Letter from AID President
AID McHenry Expands and Thrives
“100 Women Who Care” Donation
AID Crisis Line Seeks Volunteers
AID Hosts Successful Benefit Auction
Successful AID “Giving Tuesday”
Aurora Township Referendum
Photos Around the Agency
AID Staff Receives “Shining Star” Award
Elgin Housing Authority Partnership
Memorials and Honorariums
Grants and Donations
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IN THIS ISSUE PAGE:
AID
AID Partners with Mariano’s for Flower DonationsIn early 2017, AID was approached by “Bloom-n-Toss” (BNT), a non-profit created over 7 years ago by Alexandra and Catherine Costello whose mission is to spread joy and happiness with flowers. To accomplish this mission, BNT connects supermarkets and floral retailers with local non-profits and retirement homes.
With the launch of a new Aurora AID STARS Recreation Program location, BNT made a coordinated effort to connect AID with the Aurora Mariano’s grocery store and provide flowers for AID STARS clients. “Working in retail you see a lot of waste.” said Bonita Blyth, Floral Manager for Mariano’s Aurora. “Sometimes my department receives more product than we can sell. Donating flowers to AID makes me smile because, although the flowers and plants are past their sell by date, there’s still life in them for others to enjoy and brighten up an individual’s day.”
LETTER FROM AID PRESIDENTHappy New Year! Here are a few of the many exciting things happening at AID:
Developmental Disabilities Community Living Services are dramatically expanding. Two new homes will soon open in both Aurora and Yorkville, and, thanks to a very generous donor, a third home will soon open in Batavia. Clients are very excited about their new homes! Families and staff are tirelessly working to ensure a smooth transition for clients. As several new affordable apartments become available in the New Year, AID clients and families seeking residential supports will be invited to explore this new Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) option.
AID continues to find innovative ways to enhance the quality of Day Services through increased community participation. A collaborative effort by Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), The Centre of Elgin and AID will help clients maximize community integration and participation. Community Employment continues to be the major focus of AID Day Services. We are always on the lookout for client job and volunteer opportunities.
Behavioral Health Services has also seen growth in 2017. The Aurora-based AID Community Support Team will open a second unit after the New Year which will serve the Elgin and McHenry communities. The Children and Family Outpatient program is preparing for a move from Aurora to North Aurora in February; allowing for expansion of both this and the Adult Outpatient and Substance Use program to reduce wait times.
Both Supported Living and Supervised Residential Services continue to grow in response to need throughout Kane, Kendall, McHenry and DeKalb counties. AID is collaborating with several tax credit partners to expand affordable apartment living opportunities with support services. Outpatient, Supported Living, Community Support Team and Law Enforcement Coordination services expanded in McHenry County, including a new location in Harvard. Thanks to grants from the McHenry Mental Health Board, AID provided Law Enforcement Coordination Services to Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Huntley and Woodstock Police Departments.
To date, we have successfully raised $2.2 million in support of the Capital Campaign. Members of the AID leadership team continue to meet with AID families and friends asking for increased volunteer and financial support to complete the campaign. #ILGIVE Giving Tuesday raised over $53,000, thank you to all that helped to make this possible.
Thanks once again to our employees, volunteers, friends, families and partners who help sustain this wonderful organization that supports more than 6,500 individuals each year. We simply could not do what we do without your continued commitment and generous spirit.
AID President, Lynn O’Shea
OUR MISSION: To empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purposeABOUT AID: AID is a nonprofit, community-based organization that serves more than 6,500 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 Sycamore area 630.966.4475 Yorkville area 630.966.4450 Crisis Line 630.966.9393
PAGE 2
2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOP ROW: Dr. Timothy Brown (Secretary), Chuck Miles, Matt Bretz,
Patrick Flaherty (Chairman), David De La Fuente, James Gould
BOTTOM ROW: Diana Law, Tanya Meyers, Inez Toledo, AID President Lynn O’Shea, Toni Vaughan*, Mary Duncan
NOT PICTURED: Clifford Klotz, Dr. John Knewitz*
Dan Lundberg (Treasurer), Dr. Melinda Tejada (Vice Chairman)
AID HOUSING BOARD
OFFICERS Walt Dwyer
Chairman, HUD
Dan LundbergChairman, CHDO
DIRECTORS Guy Czymrid
Karen Maki
Chuck Miles
Rick Poulton
John Potter
Carolyn Russell*Term ended in FY17
AID McHenry Services continue to Expand and ThriveIn many ways, McHenry County is new “territory” for AID. Over the past 15 months, McHenry services blossomed from the “Magnificent Seven” (initial staff) to 14 paid staff; most of whom are Master’s-level clinicians and two Master’s-level interns.
AID now provides Bilingual Outpatient Behavioral Services to over 500 unique individuals in three new locations in McHenry, Woodstock, and Harvard. AID will soon offer family-based counseling services to fill a gap identified by the McHenry Mental Health Board. The AID McHenry Supported Living Program, which opened a year ago, has offered care to over 78 clients and currently serves 54 residents with in-home, community and office services.
The AID McHenry psychiatric program offers care to 20 to 30 patients weekly through Tele-health (remote access to treatment) and face to face care. Tele-health allows AID to reach residents of the county who reside in more rural areas. The AID McHenry Drop-In Center offers complimentary recovery groups, discussions, activities and socialization for any county resident who has completed or is in the process of completing formal treatment. The future looks bright for AID McHenry and for clients receiving vital AID services.
PAGE 3
“100 Women Who Care” Give Funds for Vital AID Programs and ServicesIn August of 2017, The St. Charles, Illinois division of “100 Women Who Care” generously donated $6,000 to AID. Each member of the networking group of influential women contributes $100, four times a year, and vote on charities or non-profits which merit a financial donation.
AID will use this generous gift to fund vital, life-enriching services that promote the highest level of independence and community immersion for individuals with developmental, intellectual, behavioral and mental health challenges..
AID Crisis Line of the Fox Valley Seeks VolunteersDo you have great communication skills and enjoy helping people? The AID Crisis Line of the Fox Valley is seeking candidates to assist individuals who place calls to the crisis line. Volunteers provide assistance to persons with a wide variety of needs and concerns including depression, anxiety, loneliness and substance abuse.
AID also offers many other unique volunteer opportunities in Aurora, Elgin, Batavia and Yorkville including assisting with arts & crafts projects; teaching special classes such as cooking or basic computer skills; or coordinating community outings. The gift of time, talent and compassion can change a life. To apply to become a volunteer, visit
www.AIDcares.org and click on “Volunteer” under the “Support” tab or call AID Volunteer Coordinator Maureen at 630.966.4020.
PAGE 4
On October 12, 2017, AID hosted the Annual Benefit Auction at the scenic Fishermen’s Inn in Elburn. Hundreds of items and vacations were available for bidding during the live and silent auctions with all proceeds benefitting over 6,500 children and adults who receive AID services.
The most notable moment of the evening arrived when AID client Marvin spoke to a captive audience about how AID employment and psychiatric support has significantly improved his life. “The employment services at AID helped me tremendously with job hunting, résumé preparation and interview skills,” said Marvin. “I continue to use AID psychiatric services to further improve myself.”
The next AID Auction will be on October 11th.Additional details will be posted at AIDcares.org.
AID Hosts Successful Annual Benefit Auction
WITH EVERY AMAZON.COM PURCHASE!SUPPORT AID
YOU SHOP
AID SMILES!
- Visit smile.amazon.com
- Sign-in or create an amazon.com account
- Search and select Association for Individual Development as your supported charity
Quick & Easy Set-Up! AID will receive 0.5% of all AmazonSmile purchases!
Bookmark and always visit smile.amazon.com
(instead of amazon.com)
PAGE 5
AID Relishes Another Successful #ILGIVE “Giving Tuesday”An incredible $53,174 was raised for AID on #ILGIVE “Giving Tuesday” (November 28, 2017) thanks to 230 individual donors.
In 2012, a New York non-profit created “Giving Tuesday” to bolster communities and spur online giving following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. To help leverage social media and create a statewide giving movement in Illinois, #ILGIVE was created for the first Tuesday in December.
#ILGIVE “Giving Tuesday” donations were matched by the Coleman Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation and Dunham Fund. AID is once again amazed at the overwhelming support received. Despite reaching the original goal of $47,000 around 6:00 p.m., donations continued to pour in. So much generosity helped place AID at the #6 spot for most funds raised and #3 spot for most donors in the state of Illinois.
Aurora Township Referendum to Fund Vital Senior Developmental Disabilities ServicesThe senior population of Aurora Township grew by 27.5% from 2005 to 2015. At the same time, those 85 and older grew by 34%. The senior population is living longer and facing increasing physical and financial challenges. Community Waiting lists now exist for some services.
With state and local funding cuts, the cost of providing services exceeds the revenue available; forcing some to be eliminated. The number of households providing care to frail seniors is growing by leaps and bounds. Nearly every family has or will have experience with these problems. In the Fox Valley area, annual nursing home costs are $68,000.
On March 20, 2018, Aurora Township residents will vote on the “Aurora Township Senior Referendum” which asks for a minimal tax contribution to benefit seniors. Funding is needed to secure services for seniors so they remain well and living independently. The best and most cost efficient way to secure a solid future and excellent quality of life for seniors is to assure funding of proven high quality services. Vital funds will
support Adult Protective Services, Care Management, Transportation, Veterans Services, Developmental Disabilities Services and many more.
Santa Claus found time to visit the Keeler Center
amongst his busy schedule; much to the delight
of AID clients.
The AID Aktion Club(in partnership with the
Kiwanis Club of Elgin) “rang the bell” for the Salvation
Army Red Kettle campaign.
On August 22, Caterpillar, Inc. employees took time out
of their day to add a fresh coat of paint to an
AID Batavia group home.
In September, AID Keeler Center clients enjoyed a
gorgeous day at Blackberry Farms in Aurora thanks to several community donors.
AID Keeler Center clients look forward to Therapeutic
Dog Fridays where they pet and play with several
adorable dogs and puppies.
AID Elgin Glee Club performed Holiday hits thanks
to the guidance of Northern Illinois Special Recreation
Association (NISRA).
AID Behavioral Health staff members Samantha Adamski
& Cheryl Banasiak recently graduated from the IARFuture
Leadership Initiative.
Behavioral Health clients living at Sherman Apts.
worked together to create a tiny town to bring holiday
cheer to all the residents.
Carole Peters, Executive Director of United Way of Greater McHenry, visited AID in McHenry for a tour and photo op with staff.
AID Staff Member Receives “Shining Star” AwardSTARS Program Manager Allison Short received the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) 2017 Shining Star Award for her dedication to ensuring the success of the STARS Community Day Services Program.
STARS is a collaborative effort between AID and FVSRA and focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by helping them build life skills through active community based therapeutic recreation participation. The ultimate goal of STARS is to connect AID clients with community based jobs.
“I started working with the STARS program in August of 2016,” explained Short. “And to be recognized in this capacity by my colleagues at FVSRA is very special to me. I am proud of all the things we have accomplished with the help of FVSRA and our STARS program staff, as well as expanding our programs into four locations. Our team at STARS will continue to provide fun and engaging community day services programs for all of our participants.” In August, AID opened a fourth STARS program at Faith Lutheran Church in Aurora.
Elgin Housing Authority Partners with AID to Offer Supported Living Services ProgramThe Elgin Housing Authority and AID recently launched a Supported Living Services Program to benefit Elgin Housing Authority residents. This service assists residents who have developmental and mental health challenges by enhancing daily living skills, helping individuals access health care and securing counseling services.
“Many individuals with developmental and mental health issues have very limited incomes and find the lower rent offered through the Housing Authority a good match to their budgets,” explained Lynn O’Shea, President of AID. “Offering AID support services on site and in their apartments makes it far easier for them to secure assistance when/as needed. AID is delighted with the Elgin Housing Authority partnership arrangement. It is a win-win for all involved.”
For more information about the supported living services program, contact Dawn Guler at [email protected] . PAGE 7
Beverly Borla BonineMary Trippon
Mary Ellen PavlakWanita ChevalierCorey & Sherri ClarkAdam & Juli EgglestonCharles & Nancy JewisonTom & Lynn O’SheaDorothy PatzerNorman & Laura
Salamone
Jon Craig SimmonsDavid & Mary
Anne NobleTom & Lynn O’Shea
Minnie SteinbergLarry & Marla ElsbergMarilyn Katz
HONORARIUMS1/1/17 - 6/30/17
MEMORIALS 1/1/17 - 6/30/17
GRANTS & DONATIONS1/1/17 - 6/30/17 | $50 OR MORE
Altrusa International Club
of Elgin
Lyle & Judy Anderson
Anderson Graphics Inc.
Apace Vision
Arthur J. Gallagher
& Company
Assurance Agency Ltd
Astro Auto Repair Service
Center Inc. (Aurora)
Back Atcha Apparel LLC
Lynn Baker
Benjamin AlexanderGreg & Patrice
Alexander
Stafford & Wendy Davis
Dale & Pam Nass
Brad TorrenceJayne Lambis
Minnie Steinberg (cont.) Tom & Lynn O’SheaJoy Springer
Eleanor SpringerJoy SpringerAbe Steinberg
& Candy GoldsteinTom & Lynn O’SheaMary Trippon
Helen WhiteEllen AverettMargaret DuffJill GlanzmanMark HunterJohn & Jean JohnsonPatrick & Janet KealyCynthia LawtonMichael & MarySue LloydTom & Lynn O’SheaTom & Barb PfaffRichard & Mary Treinen
Helen White (cont.) Janet WalstromPatricia WalstromThomas & Deborah
Walstrom
Chuck & Penny Cassell
Caterpillar Foundation
City of Aurora
Dale & Cosette Clegg
Mary Lou Conover
Cosmopolitan
International
Club of Elgin
Country Financial
Joanne Crawford
Lynn Curylo
Randy & Debby Dalton
Baker Creek Heirloom
Seed Company
Larry & Peggy Barry
Batavia Mothers’ Club
Angela Bateman
Johan & Carol Bayer
Beef Villa (S. Elgin)
Marion Begalka
Bennett Law Firm, LLC
William & Alyson Beucler
Bethany Lutheran Church
(Batavia)
Thomas & Sue Blakemore
Joseph & Inga Borowski
Ronald & Donna Bosh
Linda Bressler
Matthew* & Brittany Bretz
Dr. Timothy*
& Susan Brown
Susan Burge
Margaret Bussey
Jeffrey & Pat Butler
Mary Cappello
Michael & Noelle Carani
GRANTS & DONATIONS1/1/17 - 6/30/17 | $50 OR MORE
David* & Donna
De La Fuente
Andrea De Leos
Marion Dodd
Brian & Kathy Dolan
Sandy Donovan
Douglas Coleman -
Home Solutions
Robert Dore & Diana Law*
Dan Dowling
Damon & Mary* Duncan
Dundee Township
Dundee Township
Lions Club
Sandra Dunkerley
Walter & Janet Dwyer
Eby-Brown Company
Eby-Brown Foundation
EFS Foundation
Maureen Egan
Rita Ehrenberg
Elgin Community College
Elgin State Bank
Elgin Township
Carolyn Emanuel
George & Denise Engeln
Euclid Beverage
(North Aurora)
Exelon
Peter Fennell
Donald & Terrie Ferrell
First Alert
Carol FitzHenry
Patrick* & Judith Flaherty
Alan & Amy Flota
Forum Novelties
Florence Fullwood
Sylvia Garcia
Geneva 708
Mental Health
Commission
John Georgeson
John & Joanne Gerlach
Andrew & Ronda Glowaty
Delores Glynn
Melva Jo Gordon
James Gould*
& Jenna Korenstra
Grand Victoria
Foundation
GU Energy
Hanover Township
Mental Health Board
Kathy Hazelwood
Linus & Pat Heine
Mark & Sarah Heiss
Heritage Crystal Clean
Charles & Carla Herrera
Jack & Diane Hienton
John & Nichola Hilligoss
Hogan Plumbing, Inc.
Hollywood Casino (Aurora)
Peter Holmes
Kevin & Susan Hopper
Horizon Industries
Stanley & Ann Horst
Ron & Carole Hosler
David & Cathy Hoyda
Chris Huege
Hydrox Laboratories
Illinois Tool Works
Foundation
Inspired Endurance
Jarosch Bakery (Elk Grove)
Jeans & A Cute Top
(St. Charles)
Kenneth & Carol Johnson
Robert Johnson
& Candice Hadley
Mendel Jones
& Florence Fullwood
Susan Jump
Colette Jung
James & Donna Katek
Thomas & Marilyn Kees
Rakesh & Anu Khetarpal
Kiwanis Club of Elgin
Kiwanis Club of Geneva
Clifford* & Marilynn Klotz
Curtis & Angela Klotz
Sandra Knipp
Knights of Columbus
Council #12497
Knights of Columbus
Council #2191
Knights of Columbus
Council #4849
Knights of Columbus
Council #654
Knights of Columbus
Council #14795
Knights of Columbus
Council #14825
Konen Insurance
Frank & Sharon Kostel
Jeff & Janet Krahn
The Krause Family
Tom & Pat Krave
Kreativ Edge (Oswego)
Peter & Carol Krysciak
Bruce Kuehl
Susan Kuen Gregory
Lauderdale Electric
Chris & Eva Laurenzi
Esther Lebbin
Lock Laces/
Positive Distribution
LLC
William Loftus
Martha Long
Owen & Sue Lowrey
Dan* & Melissa Lundberg
Lynfred Winery (Roselle)
Magnetrol
International Inc.
Management Solutions
of Illinois Inc
Raj & Dolly Mandrelle
Michael & Margaret Mayer
McAlister’s Deli
Patrick & Mary McCloskey
Karla Mccoy
Mary McCloskey -
Francissen
Pamela McGoughy
John & Gwen McKee
McHenry County Building
Trades Council
McHenry County
Mental Health Board
Tom McTavish
John & Mary Mehaffey
Clem & Susan Mejia
Ted & Tanya* Meyers
Craig Mielke & Inez
Toledo*
Chuck* & Sheri Miles
Michael & Teresa Milewski
Millbrook United
Methodist Church
Linda Minuth
David & Karen Moore
Douglas & Christine
Morris
Fred & Wendy Mosier
Edward Murtaugh
Mystic Clothing LLC/
Alexander Del Rossa
Nageswarar & Sujini
Nagarakanti
Leon Natonek
David & Pamela
Neisendorf
Pete & Barb Nomellini
Northern Tier Energy, LLC.
NorthStar Credit Union
Robert Novack
Oberweis Foundation
Tom & Lynn O’Shea
Panther Vision
Raymond & Sherida Parks
Thomas & Joan
Patterman
Steven & Kari Pedersen
Christine Pickett
Jennifer Plotzke
& David Chiavaroli
Polar Bottle/
Product Architects
Larry Polly
John & Suzanne Potter
Margaret Prisco
Martha Prisco
Robert & Mary Pritchard
Proven Business Systems
Jim Quilico
John Rauschenberger
Mike & Lori
Rauschenberger
Steven & Betty
Rauschenberger
Rose Reid
David & Jennifer Reuland
Norm & Gina Richter
Keith & Deborah Riddell
Linda Rohr
Rotary Club of Batavia
Running On The Wall
David & Pam Schweitzer
Melvin Sebayan
Lisa See
Frederick & Nicole
Serverson
Jack & Marlene Shales
Charles & Janis Sharpless
Cecelia Silber
Cheryl & Craig Simoncelli
Bruce & Kathy Simpson
David & Suzanne Smith
Thomas & Barbara Smith
Sock Smith
Speed Laces
St. Charles Golden “K”
Kiwanis Club
Rose & Vincent Stanek
Joseph & Tracy Steffen
Abe Steinberg
& Candy Goldstein
Kris Stoneman
Sugar Grove Township
Superior Beverage
(Montgomery)
Jeanne Svob
Sally Swiss
Marcos & Melinda* Tejada
Greg & Andrea Torrence
Steven Torres
Tim & Debbie Torres
Trails Heads
Trinity Episcopal Church
Mary Trippon
Trust Company of Illinois
Norm & Shirley Turner
Turtle Fur
Robert Unger
United Way of Elgin
United Way of Fox Valley
United Way of Batavia
United Way of Greater
McHenry County
Bob & Toni* Vaughan
Perialwar & Usharani
Venkataramanujam
Frank & Lisa Vignieri
Matt & Miriam Wade-
Hicks
John & Sherry Walton
Waubonsee
Community College
Mary Webb
Brian & Katherine Webster
Jackie & Gary Weigand
Barbara Weiner
Weldstar
Philip & Debra Wenger
David & Rose White
Windy Acres Farm
Ronald & Gemma Winters
Thomas & Christine Wood
Yorkville
Congregational Church
Joe Zieske
John Zweibohmer
*Indicates Board Member
GRANTS & DONATIONS1/1/17 - 6/30/17 | $50 OR MORE
UPCOMING EVENTS
AID is seeking both entry level and experienced professionals for our growing organization.
Open full-time and part-time positions are available immediately. Help provide community-based services to individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health issues in training or group home settings.
Multiple positions are available in Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Elgin, McHenry, St. Charles and Yorkville.
View and apply for open positions at www.AIDcares.org or use our kiosk at the AID Aurora Main Office or Elgin Center.
Questions? Contact Kevin at 630. 966. 4028
BUNCO BENEFIT BASH - SATURDAY, APRIL 28 TH
ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS NIGHT - WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 TH
Join us as we recognize client achievement and honor the generosity and dedication of volunteers, community supporters, and employees who helped make 2017 a success for AID. The Annual Meeting is open to the public; a complimentary light dinner is provided. Please R.S.V.P. to Wendy Bialek by May 2ND at 847.931.2294 or [email protected].
AID COLOR BURST 5K FUN RUN & ROLL - JUNE 2018 (DATE AND TIME TBA) Runners, walkers and wheelchair riders will be blasted with color in this fun-filled family event to benefit AID and our mission to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. Keep an eye on AIDcares.org for registration and volunteer opportunities!
Get ready to roll the dice and have fun at the AID Bunco Benefit Bash on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the AID Elgin Center (1135 Bowes Rd.).“Check-in” begins at 12:30pm with games starting at 1pm. Save $5 on registration by signing up early online! Visit www.AIDcares.org and click the events tab at the top of the page. Questions? Contact Wendy Bialek at 847.931.2294 or [email protected].
309 New Indian Trail CourtAurora, Illinois 60506-2494www.AIDcares.org