housing Authority has been a terrific partner in helping as the Center strives to serve more Grundy county residents with all types of disabilities, of all ages.
Times Weekly Newspapers: Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Area service agency hosts open house and Will County RTA Paratransit Initiatives move forward.
On Tuesday the 21st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act -- several local activities helped bring focus to the landmark civil rights legislation, which calls for equal access for disabled individuals. In Joliet, the Will Grundy Center for Independent Living hosted an Open House at its office, located at Jefferson Street and Barney Drive.
Visitors spent the afternoon learning about the programs and services of the United Way agency, including free amplified telephones, community reintegration, low vision assistive technology, personal assistant training and registry, and independent living skills training for persons with disabilities of all types and all ages. While reaching out to those who can benefit from its programs, the Will-Grundy CIL (www.will-grundycil.org) also works to promote disability awareness in the community, and encourages businesses and local governments to provide full access to disabled consumers, now one in five Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Later in the day, efforts to expand Will County's RTA Paratransit program moved forward full speed ahead. Led by Nick Palmer, Chief of Staff to Will County Executive Larry Walsh, a meeting of several dozen Eastern Will County stakeholders brought together representatives from numerous townships, municipalities and human service agencies. The Will County RTA Paratransit update was held in University Park at Governors State University. Program Manager Joe Voccia of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) participated in the working session, as did Washington Township Supervisor and Will County Board Member Bob Howard, Crete, Will and Rich Township representatives, leaders from Will County Senior Services, NE IL Area Agency on Aging, a liaison for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, and others, to discuss funding opportunities and regional paratransit programs. The focus of the meeting was to review RTA grants being pursued by the County for a Mobility Manager and operational support, both, which would enhance existing Paratransit programs to seniors and persons with disabilities throughout Will County. A Paratransit Coordinating Council will be established to continue to guide this project. Information on the Will County RTA Paratransit study can be found on its website at www.willcountyillinois.com.
Fast-becoming the second largest county in Illinois, Will County's growing population of aging and disabled residents represents a strong consumer base from which local accessible businesses can benefit. Considering that the collective buying power of these populations can be a boost to local economies, participants agreed. Many service providers from Eastern Will County spoke of the increased ridership trends to social and spending trips using the Paratransit system, compared to in the past when most trips were strictly health related. Others spoke of local businesses, which were getting involved to defray trip costs for riders who came to their locations. Palmer expressed confidence in the program's future, acknowledging the RTA and County Board for support. He closed by emphasizing the need for commitment and collaboration among local governments, service agencies and funding partners to pursue expanded transportation, which gives seniors and disabled individuals in Will County more freedom to become more active consumers.
Herald News, July 15, 2011
Several years ago, Russell Anderson, 41, was running his own barbecue house and working as a chef for United Airlines and Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital.
That ended in July 2009, when Anderson was shot in the head.
“I had gotten out of my car and was on the way into my house,” said Anderson, formerly of Chicago. “I remember waking up in the hospital not being able to see, but I thought it was because my head hurt so bad. Then the doctor came in and explained everything to me. That’s when I found out, ‘Damn, Russell. You’re blind.’”
Anderson wasted no time with self-pity. Instead, he praised God he was still alive. He had five good reasons to live: his children, ages 7 to 23.
“I felt a little sad,” Anderson said, “But I never said, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ or anything like that, because I figured I’m still here for a purpose. God doesn’t make mistakes.”
After a monthlong hospital stay, Anderson moved to a Joliet nursing home, supposedly for rehabilitation. When the promised rehabilitation did not occur, Russell taught himself, cane in hand, how to navigate his dismal new environment, determined his stay would be brief.
“I was used to being free, so this was a big adjustment for me,” Anderson said. “I had someone telling me when I could take a shower. I had to wait to use the bathroom, then share the restroom. I was used to eating certain kinds of food, but they weren’t going to cook that for me.”
In October, Anderson and his assistive devices moved into a Joliet apartment thanks to reintegration services provided by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.
Anderson has a talking caller ID, clock, organizer, money identifier and electronic pen, which, when set on a piece of paper, reads words.
Soon after he moved into his apartment, Anderson attended the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation Education, where he relearned how to cook simple meals, safely exercise, use the computer and read Braille.
“I thought learning Braille would be hard,” Anderson said. “I thought, ‘I’ll never get all those little dots down. But once I got the hang of it, Braille wasn’t hard at all.”
He plans to return eventually to work as a chef. To nudge him in that direction, Anderson enrolled in the Wines 101 course at Joliet Junior College. In addition, he is compiling a cookbook of his favorite recipes.
Anderson has also returned to power lifting, which he enjoyed before the shooting, and is training for the Special Olympics.
Mostly, Anderson is thankful for the blessings his blindness has brought him.
“Before, it was always work, work, work. There was never anytime for fun,” Anderson said. “Now I just sit back and smell the roses. I enjoy movies, music, football, baseball. Sometimes, I just go out for a walk.”
June 14 – August 16, 2011
People with disabilities are being offered a refresher course in basic money management, thanks to a local non-profit human service agency. A free, eight-week financial education program for disabled adults, called “Money Smart,” is being offered by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, in collaboration with Old Plank Trail Community Bank.
The free Financial Education Seminar Series will begin Tuesday, June 14, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. and run every Tuesday thru August 16, 2011, according to Mary Tisdale of the Will-Grundy CIL, located at 2415 West Jefferson Street in Joliet, where classes will be held on a weekly basis.
Persons with disabilities over the age of 18 -- with any type of disability -- are encouraged to register by the June 7 deadline. Participants – who in the past have included post high school graduates transitioning into college and work, disabled adults living independently, as well as seniors and veterans with disabilities – benefit from a refresher course in basic financial skills. Topics will include, but are not limited to: understanding banks and credit unions; savings and checking accounts; loans and rates; credit cards and credit reports, as well as helpful hints on budgeting and saving. To expand its outreach, the Center is urging service agencies and businesses which provide services and support to these populations to share news of this free educational program.
“Having an understanding of basic money management is so important for people with disabilities who live independently,” said WGCIL Executive Director Pam Heavens. “Regardless of whether someone has used our programs or services in the past, this is an exceptional educational program which we hope will draw new consumers to our Center,” she adds. Heavens noted this is a tremendous example of what great opportunities can come from partnerships between a human service agency and a private business. Heavens commends WGCIL Independent Living Advocate Mary Tisdale for running this popular seminar series, and on working with Old Plank Trail Community Bank staff to coordinate and teach the courses.
To register for the free, 8-week “Money Smart” Financial Education Program for adults with disabilities, or request accommodations, contact Mary Tisdale by June 7 by calling (815) 729-0162/V, (815) 729-2085/TTY or via email here.
May, 2011
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living’s Annual Meeting and Awards Program was held in its Joliet office the evening of May 18, and welcomed nearly 60 guests for appetizers and beverages. Guests included consumers, disability advocates community and agency partners. Staff provided tours of the computer lab, Low Vision Equipment Program, free Amplified Telephone Distribution Center and conference rooms to guests who mingled and learned about the programs and resources provided by the United Way agency which opened in 1989.
Denise’s Decade of Dedication
The program was hosted by Executive Director Pam Heavens and outgoing Board President Denise Winfrey, who passed the baton to incoming Board President John Stanton, of Stanton Architects. Pam and John both expressed the organization’s appreciation to Denise for her ten years of service on the Center’s Board, where she served in numerous positions, and remains on as a Director. She is also a Will County Board member for District 8. Outgoing Board Member Bob Smith was also acknowledged for his two terms, including Chairman of the agency’s annual fundraising gala, “Summer Serenade” (set for August 13, 2011). Taking his spot is another Will County Board Member in District 7, Diane Seiler-Zigrossi.
Two staff members received recognition plaques for their ten years of service on the staff: Kelly McKenzie, Personal Assistant Advocate; and Marie Malfatti, Clerical Aide. Debbie Tarrant and Mary Tisdale, Independent Living Advocates, were recognized for five years of service.
Awards Applaud Ambassadors
The Publisher of The Times Weekly, Jayme Cain Casimere, earned the “Accessibility Achievement” award presented annually by the Center. Under her leadership, The Times Weekly has consistently and comprehensively offered coverage to the Center’s issues, programs, case studies and calendar of events. By doing so, the publication – which is circulated free to an impressive 50,000 readers weekly – and its staff, has educated and empowered persons with disabilities and the community at large, enhancing access on many levels,” said presenter Denise Winfrey.
Joliet resident Milton Smith received this year’s “Ed Roberts Excellence in Independent Living” Award, presented by Pam Heavens, who surprised Milton with the honor. “This is a person who is always advocating for our Center and for disability rights, sharing his energy and positive personality with everyone.” Smith is a volunteer receptionist at the Center several days a week.
The 2011 “Volunteer of the Year” Award was received by Rhonda Price, who came to the Center for services nearly four years ago. Now a Board member herself, and a dedicated volunteer, Rhonda has participated in the Legislative Internship Series and has travelled to Springfield with CIL staff and consumers. Rhonda has been featured, along with Executive Director Pam Heavens and Board Member Charles Fuqua, in a Times Weekly feature last spring on the benefits of independent living and the impact of State budget cuts on Center programs and services.
Consumer Testimonial
In what has become tradition at the Annual Meeting, a consumer who has benefitted from the Community Reintegration Program spoke to the audience about his experience moving out of a nursing home into an independent living setting. Russell Anderson, a legally blind resident of Joliet, learned about the Center through a friend, and sought its help with the assistance and resources which combined to help him move out 12 months ago. His words speak volumes to how valuable and vital independent living is to adults with disabilities who are empowered to live independently. He offered praise, saying, “My life has changed 1000%. I thank the Center for helping me to get my life back, and will do whatever I can to help them help others in the future.”
In other news... the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living announced it has launched a new and improved website offering easily accessible news, resources and events updates at www.will-grundycil.org. Also, a free Financial Education workshop, entitled “Smart Money,” is set to run from June 14 thru August 16, running Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the Center’s Joliet office, located at 2415 W. Jefferson Street in Joliet. Last but not least, “Summer Serenade,” the annual fundraising event for the Center is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, August 13, 2011, at Harrah’s Casino Joliet. To secure a reservation with payment of $75 per person, contact the Center by calling 815/ 729-0162 (V) or 815/720-2085 (TTY). The event will feature the Teddy Lee Orchestra, and include a Silent Auction and Cash Raffle. A proud United Way agency, the Center operates solely on grants and contributions to serve persons with disabilities of all types and ages in two of the fastest-growing counties in Illinois.
April 2011 Press Release
The Big Band Tunes of the Teddy Lee Orchestra will once again be the highlight of the “Summer Serenade 2011” on Saturday, August 13, at Harrah’s/Joliet Grand Ballroom. Led by Ted Lega, the Teddy Lee Orchestra is a popular ensemble which offers classic tunes to entertain a wide range of ages. A dinner dance fundraiser held annually by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, “Summer Serenade” tickets are available for $75 per person which includes dinner, dessert and, of course, great entertainment and dancing. Additionally, guests will be able to have their photo taken by a professional photographer, which will be available prior to their departure to commemorate the special occasion. Considering the event’s amenities, this is a great deal and the Center anticipates this year’s dinner dance being the best ever!
“Summer Serenade” runs from 5:30-11:00 p.m., and this year will include a Silent Auction of themed gift baskets – ranging from golf junkets to restaurant gift certificates, as well as a Cash Raffle offering winners $500 and $250 prizes. Reservations and payment to WGCIL can be made anytime between now and the final RSVP date of August 5. Casual dress or black tie optional. Tables of 10 can be reserved. For more information on “Summer Serenade,” now in its 17th year as one of the hottest tickets in town for those seeking great entertainment and great food in a comfortable setting, call the Center at 815/729-0162, or log onto their website.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is a non-profit United Way agency which operates solely on grants and contributions to serve people with disabilities – of all types and all ages – in two of the State’s largest regions. With its main office in Joliet, (Jefferson St. at Barney Drive), the Center also opened an office in Morris (Saratoga Tower), early this year, thanks to the Grundy County Housing Authority. The Center’s Board and staff is made up of a majority of people with disabilities, offering a unique level of peer support to its consumer base.
Information and referral is provided to nearly 3,000 individuals annually. Programs and services provided free of charge to consumers include but are not limited to: amplified telephones for hearing impaired (popular with seniors and veterans); a low vision loan program; community reintegration for adults seeking to live independently; independent living skills training and enhancement; peer counseling; advocacy – systems and individual; assistive technology for school-aged youth; video relay for deaf persons; personal assistant training and registry; financial education courses; transportation training; educational forums and empowering workshops on disability issues.
Herald News, April 7, 2011
While an advocate for disability rights for most of my years, I also have always been pragmatic and realistic. Now I find us at a crossroads that leads me to this clarion call for support from the community at large. The fiscal situation in Illinois is not news to most people. What may be news is that a program that actually saves the state money, and which allows for disabled adults to live independently, is on the chopping block. We know the budget crisis will take mutual sacrifice from governments and organizations that receive funding from them, as well as private industry. But on this we can agree: human services contribute to the quality of life for millions of Illinoisans, whether as employers, providers, consumers and voters.
Advocacy is nothing new for us. We eat, breathe and sleep it in order to maintain disability rights and in an effort to maintain funding that provides valuable programs and services for people with disabilities. In an effort to wage an all-out advocacy campaign against these dangerous —and largely nonsensical — proposed cuts, we are asking for all hands on deck.
Whether you have benefited from our Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, have family members or friends who have disabilities and are better off for our work, have supported us in the past or always admired our commitment to empower people with disabilities, we need you now!
Advocates from the 23 Centers for Independent Living are going to Springfield to appeal to our legislators. As always, we want to educate and empower them to learn about how our services help, not hurt the economy. Adults with disabilities living independently save Illinois an average of 40 percent compared to the cost of a nursing home.
Here is some information that will help you help us help others who want to help themselves and may very well make the difference. The governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2012, starting in July includes a 36 percent cut to the contracts that fund Centers for Independent Living — threatening programs that assist people with disabilities to become self-sufficient. These programs save the state millions of dollars annually. The Will-Grundy Center would lose $52,500. There would be an elimination of funding for the Community Reintegration Program under which Centers for Independent Living assist people under age of 60 in nursing homes transition into the community. This completely contradicts the governor’s stated goal to increase community living options and decrease institutional living. The Will-Grundy Center reintegrated 11 people in 2010 and 77 people since 1998.
Please take few minutes and contact your state senator and state representative. Ask him or her to ensure that proposed cuts are not in the final fiscal year 2012 budget. Thank you for your support.
Pam Heavens is executive director of the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.
An editorial written by WGCIL Executive Director Pam Heavens which recently appeared in both the Morris Daily Herald and the Joliet Herald News
On behalf of the staff, board members and consumers of the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, this is one of those editorials with which every Executive Director of any human service agency struggles.
That said, while an advocate for disability rights for most of my years, I also have always been pragmatic and realistic. Now I find us at a crossroads which leads me to this clarion call for support from the community at large.
The fiscal situation in Illinois is not news to most people. What may be news is that a program which actually saves the state money, and which allows for disabled adults to live independently, is on the chopping block. We know the budget crisis will take mutual sacrifice from governments and organizations who receive funding from them, as well as private industry. But on this we can agree: human services contribute to the quality of life for millions of Illinoisans, whether as employers, providers, consumers and voters.
Advocacy is nothing new for us. We eat, breathe and sleep it in order to maintain disability rights and in an effort to maintain funding which provides valuable programs and services for people with disabilities. In an effort to wage an all out advocacy campaign against these dangerous — and largely nonsensical — cuts that are proposed, we are asking for all hands on deck. Whether you have benefited from our Center, have family members or friends who have disabilities and are better off for our work, or have supported us in the past, or always admired our commitment to empower people with disabilities, we need you now!
Advocates from the 23 Centers for Independent Living are heading to Springfield to appeal to our legislators. As always, we want to educate and empower them to learn about how our services help, not hurt, the economy. How adults with disabilities living independently save the state an average of 40 percent compared to the cost of a nursing home.
Here is some information that will help you help us help others who want to help themselves. It’s easy and it may very well make the difference. The Governor’s proposed budget for state fiscal year 2012 includes a 36 percent cut to the contracts that fund Centers for Independent Living — threatening programs that assist people with disabilities to become self-sufficient. These programs save the state millions of dollars annually.
WGCIL would lose $52,500 in funds. Elimination of funding for the Community Reintegration Program under which Centers for Independent Living assist people under the age of 60 in nursing homes transition into the community. This completely contradicts the governor’s stated goal to increase community living options and decrease institutional living. WGCIL reintegrated 11 people in 2010 and 77 people since 1998.
Please take few minutes and contact your state senator and state representative. Ask him or her to ensure that the proposed cuts are not in the final fiscal year 2012 budget.
Thank you for your support.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living helped Ron Padlo get back to what he loves — riding a bike. The problem, however, is the program that helped Padlo appears to be at the end of its road considering the budget cuts proposed by Governor Pat Quinn.
Morris resident Ron Padlo sits on his bicycle, which he is now able to ride after being reintegrated into his own home from a nursing home with the help of Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living. His personal assistant Roger Haefner stands next to him. (Photo courtesy of the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living)
Human services agencies are bracing for the next round of cuts after taking a first look at Gov. Patrick Quinn’s latest budget proposal. With that in mind, more than 60 agency representatives gathered Monday at the Quality Inn & Suites in Bradley to talk to state legislators about surviving.
“We expect to face cuts, but we should not bear a disproportionate share of those cuts,” said Jack Kaplan, of the Illinois Partners for Human Service. “The cuts and the delays in payments are dismantling the system. “And it should be understood that we are a part of the infrastructure of this state, just like roads and bridges.”
One of the agencies, Kankakee County Center Against Sexual Assault (KC-CASA), laid off 14 employees and closed its Iroquois County office. “Our funding has been cut 27 percent in the last two years, and payments have been delayed six to eight months,” said Marcie Sheridan, director. “But we still get just as many calls from the emergency rooms. Just as many calls from the police.”
At least five of the area's state legislators were listening as Sheridan and two other service providers — the designated presenters for the forum — put a human face on the impact of Illinois' budget crisis. “It's not fair," said state Sen.Shane Cultra, R-Onarga. “Gov. (Pat) Quinn’s budget (proposal) hit human services harder than any other area. But people need this safety net. We still need more cuts, but we have to look across the board — pensions, Medicaid, schools. We can't just cherry pick these people.”
State Rep. Lisa Dugan, DBradley, went a step farther in defense of KC-CASA, in particular. “We have to make cuts, but you get the feeling that compassion for people is no longer important," she said in a voice quivering with emotion. “What we have to do is reset our priorities. In this budget we set aside $4 million for rape victims' services. But we put aside $27 million to help the criminals transition back to society. “Our priorities are all wrong on that one.”
Maggie Frogge, a senior vice president at Riverside Medical Center, said human service needs have a way of surfacing, no matter how they might be ignored. She said delayed services for the homeless can result in more emergency room visits. Inattention to child care shows up years later in statistics at juvenile detention facilities.
State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields, said she was pleased agencies were coming together to show legislators the human face of the budget cuts. “It's not fair that the state of Illinois is floating its debt on the backs of people who need our help,” she said of the late payments to agencies. “I encourage you: Do not stop raising your voice.”
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