Welcome to the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living! My name is Pam Heavens and I am honored to serve as executive director of the Center. I am a native of Coal City and have lived in Joliet since 1983. I am a graduate of Joliet Junior College and the University of Illinois. I have been involved with the Center since 1985, when the first Board of Directors was developed. It is a pleasure to see how our Center has grown since that time and the positive changes we are making in the community for people with disabilities. My major responsibilities include making sure that our Center has enough money to operate, ensuring that the daily activities of the Center are carried out, participating in advocacy efforts, and raising funds.
I am the Personal Assistant Advocate. My job responsibilities include providing orientation for people interested in becoming personal assistants to assist people with disabilities in their home. I also provide personal assistant management training to consumers that are in need of assistance managing their personal assistants. I work very closely with the Department of Rehabilitation Services. I maintain a list of personal assistants that is updated on a quarterly basis and given to consumers upon request to assist them in obtaining a personal assistant for their needs.
I also provide the four core services, housing advocacy, home modification referrals, voter's registration and assistance completing circuit breaker applications.
I am a member of the Continuum of Care Housing committee, Community Services Council (CSC), and the Family Violence Coordinating Council (FVCC).
I am the local coordinator for Disability Mentoring Day in which students with disabilities from local high schools participate in a hands-on career exploration with various agencies and businesses.
In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren,watching a good movie and working with my support group. I enjoy assisting people to reach their goals and be all they can be!
Hello! My name is Mary Tisdale. I enjoy my work as Independent Living Advocate empowering people of all ages and disabilities through our four core services: Advocacy, Information & Referral, Peer Support, and Independent Living Skills. We work to empower consumers to become their best self-advocate. We inform them about their rights and responsibilities. We educate them regarding the many resources available for people with disabilities. We provide support services to enhance their independence.
My co-workers and I provide Disability Awareness Trainings for non-disabled elementary students, Disability Law Series for people with disabilities and other community agencies/members, and Legislative Internship for high school students with disabilities.
My co-worker, Debbie, and I facilitate Youth Leadership sessions in high schools. The sessions are held one day per week during the school year. The sessions include hands-on information and tools that encourage high school students with disabilities to become effective advocates, leaders, and role models. The topics of discussion spark interest, educate, and empower students for future leadership opportunities in their local schools, communities, and society at large.
We welcome you to call or stop in for a visit with us at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living!
Hello, my name is Debbie Tarrant and I am an Independent Living Advocate. Along with our four core services: Advocacy, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills training, and Peer Support, I can assist you on your journey to independence.
Along with my co-worker, Mary, we provide Disability Awareness to students in grade schools and conduct Youth Leadership in high schools.
I am excited that we have opened a new office in Morris to better serve the consumers in Grundy County. Having lived in Morris for about 15 years, I am excited to be in the office getting to know and empower the residents with disabilities in the county.
About six years ago I lost the vision in both of my eyes, first my left eye and then the right eye. I am a wife and the mother of two sons and I have ten grandchildren. I have a lot of hobbies and interests that I enjoy doing on weekends, mostly doing what activities involves the grandchildren. I enjoy reading, camping, being out of doors, and animals.
Please contact me for more information. I am looking forward to meeting with you!
Heidi Litchfield is a Community Reintegration Transitional Coordinator with Will - Grundy Center for Independent Living. Her position allows her to work with individuals who are currently residing in a nursing facility in Will or Grundy County, who feel it is time to return to the community.
She works with the consumer, the nursing facility staff and family to ensure a successful transition to living an independent life outside of the nursing home. As they prepare to transition to their new home Heidi helps to arrange home modifications if needed, personal assistants, as well as finding a safe secure place to live.
She was raised in Grundy County, lived in Will County most of her adult life before returning to her hometown of Morris in 2010. Her knowledge of the communities she's called home and the opportunities available in both counties allows her to serve residents in both counties well. She is the parent of four children, one with Cerebral Palsy, one who is bi-polar, and another who has Asperger's Syndrome. As a mother she has learned to advocate for her children's rights and carries that forward to her consumers at the center. Please feel free to call her for information about the reintegration program.
Hi, my name is Olivia Cruickshank and I’ve been employed at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living as a Community Reintegration Aide for 2 ½ years. The Community Reintegration Program is available for individuals with disabilities who currently reside in a nursing home, who are between the ages of 18-59, and who are interested in reintegrating into the community. My job as the Community Reintegration Aide is to assist the Transitional Coordinators and consumers in the transition process.
I have numerous years of experience working with people with disabilities. In my spare time I love spending time with my son, other family members, and friends. I also enjoy writing poems, reading, and shopping. Two of my biggest goals in life are to help others; the second is being a mother.
I am the Director of Development, a newly created position to help raise necessary funds so that the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living can continue to grow and offer extended services to people living in Will and Grundy Counties. I would encourage you to call me to discuss how you can help the Center continue to provide services to over 2,500 people of Will and Grundy Counties.
Hi! My name is Missy Martin. I am the new Administrative Assistant here at Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living. Even though I am “the new kid” here, I can already see how many consumers we help on a daily basis.
I am responsible for the day to day operation of the office. My job is to see that the front office runs smoothly. I am the assistant to the Executive Director, Pam Heavens and I assist other staff members as needed.
I enjoy helping others and have worked in a not for profit setting assisting others and also teaching people with disabilities for many years.
My favorite new quote is: If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.
“It is all because of each of you – my wonderful staff, dedicated Board and all of our consumers and supporters – that our Center has achieved what it has. I’m truly blessed to be in such good company tonight and every day.”
Pam Heavens
1700 Newton Place
Morris, IL 60450
815-416-6460 (V/TTY)
