Posts by Sam B
The Center’s Outdoor Space is Revitalized by Volunteers!
The American Rental Association Foundation, the Toro Community Foundation, and the United Way of Metro Chicago have generously completed a major revitalization project at the Center for Independence.
Volunteers for these fantastic organizations painted and repaired the Center’s awnings, overhauled the butterfly garden, and removed a guardrail to improve accessibility. Additionally, they installed sound garden instruments and a rain barrel, painted a safety stripe on a curb, and mulched extensively.
These enhancements have rejuvenated CFI’s outdoor spaces, providing a safer and more engaging environment for Center’s kids and families.
CFI Family Featured in Magazine
Jared and Kathleen, along with their daughters Margot and Grace are featured in this July’s Greet Western Springs magazine.
Kathleen recently published a children’s book, “Stinky Mama,” promoting disability awareness and inclusion. Their favorite part of living in Western Springs is the friendly, supportive community, especially for Margot, who has cerebral palsy.
Read all about the Marcell Family’s journey in the July issue of Greet Western Springs Magazine!
Thank you Representative LaHa!
We are thankful to Representative Nicole LaHa for joining Center families last night to discuss the significant challenges they face in raising a child with a disability. Parents are coping with loss, trauma, anxiety, and the immense stress of advocating for their children’s rights. Parents are also fighting for access to quality education, fair insurance coverage, and accessibility, all crucial for their children’s well-being and development. The daily struggle is exhausting and can take an emotional toll on families.
Representative LaHa’s willingness to listen and understand the struggle is invaluable. By coming together and sharing experiences, we can work towards building a more inclusive and supportive community for children and adults with disabilities and their families.
State Representative Nicole La Ha Honors Patti Herbst
Springfield, IL…State Representative Nicole La Ha proudly welcomed two guests to the third annual Emerging Women Leaders (EWL) conference: Patti Herbst and Kim Zoeller. The event took place today in Springfield.
“I am honored to have had Patti Herbst and Kim Zoeller join us at the Emerging Women Leaders Event,” Rep. La Ha said. “Supporting strong professional women like Patti and Kim has been a personal goal of mine, which I am excited to expand as State Representative.”
Patti Herbst is the Executive Director of the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, Inc. With a commitment to maximizing independence for individuals with physical disabilities, the center has provided invaluable services to countless families, regardless of their financial circumstances. Herbst is dedicated to empowering others through her work.
Hillgrove Avenue Magazine Article
Feature Article About Working Together Chicago
Nora Dudley begins this article featuring WTC with the Herbst’s story:
In 1987, Justin Herbst was born ten weeks premature, and suffered a severe stroke. This led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy–spastic quadriplegia, a permanent neuromuscular disorder and the most severe form of CP, limiting the ability to move the limbs, torso and face. Despite his diagnosis, Herbst’s mom Patti believed her son could become independent. A decade later and frustrated by a lack of improvement in the traditional medical therapy model, Herbst’s parents enrolled him in a Canadian program focused on conductive education…