Program Support
Working Together Chicago featured on IAMCP’s blog
Aileen Provan, from the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners posted an article on the IAMCP blog, May 5. The post features Working Together Chicago, a CFI program, which is a great opportunity for employees looking to be come involved in the IAMCP Diversity and Inclusion program.
Read her article titled: “The Hidden Talent Pool; A D&I story that will give you fresh ideas on how to attract new talent”
What’s CFI Been Up To?
When the COVID-19 coronavirus health crisis closed the doors of Center for Independence our dedicated physical and occupational therapists, conductive education teachers and social worker opened their laptops, charged their smartphones and sprang into action! Our professional staff were ready to provide innovative, telehealth therapy services using social media outlets and video chat platforms!
Our hardworking staff immediately began (and continues!) to provide telehealth therapy services to more than 100 children and young adults with physical disabilities while our building is closed. To support the families during this pandemic, our therapy staff also developed home exercise programs and organized equipment lending for all families. We will continue providing telehealth therapy and social work services until Governor Pritzker declares it is safe for our doors to reopen.
Check out a short 90-second video of the talented Center staff delivering virtual PT, OT and CET services to children with physical disabilities:
During this time of crisis, people with cerebral palsy need access to vital healthcare services to breathe every breath, and step every step. The Center is using remote communication technologies to provide skilled healthcare intervention for those most at risk, so children and young adults with cerebral palsy stay active, remain healthy, and feel safe!
The Center fully understands the emotional and financial burden this crisis is having on our families. Our top priority is making sure that children and young adults with disabilities remain healthy and active. To help make that possible, the Center will not be charging families for telehealth therapy throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
The Center estimates that we will provide over $350,000 in charitable care teletherapy services to children and young adults with disabilities throughout the duration of our closure due to the pandemic.
How Can You Help?
You can change the lives of so many hardworking children and young adults with physical disabilities by making a donation. In this time of the unknown, you can make a difference in a way that works for you. If you donate now through June 1, 2020, your gift will be MATCHED by The Coleman Foundation up to $25,000!
Thank you for supporting the Center for Independence and the dedicated children and young adults we serve.
The Center Celebrates 20 Years!
Dear friends of the Center,
This year marks the Center’s 20th anniversary! We’ve grown from serving six children out of a local church to over 250 children per year at four locations throughout the Chicagoland area! What an amazing adventure, filled with so many wonderful people and beautiful moments.
In 1998, our original Board of Directors made a pledge that the Center would never turn a child away due to lack of insurance or inability to pay. Generous donors like you have allowed us to keep that commitment! Over the past 20 years the Center has served over 650 children and young adults with physical disabilities and given nearly $11million in charitable services. The Center has been a safety-net for children who are often turned away.
The Center is grateful to the many people who have helped our program grow and flourish: our Board of Directors; generous donors who support our program; talented professional staff who help children achieve their highest level of independence; and finally, parents who entrust us with their children.
Learning that your baby has cerebral palsy can be incredibly devastating for young parents and often results in many stressful unanswered questions: “Will my baby be okay?” “Will my baby grow up healthy and included?” “What does the future look like for my child?” The past 20 years have proven that despite challenges, the future is bright!
Families raising children with physical disabilities should dream big! Kids with cerebral palsy are happy, engaged, curious, and full of joy – just like their able-bodied peers. We have celebrated alongside families as their child achieved milestones including high school graduations, transitioning to college, entering the workforce, and living in the community independently. Given the opportunity, children with physical disabilities can do anything that they set their mind to – we witness that each and every day at the Center!
Thank you for your support over the past 20 years – your kindness has allowed us to help families believe in endless possibilities. We look forward to sharing many success stories of independence for years to come!
— Patricia Herbst, Executive Director