This holiday season, we come together to celebrate connection, resilience, and community. On behalf of The Arc of Illinois, I’m Samantha Alloway, Executive Director, and it’s an honor to serve alongside our Board President, Kimberly L. Johnson, our dedicated Board of Directors, and our incredible staff! We wish you a joyful season filled with warmth and love. To the individuals and families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities, thank YOU for inspiring us every day and being such an essential part of our community.
Reflecting on this past year, I am filled with pride for the opportunity to lead this remarkable organization. As a mother of a nine-year-old son diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, my personal journey has profoundly shaped my understanding of the challenges families face. This connection fuels my passion and commitment to The Arc of Illinois’ mission to empower individuals with disabilities to fully participate in community life through informed choices.
We are a statewide advocacy organization with a team deeply invested in the journey of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our staff brings unique experiences and insights, working together to provide families with the support, education, and services they need.
We are committed to creating an equitable state, and by expanding our team and training programs to include additional languages, we are enhancing accessibility and reaching more families. Our growth strengthens our community, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive!
This year, we’ve made meaningful strides in enhancing access to vital resources, from advancing workforce initiatives and advocating for home-based services to successfully ending subminimum wage in Illinois. We’ve also worked to foster lasting connections with state and federal legislators, ensuring our advocacy efforts remain strong and effective for those we serve. Our work goes beyond policy; it’s about building a culture of inclusion where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life.
As we look to the future, the road ahead requires continued collective effort. Your tax-deductible donations are vital to our mission, helping us maintain a strong presence throughout the state and they provide critical resources to individuals and families. This holiday season, I encourage you to reflect on the impact your generosity can have. Together, we can create opportunities, foster inclusion, and build a brighter future for all. Thank you for being an integral part of The Arc of Illinois. Your kindness makes all the difference!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with hope and promise,
Samantha Alloway
Executive Director
