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Center for Independence News
Welcome to our news page, featuring articles and informative blog posts by our staff.
April 28, 2023, APF Welcomes a New Honorary Conductor!
We are delighted to congratulate Dr. Roberta Kuchler O’Shea on being awarded the prestigious Honorary Conductor Award by Semmelweis University and the András Peto Institute in Hungary, as acknowledged on their website.
We are deeply appreciative of Dr. O’Shea’s unwavering support of Conductive Education through research, advocacy, and education, and we thank her for the countless volunteer hours she has contributed to the Center, staff, board, and families.
Congratulations, Robbie!
Therapy Resumes in Improved Rooms
The Center is happy to report that the construction on the Countryside location was officially completed in February and therapy has resumed in our new and improved therapy rooms!
We would like to give heartfelt thanks to the following companies and folks who made our renovation possible:
- Studio 222 Architects for creating an improved and functional design of our space
- Designs for Dignity for donating carpeting and furniture for our new parent waiting room, phone booth, and staff offices
- Ben Campbell and AMS for donating all of the HVAC work
- St. Cletus School and Parish for welcoming Center children and staff into their building to ensure critical programs continued throughout construction!
- The Mayor and Building Department Staff at the City of Countryside for ensuring our renovation was timely and safe
- Klein Construction for managing the project timely and on a budget
- Our neighbors Sharma & Associates for being patient with the noise and inconvenience as our space was remodeled
- MP Flooring Solutions for donating brand new flooring and carpeting to our offices
Meet Kiya Raines!
Please join us in celebrating Kiya Raines, Doctorate of Physical Therapy Student, the first recipient of the Center’s Diversity Scholarship! Kiya is completing her student clinical rotation at the Center. Our thanks to the Board of Directors, Diversity Committee and therapy students that applied for the award.
Pictured from left to right: Board Members, John Thomas and Tracy Lewis, Kiya Raines, DPTS, Josephine Boggs, Clinical Supervisor, and Board Members, Erick Valdez and Clay Kalweit.
The Center is delighted to have recently been awarded its highest level of recognition: accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). This endorsement is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the staff and board in providing quality programming and leadership that empowers individuals with disabilities to lead independent and meaningful lives. It is an affirmation of our commitment to help these individuals reach their full potential. We are thrilled to receive this accreditation and remain determined to continue providing the highest level of service to those we serve.
Our vision is that all people with disabilities should expect to live with dignity and pride in who they are. The Center’s programs help children and young adults with disabilities gain the confidence and skills they need to lead self-determined lives filled with purpose.
The last two years of living through a Pandemic has been exhausting for the entire world. Like everyone else, we are relieved that there is finally light at the end of a very long tunnel. This year will be exciting and filled with renewed hope. Our Therapy Programs are back to pre-Covid levels and the Center’s Working Together Chicago program is getting young adults with disabilities back to work! We are also thrilled to announce that this year the Center will completely renovate our Countryside location – after 22 years of constant use, it is in need of an upgrade!Â
Our heartfelt thanks to all of you, our generous supporters, who have helped keep the Center operating in person throughout this crisis. Your support gave hope to the Center staff, our children, young adults and families, to come out stronger and remain confident that great new opportunities are ahead of us.
Please read the Center’s Annual Report that came out March 2022!
Our Mission
The mission of the Center for Independence is to help children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workforce. Our therapy programs help children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop life skills, motor-function and an "I Can!" attitude.
Committed to breaking down barriers to employment, the Center also provides job training and placement for young adults with developmental disabilities through our innovative program Working Together Chicago.
The Center is an IL 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
EIN: 36-4259162
Our Vision: That children and young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to be fully participating members of the community.
Expect more, learn more...DO more!
Center Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Program times vary — check calendar.
Quick Contact
Center Locations
CFI Main Center
100 W. Plainfield Rd.,
Countryside, IL 60525
Brighton Park
2701 W. 36th Pl.
Chicago, IL 60632
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