We will be highlighting the incredible visits, connections, and collaborations of our talented team.
We’re proud to stand beside partners, advocates, and families who share our mission to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Image: Ribbon Cutting
Image: Guests of honor including Senator Ram Villivalam and Representative Kevin Olickal
Image: Board Members from Shore Community Services, Inc.
Image: Assistant Deputy Director, Ryan Croke, Corey Gumm, CEO of Search, Inc. Susan Kaufman, CEO Orchard Village, Erin Ryan, CEO Shore Community Services
Honoring the Grand Reopening of the Joseph Koenig, Sr. Training Center!
We had the privilege of attending the Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting at the Joseph Koenig, Sr. Training Center at Shore Community Services, Inc. It was an incredible celebration with more than 125 people coming together to honor a newly renovated space dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Shore’s commitment to providing a full spectrum of supports – from early intervention and adult services to residential, vocational, behavioral health, and senior programs is truly inspiring. Congratulations to CEO Erin Ryan and the entire Shore team on this remarkable achievement. It’s exciting to see our communities continue to grow, thrive, and create opportunities that make a lasting impact!
Image: CEO Kathryn Lavin, James ‘Chefsito’, and team members at Gateway to Learning
Inspiring Inclusion at Gateway to Learning: A Day of Connection and Community
Next, we visited Gateway to Learning in Chicago, an organization committed to promoting active inclusion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission is clear: to foster lifelong learning that enhances engagement at home, work, and in the community. Their values -community of belonging, spirited ingenuity, unwavering respect, meaningful engagement, and person-driven growth – resonate deeply. I had the pleasure of connecting with inspiring self-advocates like James, who guided our tour. I also enjoyed a delicious pumpkin spice latte from their coffee shop and brought home some peanut butter dog biscuits for my sister’s dog, Buddy. It was truly one of the best days! A big thank you to Kathryn Lavin for her exceptional leadership and amazing sense of humor!
Image: Jessica Smart, CEO Clearbrook, Hollis Gorrie, COO Clearbrook
Connecting with Clearbrook: Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Impact
It was an amazing opportunity to spend time with our newest members at Clearbrook, where Jessica and Hollis’s compassionate leadership brightened my day! Clearbrook has been empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over six decades, operating more than 80 locations across Chicagoland. They provide a wide array of programs and services, including personalized children’s and adult services, day programs, employment services, residential care, clinical services, and home-based services. As the largest provider of home-based services in Illinois, Clearbrook serves over 1,600 families annually across 180 communities. I even had a chance encounter with my mentor, Shawn Jeffers, reaffirming that I am in the right place. We are excited to have Clearbrook’s expertise as part of The Arc of Illinois!
Image: Amber Smock, Vice President of Advocacy, Access Living
Image: Citizen Action Illinois Forum
Image: Amber Smock, Vice President of Advocacy, Access Living with Samantha Alloway, Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Kicking Off the 2025 Candidate Forums: Elevating Voices for Healthcare and Inclusion
Last night marked the kickoff of our co-hosted candidate forums with Citizen Action Illinois. Highlights included hearing the healthcare vision from all candidates on stage, including Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly. All senatorial candidates agreed that healthcare is a human right and are committed to advancing this cause in Illinois and across the United States. We are proud to partner with 25 co-hosts, including our wonderful partners at Access Living. It was also a pleasure to spend time with Amber Smock, making the evening even more impactful!
Please join us and register for future Forums!