featuring
CHANTÉ MOORE
October 13, 2018
HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO Crystal Ballroom
Melvin L. Brooks Board Chairperson
Donald J. Dew President/CEO
Cynthia Washington Fundraising Chair
On behalf of our consumers, staff and board, we welcome you to our 40th Anniversary Jazz With Pizzazz Gala Celebration featuring Chante Moore. Forty years ago, Habilitative Systems, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit human service agency to “alleviate human suffering by developing and providing resources to promote dignity, self-sufficiency and empowerment for humanity…” Thousands of persons experiencing various life challenges continue to receive quality service intervention. Over the last year 40 years, we are pleased to have achieved the following: • Awarded HUD and Chicago Department funding totaling over $ 20 million dollars to construct 160 units of senior and disability housing. • Received 7th consecutive Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities accreditation with six exemplary commendations. • Hosted international delegations of African, Caribbean and European Social Workers and Criminal Justice professionals. • Expanded research and education initiatives providing intern opportunities from over twenty (20) colleges and universities. • Secured Cook County Health and Hospitals System funding to launch Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center in partnership with Bobby Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center. • Assembled 8,000 telephones for 1996 Democratic National Convention. • Manufactured thousands of pillows for various airlines and Amtrak. • Complied with all regulatory, certifications and licensing requirements. • Became largest African-American provider of Child Welfare services in Illinois. • Became exemplary Illinois provider; Early Intervention for Children of Incarcerated Parents. • Became fiscal agent for deinstitutionalization and infant mortality reduction programs. • Secured six consecutive “finding free” independent audits. Certainly, these accomplishments represented above, and over the past 40 years, would not be possible without your generous support. We especially want to thank our Federal, County, State and City Agencies as well as Corporate and Foundation entities for their continued financial support: Illinois Dept. of Human Services: Divisions of Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, Office of Prevention and Family Health, Illinois Dept. of Children and Family Services • Illinois Dept. of Corrections • US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development • Chicago Dept. of Housing, Human Services and Disabilities • United Way of Metropolitan Chicago • Chicago Public Schools • Private Donors • Foundations • Corporations Again, thank you!
Melvin L. Brooks Board Chairperson
Donald J. Dew President/CEO
~1~
Cynthia Washington Fundraising Chair
~4~
~5~
~6~
October 13, 2018
Habilitative Systems, Inc. 415 South Kilpatrick Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60644
Congratulations! As Governor of the State of Illinois, I am pleased to congratulate Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI) on the celebration of its 40th anniversary. For the past 40 years, HSI has provided behavioral health and human services programs to individuals and families in underserved communities in the Chicago area. HSI has always served those who need help the most, including people with disabilities, seniors, at-risk youth, and adults with mental illness. In recent years, HSI has made addressing neighborhood violence and the opioid crisis some of their top priorities. I commend you for your service to Illinois. To celebrate an anniversary such as this is a significant milestone for any organization. This is an excellent opportunity to reflect on all you have accomplished during the past 40 years and to make plans for the future that build upon past success. The longevity of HSI. is truly a testament to the relationships you have developed throughout the years. I have no doubt you will continue to thrive for many years to come. Once again, it is my honor to join in commemorating the 40th anniversary of Habilitative Systems, Inc. On behalf of the people of Illinois, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable occasion.
Sincerely,
Bruce Rauner Governor, State of Illinois
~7~
~8~
~9~
~ 10 ~
~ 11 ~
~ 12~
~ 13 ~
~ 14 ~
~ 15 ~
~ 16 ~
~ 17 ~
~ 18 ~
~ 19 ~
~ 20 ~
~ 21 ~
~ 22 ~
October 02, 2018 October 02, 2018 Dear Friends, Dear Friends,
On behalf of the City of Chicago and the Office of the City Clerk, I would like to thank On of the City ofyou Chicago theofOffice of the City Clerk, I would like to thank youbehalf and congratulate on 40and years service. you and congratulate you on 40 years of service.
Habilitative Systems, Inc. has a rich history of serving the West Side including the Habilitative Systems, Inc. has a rich history of serving the West Side including the North Lawndale, West Garfield, Austin and Englewood neighborhoods with services North Lawndale, West Garfield, Austin and Englewood with services to address the particular needs of the community. Yourneighborhoods dedication to serving every to address the particular needs of the community. Your dedication to serving every person in need – from those with developmental disabilities to young people at-risk person in need – from those developmental disabilities to young at-risk to seniors and those who facewith substance abuse challenges – has helpedpeople to make to seniors and those who face substance abuse challenges – has helped to make Chicago a better city. I look forward to many more years of service from HSI. Chicago a better city. I look forward to many more years of service from HSI.
On behalf of the people of Chicago, I applaud you on your commitment to the On behalfChicago of the people of Chicago, I applaud you commitment to the broader community and congratulate youononyour celebrating so many incredible broader Chicago community and congratulate you on celebrating so many incredible years of service. years of service. All the best, All the best,
Anna M. Valencia Anna M. Valencia City Clerk of Chicago City Clerk of Chicago
~ 23 ~
~ 24 ~
~ 25~
~ 26 ~
~ 27 ~
~ 28 ~
START REACHING YOUR GOALS
Home Loans, Car Loans, Personal Loans, and more! Call, click, or visit us today! Bensenville • Chicago-North Av • Chicago-Ashland Av • Chicago-Taylor St 25+ area locations! 1-877-866-0202 www.oldsecond.com Member FDIC
40th Anniversary Gala Sponsors Reception Sponsor
Friends of HSI Donald J. Dew Dr. Karen Dixon Richard Jackson Dr. Mary Milano LaShawn Stanton Michele Williams Gift of Hope Ken Southward New Age Services Proven Business Systems Ralph G. Moore & Associates Dr. Helen Gardner Sharon Butler ~ 31 ~
Timeline 1978 - 2018
1978 1980
1978
1980 1991 1996
1997 2002 2003 2005
2009
1991
1996 1997
2002
2003
2005 2009
HSI is formed and incorporated by the Claire Christian United Methodist Church Ministry and becomes the first African American agency to operate a licensed group home (Drake House) for adolescent boys, and to operate a sheltered workshop for people with Developmental Disabilities. From 1978 - 1992, HSI grew in public funding from $350k - $12M HSI opened a special education school and a developmental training center, providing employment and housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and reducing the need for institutionalization. HSI is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and has maintained this national accreditation since that time. First human service agency in Illinois to serve as fiscal agent to the South African Health Care Coalition. Shipped two ambulances to South Africa. Assembled 8000 telephones for the 1996 Democratic Nation Convention. - Became one of the largest child welfare agencies in Illinois servicing over 500 children in foster care and adoption and employing over 200 foster parents and staff HSI expanded pillow manufacturing contracts to United and Eastern Airlines, also Amtrak passenger lines while providing opportunities for training and employment for clients with developmental disabilities. - Opened and operated Ameritech and Peoples Gas Bill Payment Center. Completed five scattered site living facilities specially designed for persons with disabilities; This 5m project was funded with HUD 811 and City of Chicago funding. HSI Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Tour of the HSI Elois McCoy Village Apartments. - This $4.5M project was funded with HUD 202 and City of Chicago funding to construct the Elois McCoy 60 unit senior facility. HSI launches program to serve children of incarcerated parents and continues program through 2012. - In March 2005, HSI established a janitorial services franchise with ServiceMaster. AbleServ, Inc. a for profit subsidiary of HSI, operated through 2012, and secured cleaning contracts a Rush University Medical Center, Jesse Brown VA Hospital, ABC Bank and Coca-Cola. Collaborated with the Center for Research on Women and Gender (CRWG) at the University of Illinois at Chicago to submit the organization’s first research grant with CRWG
~ 32 ~
40 Years of Quality Behaviorial Health Services
2010 2011 2012 2013 2013-2016 2014 2017
2010 2011
2012 2013 20132016 2014 2017 2018
2018
HSI is awarded an Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition Broadband Technical Opportunity Program grant to provide low income Seniors and people with disabilities new computer skills, improved communication and better access to valuable information and combatting isolation. HSI celebrated the Grand Opening of the Enola A. Dew Apartments, a 60-unit apartment complex designed to provide affordable, state of the art senior housing. The complex is located at 4623 West Gladys. The addition of this facility adds to the quality of life for the elderly in this community. - Funding for this project provided by HUD and the City of Chicago. HSI expands it’s services to the Englewood community to combat mental illness and violence through it’s Urban Behavioral Health Services Institute (UBHSI) HSI secures funding to implement an electronic health records system. HSI’s ability to serve the Westside’s most vulnerable was severely impacted by the 2015-2016 state fiscal crisis, this also had a chilling effect on some of our most committed supporters such as foundations, major donors, and public funders. HSI collaborated with nine agencies to form an LLC as part of its implementation of the Affordable Care Act. HSI receives $200,000 Restorative Grant for Adolescents. - HSI receives 4.7 Million three-year grant for Adults in Crisis/Mental Health and Opioid Addictions. The Westside Community Triage & Wellness Center is a strategic partnership between Habilitative Systems, Inc., Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Mental Health Center, and Cook County Health and Hospital Systems to mitigate violence and trauma on Chicago’s Westside. The Westside Community Triage & Wellness Center serves as an oasis of wellness to provide screening/assessments, crisis intervention, intensive case management services, psychotropic medications, referrals, and follow up to all our clients and family members.
~ 33 ~
Larry T. Byrd HSI’s 1st Executive Director (1978 1989) was committed to quality human services at the community-based level. His motto, “What Gets Monitored Gets Done,” still guides our Performance Management metrics resulting in continuous Accreditation, Licensing, Certification, finding-free Independent Audits and key stakeholder support!
~ 34 ~
Williams House
60651 MI CILA
Phillips House
Clara Hope
Bright House
60644
60624
Tabitha House
Emergency Housing
60612 Exum House 60608 ARCH
Enola Dew Apartments
LeFlore House McCoy Village HSI Main Facility
WCTWC
UBHSI
SITE ARCH Clara Hope House Elois McCoy Village Apartments Enola A. Dew Apartments Delores Exum House Emergency Housing Hazel Phillips House HSI Main Facility MI CILA Leola Spann House Nola Bright House
A ADDRESSD 2929 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60616 1049 N. Drake, Chicago, IL 60651 4850 W. Van Buren, Chicago, IL 60644 4603 W. Gladys, Chicago, IL 60644 3421 W. Huron, Chicago, IL 60651 915 N Massasoit, Chicago, IL 60651 5027 W. Maypole, Chicago, IL, 60644 415 S. Kilpatrick, Chicago, IL, 60644 4234 W. Potomac, Chicago, IL 60651 4732 W. Ohio, Chicago, IL 60644 4854 W. Fulton, Chicago, IL 60644
Westside Community Triage and 4133 W. Madison, Chicago, IL 60612 Wellness Center Urban Behavioral Health Services Institute (UBHSI)
6845 S. Western, Chicago, IL, 60636
60636
60621
SERVICES ACT Resources for the Chronically Homeless MI Residential Senior Apartments Senior Apartments DD Residential MI Residential DD Residential MI Outpatient, AOD Outpatient, Child and Adolescence MI, AOD Halfway House, DD Employment and Training MI Residential Williams Decree Supervised Residential DD Residential Walk-in, Hotline, and Mobile Crisis services operating 24-hours, 7-days a week. • The wellness component of the center uses a wholistic approach to health, healing and wellness. MI Outpatient
~ 35 ~
Gala Co-Chairs Lester Coney Executive Vice President Mesirow Financial Lester Coney serves as an executive vice president in Mesirow Financial’s Office of the Chairman. He is responsible for originating and nurturing new business opportunities, working with key external stakeholders while expanding and maintaining client relationships across the firm’s business lines. Les joined the firm in 2006 and has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Mesirow, Les served as Aon’s national sales director. Les’ passion for connecting and serving others blends into his role as a civic leader. He was the first African American chairman of the Goodman Theatre’s board and named a life trustee. Additionally, he is proud to serve as a trustee for the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago. Appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts for the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, his passion for the arts and civic betterment has led him to serve as the founding chairman of the Congo Square Theatre Company and, currently, as the board secretary of Wade’s World Foundation. He is a board member of the Lookingglass Theatre, serves on the board of governors of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and sits on the Brain Trust Committee. Les has been honored by the Happiness Club, the Chicago Area Morehouse Alumni Association, the Chicago Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Kohl Children’s Museum, and received the 2012 MVP Award from the Wade’s World Foundation, the N’Digo Foundation’s N’Corporate award and the 100 Club of Chicago’s Philanthropic Leadership Award.
Emmett T. Vaughn Director – Office of Diverse Business Empowerment Exelon Corporation In this role at Exelon, Emmett provides strategic direction and oversight for over $ 2.1 Billion of business done between Exelon and diversity certified businesses (DCB’s) annually. Additionally he serves the corporate investment and finance group on their interface with minority investment bankers managing over $2 Billion dollars of Exelon financial assets. Over $4.5 Billion dollars in “new business” for DCB’s has been realized under Emmett’s leadership, and in 2017 Exelon became the first utility company to be inducted into the Billion Dollar Roundtable of excellence for Corporate Supplier Diversity. In 2000 he spent a year as a “loaned executive advisor” to Reverend Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH coalition on various national minority business development and civil rights projects. The foundation of his professional expertise was cultivated as a senior consultant leading the diversity practice group for RGMA Consulting, a Chicago based management consulting firm. Additional Fortune 500 corporate experiences include developing the supplier diversity strategies for Albertsons Inc., and at RR Donnelley & Sons Company. Throughout his career he has several awards for professional achievement including the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the US Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency for contribution to regional minority business growth. Recognized in 2011 by Minority Business News Magazine USA as one of the “Best Supplier Diversity Professionals of the past decade” and the same publication has recently listed him as one the “75 most influential executives in supplier diversity”.
~ 36 ~
Program Welcome...................................................................... Art Norman and Deborah Crable Acknowledgement of Special Guests and Sponsors................................ Melvin L. Brooks
HSI Board Chairman
Cynthia Washington HSI Board Fundraising Chair
Presentation of Legacy Leadership Awards............................ Congressman Danny Davis 7th District (IL)
Cynthia Tate, Ph.D.
Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development
Invocation Dinner is Served................................................................................................. Music by The Next Generation Band Adia Dew Remarks................................................................................................... Donald J. Dew
HSI President & CEO
Presentation of Legacy Leadership Awards............................................. Ralph G. Moore RGMA
Cynthia Washington
Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, AHA
Melvin L. Brooks
The Cochran Firm
Presentation of Freeing the Human Spirit Awards................................. Pamela Rakestraw
SCR Medical Transportation
Stanley Rakestraw
SCR Medical Transportation
Tom Skilling
WGN-Television
Remarks
Les Coney, Gala Co-Chair
Mesirow Financial
HSI Love................................................................................................... Thomas Finch Musical Performance................................................................................. ChantĂŠ Moore Dancing ~ 37 ~
Legacy Leadership Honorees Congressman Danny K. Davis 7th Congressional District (IL) Danny K. Davis was chosen by the people of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois as their Representative in Congress on November 5, 1996 and has been re-elected by large majorities to succeeding Congresses. In the 115th Congress, Representative Davis has been reappointed to the Committee on Ways and Means. He is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Human Resources and a member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Trade. Congressman Davis is a member of several Congressional Caucuses including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Urban Caucus, the Community Health Center’s Caucus, the Congressional Sugar Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Re-entry. Congressman Davis has distinguished himself as an articulate voice for his constituents and as an effective legislator able to move major bills to passage. Prior to his election to the Congress he served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners having been elected in November 1990 and reelected in November 1994. Previously, he served for eleven years as a member of the Chicago City Council as Alderman of the 29th Ward. Congressman Davis has received hundreds of awards and citations for outstanding work in the areas of health, education, human relations, politics and advocacy including six honorary Doctorate Degrees from well-known Colleges and Universities.
Cynthia L. Tate, Ph.D. Executive Director Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development As the Executive Director for GOECD, Cynthia L. Tate leads strategic partnerships with state agency leadership and private sector partners to develop and implement early childhood policy across multiple state agencies. Dr. Tate is responsible for ensuring that the vision and strategic objectives for Illinois’ early childhood system are integrated and coordinated with child and family focused state-wide initiatives, such as the Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Youth. The GOECD is tasked with coordinating the work of the Illinois Early Learning Council. Cynthia L. Tate holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fisk University and a doctorate in clinical /community psychology from the State University of New York at Albany. She completed her Clinical/Community Psychology Internship at Rush Medical Center. She has more than twenty years of experience as a clinician, administrator, educator, and consultant. She served on the faculty of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Tate came to her current position from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where she was the Senior Deputy for Programs, Practice, Quality and Research. Dr. Tate led the department’s clinical practice, professional development, quality improvement, education divisions, and the Early Childhood Developmental Screening program. Previously, as the Deputy Director for the Office of Child Well-being, Dr. Tate led the implementation of the Title IV-E Waiver: Illinois Birth Thru Three demonstration project. Prior to her appointment as the Deputy Director, Office of Child Well-Being, Dr. Tate was the Deputy Director for the Division of Clinical Practice and Professional Development of IDCFS. She led a professional statewide staff of clinical social workers, consulting psychologists, developmental screeners, and experts in trauma-informed practice.
~ 38 ~
Legacy Leadership Honorees Ralph G. Moore, CPA RGMA Ralph G. Moore, CPA, is president of Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA). Founded in 1979, Mr. Moore leveraged the skills he cultivated at Arthur Andersen & Co. to build one of America’s premier supplier diversity and minority business development consulting firms. Major clients have included Major League Baseball, Walmart, Dow Chemical, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, and DuPont. Ralph Moore’s involvement with HSI began in 1978 when he conducted the agency’s audit as an independent CPA. After RGMA transitioned from accounting to consulting in the early 1980s, Mr. Moore was invited to join the board of directors by HSI founder and Executive Director, Larry Byrd. He became Board Chair shortly thereafter and served in that capacity for several years. Since retiring from the board Ralph Moore has continued to be an avid HSI champion and benefactor. Mr. Moore has received numerous awards and recognitions during his distinguished career including the Ron Brown Award from the Chicago Minority Business Development Council and the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s Leadership Award which is the organization’s highest honor awarded to a CEO of a minority business enterprise. In recognition of a lifetime of contributions to minority business development, Mr. Moore was inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame in 2015.
Cynthia M. Washington Institute for Diversity and Health Equity An affiliate of the American Hospital Association With over 20 years of service, Ms. Washington has held progressive project management positions within the American Hospital Association (AHA) and drives AHA’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the work of the association and among its membership. As Interim President of the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity (Institute), an affiliate of the American Hospital Association, Ms. Washington has skillfully executed the Institute’s strategies to empower health organizations to provide equitable care for all persons. In previous AHA roles, Ms. Washington was at the forefront of leading efforts to engage women and ethnically diverse health care executives and trustees in fostering leadership diversity and expanding opportunities for member engagement. Ms. Washington balances her professional endeavors with community service on local boards and professional associations. She served seven years as the first female board chair of Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI). She is the current chair of HSI’s Fundraising committee. Ms. Washington was recently appointed to the board of Diversity MBA Magazine, serves on the national board of the National Association of Health Service Executives (NAHSE) and is a member of its local Chicago chapter. She has served over 25 years as a trustee at Trinity United Church of Christ.
~ 39 ~
Legacy Leadership Honorees Melvin L. Brooks Managing Partner The Cochran Firm-Chicago
Melvin L. Brooks is a Managing Partner in The Cochran Firm-Chicago representing injury victims in wrongful death and serious personal injuries matters ranging from trucking and vehicular negligence, police misconduct, premises and products liability and medical negligence. From 2013-2018, Mr. Brooks was selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers list in the area of personal injury law. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. In 2015 and 2017, Mr. Brooks was selected among the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He was selected in 2008-2009 by the American Trial Lawyers Association as one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers.” Mr. Brooks has been successful in obtaining verdicts and settlements for his clients in excess of $40 million dollars. In September 2010, Mr. Brooks was named Board Chairperson for Chicago-based Habilitative Systems, Inc. (“HSI”), and continues to serve in that capacity. Among his many awards, Mr. Brooks received the Distinguished Service Award from the Women of Wisdom for his years of dedication to providing excellent legal service to the African American community, and serving as a mentor and role model for African American youths. In June 2012, the Cook County Bar Association honored Mr. Brooks by naming him the recipient of the Harold Washington Historical Award.
~ 40 ~
Freeing the Human Spirit Honorees Tom Skilling Chief Meteorologist WGN Television
Tom Skilling, WGN-TV chief meteorologist, appears weekdays on WGN Evening News from 5-7pm, WGN News at Nine and WGN News at Ten. He celebrates his 40th anniversary with WGN-TV in August 2018. Starting his successful career at the unheard-of age of 14, Tom was hired by WKKD in Aurora, IL, while attending West Aurora High School. He joined WLXT-TV three years later, while going to school during the day. In 1970, Tom moved to Madison, WI to study meteorology and journalism at the University of Madison-Wisconsin, while continuing to work in radio and television. Tom’s first television job was at age 18 in Aurora, IL, at WLXT-Channel 60. Then on to WKOW-TV (ABC affiliate) and WTSO radio in Madison, WI before going to work for WITI-TV, Milwaukee from 1975-1978, where he was rated the city’s #1 meteorologist. Tom joined WGN-TV on August 13, 1978. Since then, he has established himself as a respected meteorologist both locally and nationally, known for his in-depth reports, enthusiasm, and use of stateof-the-art technology. For over 30 years, Skilling was chief meteorologist on WGN Midday News as well as later newscasts. Tom Skilling has been awarded with three honorary doctorates from Lewis University, St. Mary’s of Minnesota and Aurora University. In early 2004, Tom helped coordinate the Tribune Weather Center, which combines the meteorology resources and expertise of WGN-TV, CLTV and the Chicago Tribune in one location. Since 1997, Skilling has been a driving force behind the Chicago Tribune’s weather page. Another element in the column is “Ask Tom Why,” in which Tom takes viewers’ questions and answers the “why” behind the weather. In October 2008, Tom and the Weather Center started providing weather reports to WGN Radio. He has also received an immense response for WGNtv.com weather blog. Over the past 38 years, Tom Skilling hosted a Tornado and Severe Storms Seminar at Fermilab. As host of the event, Skilling welcomed the ‘who’s who’ in the severe weather research and forecast community, including famed University of Chicago tornado researcher Dr. Ted Fujita. The Fermilab programs have been attended by thousands over the years and have been streamed to even larger audiences online. This year, Tom is speaking at numerous events throughout the Chicagoland area discussing climate change. So far this year he has hosted a talk to 200 area science teachers in Downers Grove, participated in a climate conference in Naperville, headed out to Palatine to address an Energy Expo sponsored by the Sierra Club, and has worked with the Mayor’s office several times. He emceed a conference of local mayors from across the Chicagoland community who are addressing climate change, as well as an awards event for mayors recognizing environment efforts in member cities (mayors and their representatives for the world’s 40 biggest cities which included the mayors of Paris and Mexico City and the Deputy Mayors of New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC). Finally, this June, Tom will be awarded the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) as their “2018 Broadcast Pioneer” honoree. From recording a podcast with Mayor Emmanuel about climate change to emceeing several events, Tom has maintained a very busy schedule. Friend Tom on Facebook at facebook.com/tomskilling
~ 41 ~
Freeing the Human Spirit Honorees Pamela M. Rakestraw President SCR Medical Transportation Pamela Rakestraw is co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of SCR Transportation. A former medical social worker and a daughter of civil rights activists, Pam’s passion and hands on development of the structure of SCR has made it the number one medical transportation company in Chicago. And as a fierce advocate of equality and justice, Pam has led the charge in implementing and protecting the rights of customers who face challenges.
Pam co-founded SCR in 1986, drawing on all her experience with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and hospitals to realize a vision of a company which would provide safe, efficient, smart and reliable transportation to the physically challenged community. Pam worked as Associate Director for Utilization Review and Physician Recruitment for a major HMO and as Assistant Director of Social Services and Utilization Review for a local hospital, prior to co-founding SCR. Pam and her husband Stan, with whom she co-founded SCR, have received numerous awards and much recognition for their achievements at SCR, including the Small Business Award from Bank of America. They have appeared in Crain’s Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, Jet Magazine and were featured on WLS T.V.’s Minority Business Report
Stanley C. Rakestraw Chief Operating Officer and Co- Founder SCR Medical Transportation
Stanley is an experienced and skilled financial manager who focuses extensively on quality service, customer satisfaction, and staff and intellectual asset development and profit As the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of SCR Medical Transportation, and his more than 30 years’ experience as a manager in healthcare and transportation, Stanley has learned how to motivate others to share his high standards and encourage them to strive for the same levels of quality and service that he espouses. A hands-on executive, Stanley has always maintained a close relationship with SCR’s customers, who can always reach him directly with complaints, compliments or just a greeting. Since co-founding SCR with his wife, Pamela in 1986, he has always felt that there should be direct contact between SCR’s customers and the company’s owners. This direct line of communication approach extends to all the internal workings of the company. His community service and support have centered on local community organizations, including, the Positive Force Youth Foundation, Urban Partnership Bank Board, Trinity Hospital, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Foundation, Flossmoor Country Club Board and the Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he has been on the Board of Directors for Gateway International and Metra Board.
~ 42 ~
Chanté Moore
Veteran, songwriter, producer singer extraordinaire Chanté Moore was born to sing! In fact her name in French literally means “to sing.” Born in San Francisco, California to Christian Evangelist parents, Chanté grew up singing in the church. She was heavily influenced by gospel icons Tramaine Hawkins, Andraé Crouch and her mother who was also a singer. With 7 albums under her belt, more than 20 charting singles, and collaborations with the likes of Prince, The Isley Brothers, R. Kelly and Babyface to name a few, Moore is a musical force to be reckoned with. Her 1992 debut album Precious went gold. Her A Love Supreme album came out two years later, followed by This Moment Is Mine, featuring the gold-selling “Chanté’s Got A Man.” In 2004 she won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R & B/Soul Single for the song “Contagious”, and in 2004 a “Greatest Hits” collection was issued. That same year Chanté signed with Arista Records and starred on the Las Vegas Strip in Bally’s “Jubilee” directed by Frank Gaston.
The NAACP Image Award and American Music Award winning artist has lent her unique vocal skills to the soundtracks of such films as Waiting to Exhale, Beverly Hills Cop III, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Romeo Must Die, and Big Momma’s House.
“My heart is overwhelmed with excitement and joy in life and my music,” she says. “I have more to give to my fans; more than meets the eye and the ear, more of the same, and more than what you expect!”
~ 43 ~
Past Honorees Feeing the Human Spirit Award 1996
2002
Cardiss Collins
Willie Hisey-Pierson
United States Representative
American Family Insurance
1997
Michael Scott
MMI Companies, Inc
AT&T Cable
1998
Cliff Kelley
Danny Davis
WVON
United States Congressman
Douglas L. Whitley
Rev. Willie Barrow
Ameritech Illinois President
Operation PUSH
1999
2003
Howard A. Peters
Tom Joyner
Illinois Department of Human Services
Tom Joyner Foundation
Jory Luster, Sr.
John E. Davis
Luster Products
CBS-2 Chicago
2000
2004
Kimberly A. Lightford
Barack Obama
Illinois State Senator – 4th District
U.S. Senator-Elect
Coy Pugh
Dorothy Tillman
Illinois State Representative – 10th District
Alderman – 3rd Ward
Isaac Carothers
Daryl M. Handy
Alderman/Democratic Ward Committeeman
Outgoing HSI Board President
2001
Larry Huggins Riteway Construction
Jess McDonald Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
Reginald “Hats” Adams
2005 Wanda Graham
Rush Presbyterian Medical Center
HSI – Outstanding Service Award
Willa Holden, Manager
2006
United Airlines
Dr. Carol Adams Illinois Department of Human Services
~ 44 ~
Past Honorees Feeing the Human Spirit Award
2007 Sam Scott
Theodora Binion Behavioral Health Pioneer Award
2015
ABC Bank
Gloria Brown Producer and Business Manager – WGN-TV
2008 Emil Jones, Jr.
2016
Illinois Senate President
Dr. Karen Barbee-Dixon HSI – Chief Operations Officer
Louanner Peters Deputy Governor
Richard D. Jackson
Arthur L. Turner
HSI – Vice President, External Relations
Illinois State Representative – 9th District
Joyce K. Wade HSI – Vice President, Finance
Reverend Dale Kelley Pastor, Clair Christian United Methodist Church
2017
Edy Burton Distinguished Service Award – HSI Board Member
Morris Allen Distinguished Service Award – HSI Board Member
2009
Richard R. Boykin 1st District Cook County Commissioner
Robert Steele 1st District Cook County Commissioner Posthumously accepted by
Bobbie Steele
Art Norman NBC
former Cook County Board President
2010
Unsung Hero Award
Cynthia Washington
2017
Outgoing HSI Board Chairperson
Patricia Bridges People’s Gas
Andrew Ryal Appreciation for Human Service Award
Chad Ruckauf Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RMTC)
2011 Emma Mitts Alderman, 37th Ward
2013 Lynn Norment Outgoing HSI Fundraising Committee Chairperson
Sharon Moreland HSI – Outstanding Service Award
~ 45 ~
CONGRATULATIONS HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
Celebrating 40 years of providing quality behavioral health and human services.
Office of Community engagement Committed to Community
ComEd Congratulates Habilitative Systems, Services Inc., Habilitative Inc, As We Celebrate HSI’s 40th Anniversary! We are proud to live in, work in, and support the communities we serve.
Larry Williams,
CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL•
larrycarwilliams.com
AUTO * LIFE * HOME / RENTER * HEALTH * BANK LOANS PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT
Give us a call for a FREE quote! Referrals are appreciated!
Lary and his staff are licensed and together have over 100 years of State Farm experience.
FINCH AND ASSOCIATES
AUDIO/VISUAL CONSULTANTS
SALUTES HSI ON YOUR 40TH YEAR SERVING CHICAGO AND THE WORLD WE ARE READY TO PROVIDE LARGE SCREEN VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENTS. THOMAS FINCH FOUNDER AND CEO 312 636-0764 tfinchco@aol.com
Thanks to the Gala Committee, HSI Partners and Attendees
HSI 40th Anniversary Gala Fundraising Committee Tiffany White Ken Southward Dr. Helen Gardner Dr. Mary Milano Dr. Frances Carroll Edy Burton Larry Whitman Darryl Dennard
Robin Beaman Donald J. Dew Dr. Karen Dixon Stephen Adams Joyce Wade Richard Jackson Della Akres Deborah Williams
Melvin L. Brooks, Esq
Donald J. Dew
Karen Barbee-Dixon, Ed.D
Board Chair
President / C.E.O
COO
Cynthia Washington, Chair Lynn Norment, Past Chair Mel Brooks Morris Allen Donna Gaines Joe Moore Gloria Brown Michele Williams
Habilitative Systems, Inc. • 415 S. Kilpatrick Ave. • Chicago, IL 60644 • www.habilitative.org Main: 773-261-2252 • Fax: 773-854-8300 • TDD: 773-854-8364 • E-mail: hsi@habilitative.org