Hello Fellow Advocates, 

The past few weeks have been incredibly busy, both personally and for our organization. We were excited and honored that The Arc of Illinois and the Going Home Coalition were invited to attend Governor Pritzker's Legislative Roundtable discussion, alongside many influential organizations and advocates. Being included in such a high-level conversation is not only exciting but crucial, as it places our legislative priorities front and center for consideration.

As we head into the legislative session, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you see as the most pressing legislative issues in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Illinois right now? Your insights are invaluable as we engage in these important discussions. Feel free to email me at Samantha@thearcofil.org - I truly appreciate your perspective.

Adding to this honor, I’m thrilled to share that I graduated last week from the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy! This year-long program, founded by Loretta Durbin, wife of Senator Durbin, is designed to prepare women to run for high leadership positions or public office. It has significantly expanded my network and opportunities, and I am incredibly humbled by the experience. If you’re a woman interested in leading our state, I highly encourage you to apply: https://iwiltrainingacademy.org/apply/

Before graduating, I had the privilege of attending the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities Summit alongside Greg Walkington, Director of The Family Transition Project. The Summit, hosted by the Institute’s CEO, Kathy Carmody, was an incredible opportunity to be part of key discussions focused on collaboration and progress that are strengthening our impact across the state. Being involved in these conversations highlights that The Arc is making significant strides, and people are recognizing the difference we’re making for families in Illinois.

As we move forward, let’s harness the power of our collective voices and shared experiences. Together, we have the strength to create meaningful change that uplifts those we serve and strengthens our entire community. I am deeply proud to work alongside my dedicated directors and each of you as we continue our vital mission at The Arc of Illinois. Let’s stand united in our unwavering commitment to advocacy and boldly drive the change we know is possible!

Truly, 
Samantha Alloway
Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois 

Are you passionate about creating a world where everyone can lead a fulfilling life grounded in equity and inclusion?

We invite you to consider joining The Arc of Illinois Board of Directors!

We are seeking dedicated individuals who share our mission: The Arc of Illinois is committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.

Applications are now open until December 1, 2024. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact by expanding our advocacy, services, and accessibility throughout the state of Illinois. If you have the drive to help individuals with disabilities thrive and promote an inclusive community, we want to hear from you!

For the printable Nominee form, click here.

For the online Nominee form, click here.

Save the Date!

The Arc of Illinois 75th Annual Convention will be held on April 22-23, 2025. 

This year's theme is

"Diamonds Through Time - Celebrating 75 Years of Brillance: Honoring our Legacy, Embracing Our Future"

Location

Bloomington-Normal, IL

Stay tuned for more details and registration information.

Registration is Now Open!

Fall Conference: Resources and Support for Individuals with IDD and Mental Illness

Virtual Monthly Webinar

November 14, 2024

Click here for the brochure.

Learn about your options under the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver for Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Illinois.

We will discuss service and support options, explore the role  
of your ISC, review the key steps you need to take to prepare for supports, and talk through common concerns and barriers.  

Webinar is free; registration is required.

The next webinar will be on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 12:00-1:00 pm. 

Click here for flyer.

We are Proud to Introduce You to Our Organizational Member, Cornerstone Services.

Since 1969, Cornerstone Services has been an advocate for people with disabilities in Will, Kankakee and Southern Cook County. Led by Ben Shortz, the agency is a recognized leader in providing the support necessary for individuals with disabilities to live and work in the community. 

Cornerstone's residential programs encompass an array of services for individuals with disabilities. The agency offers group home settings in the community as well as individualized supports for those with more independent skills who rent from local landlords. 

In addition, Cornerstone offers Home-Based Services, which enables individuals to continue living with family, while also benefiting from the Community-Based activities and friendships. All participants in Cornerstone programs are eligible for our Employment services, which specializes in assisting individuals with finding and keeping a job in the community, so they can earn a paycheck. For more information, please visit www.CornerstoneServices.org.  

Get Involved with Cornerstone!

• To access all Events, click here.
• To access all Network Opportunities, click here.

Pictured L-R: Carole Rosen, State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, and Greg Walkington

On October 8^th, Carole Rosen, Advocacy Program Specialist, Going Home Illinois and REV UP Illinois; and Greg Walkington, Family Transition Project Director, met with Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D17) and her staff to discuss upcoming initiatives to support people to have full lives in the community.

Pictured L-R: Susan Agrawal, Greg Walkington, Suzanne Aaron, Ruth Aguilar, and Carole Rosen

Laura Fine, Assistant Director of Programs & Services, of the Exceptional Learners Collaborative hosted The Arc of Illinois Program Directors to present on their programs to stakeholders including educators, parents, and support staff for people with IDD. Empowering Transitions, focused on supporting families throughout their lives to live an active and engaged life in the community. 

The Arc of Illinois staff included Susan Agrawal, Family-to-Family Health Information Center Director; Greg Walkington, Family Transition Project Director; Suzanne Aaron, Information & Outreach Specialist, Illinois Life Span; Ruth Aguilar, Senior Family Advocate, Family Advocate Program; and Carole Rosen, Advocacy Program Specialist, Going Home Illinois and REV UP Illinois.

Pictured L-R: DDD Chief of Staff, Meg Cooch, Advocacy Program Specialist; Carole Rosen; and State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D31)

On October 20^th, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen hosted an outreach event for their IDD constituency in Round Lake.

All of The Arc of Illinois’ programs were represented as well as housing options through service providers, DDD staff, and ISC, Community Alternatives Unlimited.

Justin Houcek of ASDwithMe LLC was advocating on the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act (CESSA). 

For more information on CESSA, click here.

Would You Like a Copy of the Recording and Meeting Notes or Want to be Added to Our Listserve?

Please contact admin@thearcofil.org. You will be asked to fill out a Going Home Coalition Member survey which is completely opt-in. 

Please like and follow Going Home Coalition's Facebook and Instagram Pages!

Day 87 of Carole’s 100 Day Vote Shirt Challenge.

She will keep going! Have a Vote shirt of your own? Join Carole and use the hashtag #100dayvoteshirtchallenge to post your photos!

Looking for Your Vote Shirt?

REV UP Illinois and Vote shirts are available at The Arc of Illinois’ online merchandise store.

 Check those out here!