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Hello Fellow Advocates,
I hope this message finds you well! Last week, I had the privilege of touring UCP Seguin, where I gained valuable insights into how this remarkable organization is making a difference for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Illinois and beyond.
L-R: Sammy Gutierrez, Samantha Alloway, and Lori Opiela
L-R: Roksana Lech and UCP Seguin Staff Member, and Samantha Alloway
One of the most inspiring aspects of our work at The Arc is our ability to unite diverse voices into one powerful message: individuals with I/DD deserve fulfilling lives filled with choices and joy. While we acknowledge that there is still much to accomplish, I am encouraged by our ongoing efforts to expand our membership and enhance understanding within the community.
Together, we are making strides toward meaningful change. I am excited to share that we are redefining what it means to be a member of The Arc of Illinois! As we grow, we are creating valuable platforms for parents to connect and engage with legislators, allowing you to voice your concerns and share your unique stories.
As a parent of a child with autism, I stand in solidarity with all of you navigating this journey in Illinois. While we may not have all the answers just yet, we believe that the key to change lies within the power of your stories. I encourage you to reach out to me at Samantha@thearcofil.org to share your experiences and to join us in our unified mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Looking forward to making a difference with you,
Truly, Samantha Alloway , Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Join us for our Know Your Options Webinar Series beginning this Thursday, August 1st, to discuss important options available following a PUNS selection or Early Notification of an upcoming PUNS selection.
Going Home Coalition’s next meeting takes place on Monday, August 5th at 4:00 pm.
Join in the conversation with Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Director, Kim Mercer-Schleider; Kreider Services Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Stauter; The Arc of Illinois Director at Large Board Member, Vincent Smith; and The Arc of Illinois 2024 Self-Advocate Award Winner and Larry Biondi Fellowship Grantee, Curtis Harris.
We’ll be discussinghow Illinois is strengthening community systems and accessing affordable housing through an update on The State Referral Network. Also, Kreider Services will speak about their process in creating an affordable permanent supportive housing development, and Vincent and Curtis will talk about their journey in attaining housing for themselves as self-advocates.
CART/ASL, streamed Spanish and English captioning will be provided.
Please email admin@thearcofil.org to receive upcoming meeting information and access the recording from Going Home Coalition’s last meeting which took place on July 23rd.
Special thanks to parent stakeholders Donielle Deering, Sherry Healey, and Cheryl Butler; Ray Graham Association and Arc of Illinois board member, Kim Zoeller, and Gorman and Company Market President, Ron Clewer, for theirfantastic meeting on the importance of housing options and opportunities such as the Naperville Tower Court permanent housing development.
Your Advocacy Matters!
On behalf of The Arc of Illinois, Greg Walkington of The Family Transition Project and Carole Rosen of Going Home Coalition met with State Senator Laura Fine (D9)to speak about the importance of strengthening community systems so people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live full lives in the community. Thank you, Senator Fine, for being an ally to the developmental disabilities community!
As part of Going Home Coalition’s Grassroots Project funding, Carole Rosen presented as part of a national webinar, Coalition Building: Strategies and Perspective in Disabilityon July 18, 2024.
WCPT’s Patti Vasquez hosted Going Home Coalition, Chuy Campuzano, Mike Baker, and Susan Day of Supported Housing Providers Association (SHPA) to talk about the impact of homelessness on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Chuy recently participated in SHPA’s Peer Development workshop which qualified him to speak at statewide events in the future.
REV UP stands for Register, Educate, Vote, Use Your Power!
REV UP Illinois had an exciting engaging kickoff meeting, welcoming approximately 40 organizations and individuals interested in building the power of the disability vote through increasing civic engagement in the disability community and improving the accessibility of elections.
Alexia Kemerling, REV UP Coalitions Coordinator from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) shared great information with meeting participants. REV UP Illinois co-founder Da Wen Mei, Katie Lee from RAMP CIL, Adam Wiser, and Erin Compton shared out how they have or will engage to empower the disability vote!
Email admin@thearcofil.orgto join our monthly meetings, receive a recording of the kickoff meeting, and celebrate what you are doing to empower the disability vote!
Your Vote Matters!
Carole Rosen, has taken a pledge to wear a Vote t-shirt for 100 days until the November 5th elections!
Follow the story and access additional resources on REV UP Illinois’ Facebook and Instagram pages!
Carole Rosen and Katie Lee, Chief Services Officer of RAMP Center for Independent Living, spoke on WEFT’s, Disability Beat with Vicki Niswander, on Monday, July 27th.
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