Letter from AID President “Mizzou” Students Volunteer at AID AID McHenry Services Update AID Attends National APSE Conference AID Annual Meeting & Awards Night Become an Online AID Advocate Snapshots: Photos Around the Agency Fourth Annual AID 5K Raises Funds Memorials, Grants & Donations 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8-10 IN THIS ISSUE PAGE: AID AID Holds First Art Exhibition: “Never Underestimate the Power of a Person” On Friday, June 14, AID partnered with Water Street Studios (Batavia) to present the “Never Underestimate the Power of a Person” Art Exhibit. A one-night-only showcase featuring artwork created by clients from the AID Creative Expressions Group. Members of the AID Creative Expressions group meet weekly to create group projects, which are reflective of the triumphs and struggles they have endured. The members of the group utilize various artistic techniques to process and reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, develop social skills, and improve their overall mental health. The focus and goal of the Creative Expressions group is to educate, inform and increase awareness of the strengths and abilities of individuals who work beyond, strive, and conquer stigmas associated with mental illness; through the support of family, friends, professionals and their communities.
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AID · employment opportunities for AID clients. Aramark (Aurora) and Liberty Lanes (Carpentersville), two local businesses who employ AID clients, received special awards for their
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Transcript
Letter from AID President
“Mizzou” Students Volunteer at AID
AID McHenry Services Update
AID Attends National APSE Conference
AID Annual Meeting & Awards Night
Become an Online AID Advocate
Snapshots: Photos Around the Agency
Fourth Annual AID 5K Raises Funds
Memorials, Grants & Donations
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IN THIS ISSUE PAGE:
AID
AID Holds First Art Exhibition: “Never Underestimate the Power of a Person” On Friday, June 14, AID partnered with Water Street Studios (Batavia) to present the “Never Underestimate the Power of a Person” Art Exhibit. A one-night-only showcase featuring artwork created by clients from the AID Creative Expressions Group.
Members of the AID Creative Expressions group meet weekly to create group projects, which are reflective of the triumphs and struggles they have endured. The members of the group utilize various artistic techniques to process and reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, develop social skills, and improve their overall mental health. The focus and goal of the Creative Expressions group is to educate, inform and increase awareness of the strengths and abilities of individuals who work beyond, strive, and conquer stigmas associated with mental illness; through the support of family, friends, professionals and their communities.
LETTER FROM AID PRESIDENTDear Friends,
Wow! I can’t believe that I am wrapping up my first six months as AID President and CEO (and I’ve actually been on staff since October 1, 2018)! It has been an amazing journey so far:
Lore BakerAID CEO/President
• 6 Staff Appreciation Breakfasts, held in six different locations where AID staff were celebrated for the great work that they do every day, more than 300 staff members attended
• 4 Meet & Greet events where parents, guardians, clients and community members could meet me plus learn about a variety of supports, programs and financial resources in their communities
• Fantastic Annual Meeting where we recognized the many accomplishments of AID clients and staff
• Successfully advocated for Capital Funds for AID in the State of Illinois Capital Bill (stay tuned for information about what we plan to do with these funds)
• Completed one-on-one meetings with AID Board Members to get their input on the direction that AID should be going
• Cemented collaborative partnerships with Public Housing Authorities, Health Care Providers, Mental Health Providers, Homeless Service Systems, Funders, Affordable Housing Developers and more
• Sought to create new partnerships with the Aging Services Network, Children’s Programs and other pertinent potential partners
• Hosted Illinois Senators Ellman, Castro and DeWitte for site visits
• Represented AID at countless meetings, trainings, conferences and summits
• Met thousands of clients, staff, parents, guardians, funders, government officials and community members.
I’m so glad that I’ve been given the opportunity to be part of such an amazing organization! As we look to the last six months of the calendar year, we will begin an inclusive Strategic Planning process — keep an eye out for information about how you can participate; kick off an agency-wide Harm Reduction Training initiative; and centralize our intake process to make it easier for families and people seeking services to get connected to the services they need. I thank everyone for how welcoming you have been and ask for your continued support as we maintain and improve AID.
OUR MISSION: To empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose
ABOUT AID: AID is a nonprofit, community-based organization that serves more than 5,500 individuals throughout DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, suburban Cook and Will counties. Programs are available for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities and those in need of behavioral health services or crisis intervention. AID is a United Way partner agency and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit our website: www.AIDcares.org or call: Aurora area 630.966.4000 DeKalb area 630.966.4475 Elgin area 847.931.6200 McHenry area 847.931.2340 Yorkville area 630.966.4450 Crisis Line 630.966.9393
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2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOP ROW: Matt Bretz, Clifford Klotz (Vice Chairman), James Gould, Dan Lundberg (Treasurer),
David De La Fuente, Chuck Miles, Patrick Flaherty (Immediate Past Chairman)
BOTTOM ROW: Inez Toledo, Diana Law, AID President Lore Baker, Toni Vaughan, Melinda Tejada (Chairwoman)
NOT PICTURED: Dr. Timothy Brown (Secretary), Tanya Meyers (Retiring)
AID HOUSING BOARD
OFFICERS Walt Dwyer
Chairman, HUD
Dan LundbergChairman, CHDO
DIRECTORS Karen Maki
Chuck Miles
Rick Poulton
Carolyn Russell
Lester Sutcliff
University of Missouri (Mizzou) Students Volunteer at AIDInstead of taking a Spring break from studies, students from the University of Missouri participated in an “Alternative Break”. From Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29, 2019, Mizzou students’ entire days were filled with cooking and craft classes with AID clients, cleaning AID residential locations, helping clients bake dog biscuits, planting vegetables in the client garden and many more engaging activities.
AID appreciates this group of bright, positive and charitable students who committed their entire Spring break to brighten the lives of the individuals we serve.
AID offers volunteer opportunities throughout Kane County for individuals and groups who want to make a positive impact in their community. To connect to a volunteer experience, contact Maureen Spradlin, Volunteer Coordinator at (630) 966-4020/[email protected]. Learn more about AID volunteer opportunities online at AIDcares.org/volunteer.
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AID McHenry Area Services Highlight New & Updated Programs
AID Mental Health services continue to improve and expand in McHenry County. A complete revamp of the Woodstock based ”Drop-in” Center, a center for daily client events, is now underway. As of June 2019, the “Drop-in” Center includes Wellness Recovery Action Plan® (WRAP®) programming. WRAP® is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well and stay well. WRAP® helps individuals discover their own simple and safe wellness tools. The “Drop-In” Center and WRAP® is managed by AID Mental Health Professional/Certified Recovery Support Specialist, Debby Dillon. For more information, contact Debby at [email protected] or call (630) 450-1216.
McHenry County programs also include Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR). PSR offers counseling interventions to assist individuals in developing and refining life skills. PSR services began in March 2019 and are currently offered two days a week. In August 2019, PSR will increase to three days a week in McHenry. In addition, the Family Therapy Program and Child and Adolescent Services launched in January 2019 and has served more than 35 families in McHenry County.
AID Employment Specialists attend National APSE Conference
AID Employment Specialists recently attended the week-long 2019 National Association of People Supporting Employment (APSE) conference in St. Louis, MO. AID attendees included Carrie Flynn, Certified Employment Professional (CESP); Courtney Littlejohn, Individual Placement and Support (IPS)/Employment Specialist; and Terri Nelles, CESP. The event focused on fully integrated and customized employment; how to engage businesses in understanding the value of a diverse and inclusive work environment; and discussions on ending subminimum wages for people with disabilities.
The seminar included daily keynote speakers and multiple breakout sessions to cover a variety of topics, including: ‘Casting Your Net to Engage Employers’; ‘Reverse Job Fairs’; ‘Employment First – A New Day for Day Services’; and ‘Partnering with Families in Each Phase of the Employment Process’. AID attendees gained a wealth of information on best practices in the world of Employment First. As the Chair of the National Council which certifies Employment Specialists, Terri co-presented a breakout session on how Employment Specialists can become CESP certified through an exam process.
AID attendees are eager to share their newfound knowledge with co-workers and apply these skills in supporting individuals in employment. Employment First. Employment For All.
*Photo provided by APSE National
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AID Hosts Annual Meeting & Awards Night 2019The 2019 AID Annual Meeting & Awards Night was held on Wednesday, May 15 at the Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva, IL. The award presentation honored outstanding clients, dedicated staff and generous community supporters. The prestigious event was open to the public.
The ceremony began by recognizing retiring AID Board Member Tanya Meyers for her three years of dedication and service. Mrs. Meyers served on the AID Fundraising Committee and most recently opened her beautiful home to host a celebration of the successful AID Capital Campaign. Patrick Flaherty, Immediate Past Chairman of the AID Board, was honored for his 10 years of service and AID client advocacy.
During the presentation, AID President Lore Baker highlighted multiple organizational achievements from the previous year including an increase in staff wages and the expansion of supportive housing and employment opportunities for AID clients. Aramark (Aurora) and Liberty Lanes (Carpentersville), two local businesses who employ AID clients, received special awards for their dedication and commitment to employing individuals with disabilities.
24 AID clients were celebrated throughout the event for their accomplishments during the previous year. These individuals demonstrated an excellent work ethic and made gainful strides in their wellbeing and individual development.
The event concluded by honoring two retiring AID staff members. Terry Cremer, Director of Client, Family and Community Supports, was celebrated for her 33 years of services. Terry has been a true role model at AID. She was a strong client advocate and always assured families that AID is the right choice for their family member. Mike Miller, Director of Property and Fleet Management was recognized for his 44 years of service to AID. Mike built an exemplary career on determination, expertise, staff collaboration, patience and a strong work ethic. Both Terry and Mike have been invaluable members of the AID family and will truly be missed.
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BECOME A STRONG online AID SUPPORTER!
LIKE THE AID FACEBOOK PAGE:FACEBOOK.COM/AIDCARES
Help us reach over 2,000 likes!
ALREADY A FACEBOOK FOLLOWER?
Individuals seeking to fundraise for AID on social media can utilize the fundraiser tool on Facebook. To create a fundraiser for AID, follow these simple steps: Log-in to your personal facebook account, click “Fundraisers” in the left menu of your news feed, click “Raise Money”, select “Nonprofit/Charity”, select AID and click “Create”.
This is a great way to raise money for AID during the holidays, for birthdays or anytime of the year. Since mid-November of 2018, AID has received nearly $3,000 in facebook fundraising proceeds.
There are NO processing fees! AID will receive 100% of the money raised during a campaign.
START A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER!
BOOKMARK SMILE.AMAZON.COM!Follow these simple steps and AID will receive .5% of all your Amazon purchases!Visit smile.amazon.com; search and select “Association for Individual Development” as your supported charity; and finally... make your purchases! You Shop. AID Smiles.
Instructors from Kids Golf Foundation offer golf clinics to
Sugar Grove STARS clients; teaching the rules and techniques
of the sport.
AID recently held several informational open houses in Elgin and Aurora where individuals and families could meet and
greet AID president Lore Baker as well as learn important planning strategies from
special needs attorneys and trust officers.
Dundee Township Lions Club visited the AID Elgin Community
Day Services location to present a very generous donation.
State Senators Cristina Castro (D-22) (left), Laura Ellman (D-21) (middle) and Don DeWitte (D-33) (right), visited AID Community Day Services
locations to meet clients and experience the vital services AID provides. AID continues to be proactive in advocating for client rights,
as well as federal and state funding.
The AID Behavioral Health Residential management team joined the Kendall
County Senior Providers (KCSP) to volunteer at the Kendall County
Food Pantry. Many AID clients frequent the pantry.
The Elgin Knights of Columbus - Council #654 recently made an
extremely generous donation to AID thanks to their hard work
during their successful Tootsie Roll drive.
AID held several restaurant fundraisers over the past few months at Portillo’s and Panera locations throughout the
AID service area. Upcoming fundraisers will be listed online at:
AIDcares.org/restaurant-fundraisers
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AID Victim Services team members (left, right) and St. Charles Police Chief
James Keegan pose at the construction site of the new St. Charles Police station
where AID will have a unique office dedicated to social work.
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Fourth Annual 5K Raises Funds for AIDAID hosted the fourth annual “Color Burst 5k Fun Run & Roll” on Friday, June 7, 2019 to raise funds for programs and services benefiting 5,500 children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness.
Nearly 200 participants were “bursted” with colorful powder as they made their way across a 3-mile course, with the top three male and female runners receiving special prizes.
All event attendees enjoyed a spectacular pre and post party which included an energetic DJ, food & refreshments, and raffle prizes. Kids participated in fun and games provided by the Village of South Elgin’s “Rapid Response Recreation Team”.
Several vendor booths were on-site during the event, including McAlister’s Deli (Elgin), Riverlands Brewing Company (St. Charles), Kelsey Rankin’s Hemp Club Jewelry and Boho Earth Headbands, and a booth dedicated to AID client created crafts and jewelry.
The event was made possible with the help of 70 volunteers and generous event sponsors.
VIEW COMPLETE EVENT PHOTOS ONLINE:
AIDCARES.ORG/COLOR5k
MAJOR COLOR BURST SPONSORS:
WALT & JANET DWYER • CLIFF & MARILYNN KLOTZ TOM & LYNN O’SHEA • TIM & DEBBIE TORRES
DAVID & SUZANNE SMITH • OWEN & SUSAN LOWREYPAMELA MCGOUGHY • LINDA & BRUCE ROHR
NATHAN BRANSTAD • DEBBY & RANDY DALTON
Benjamin AlexanderGreg & Patrice AlexanderTom & Lynn O’Shea
Joseph BroskiMendel Jones & Florence
FullwoodTom & Lynn O’Shea
Mary BroskiMendel Jones & Florence
FullwoodTom & Lynn O’Shea
Vinny FreemanMark FreemanTom & Lynn O’Shea
Raul GarciaBertha HouserightTom & Lynn O’Shea
MEMORIALS 7/1/18 - 12/31/18
GRANTS & DONATIONS7/1/18 - 12/31/18 | $50 OR MORE
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Jonathan AbarbanelAbbey Farms (Aurora)Don & Carol AdamitisDonald AdamsADS LLCAdvocates Network
of Kane and Kendall Counties
Leo & Barbara AhasicSarah AlbertiAlfred & Linda AlbrechtBob AlbrechtGreg & Patrice
AlexanderCesar AlfaroMark & Terry AllenAltrusa International
Club of ElginAmvets Post #103
Ladies AuxiliaryBarbara AndersonCharles & Linda
AndersonEric & John AndersonLaura AndersonLyle & Judy AndersonAndrew & Alice Fischer
Bud WilsonWendy WilsonCarol WinkleJoseph & Debra WinkleLuke WinkleMatthew & Chris
WinkleWinning Systems, Inc.Chester & Karen WitekWoman’s Club of
AuroraJoan WoodThomas & Christine
WoodFrank & Joan WooleyTimothy WozniakYorkville
Congregational Church
Daniel YunkerPaul & Mary ZaanderMike & Lynn ZakTony & Terry ZankerJoe ZieskeArthur & Barbara
ZillgittJohn Zweibohmer
309 New Indian Trail CourtAurora, Illinois 60506-2494www.AIDcares.org
JOIN THE AID TEAM! OPEN FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME POSITIONS:• Case Manager (QMHP, Victim Services & more)• Direct Support Person (Residential, Day Services & more)• Janitorial Crew Leader• Registered Nurse
BENEFITS: Paid Time off, Paid Training, Tuition Reimbursement, 401k, Medical/Dental Plans, Life Insurance and Disability
...and many more!APPLY ONLINE: AIDCARES.ORG
Minimum 18 Years of Age, High School Diploma or Equivalent, Valid Illinois Driver’s LicenseQUALIFICATIONS
UPCOMING EVENTSAID HOLIDAY HOPES PROGRAM - BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 1
AID BENEFIT AUCTION - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 - FISHERMEN’S INN (ELBURN)AID will host a themed benefit auction on Thursday, October 10th at the scenic Fishermen’s Inn. Support the auction by donating new items such as gift cards, wine/liquors, sports/concert tickets or consider sharing your timeshare or get a group together and create a Get-Away themed basket! Contact Angela Cudmore at 847.931.2294 or [email protected].
The holidays can be an upsetting time for clients who no longer have families. With the help of our exemplary donors, AID brings a little holiday cheer to clients in need by providing small gifts at Christmas. Individuals, groups or businesses interested in helping to purchase gifts for those in need can display itemized “gift tags” with gift ideas for clients at their place of business, worship or other social settings. Please contact Kathy Hazelwood at 847.931.2290 or [email protected].