Summer 2015
New Linkages Coordinator It is with great pleasure that we introduce Mariana Sanchez, LCSW, as the new Coordinator of the Linkages Program. Mariana (shown above left) comes to this position with a solid knowledge of aging and disability resources. She started at CJE SeniorLife as an intern in 2011 when she was a social work student at Jane Addams School of Social Work at UIC. She then moved into her most recent position as Care Manager in Community Services, where she worked for three years. In addition to her new role as Linkage's Coordinator, Mariana will also now be a psychotherapist in CJE’s Community Counseling program. Rosann Corcoran (above right), LCSW, former Linkages Coordinator, has been promoted to Manager of Community Services and Care Management. However, she will continue to be involved in Linkages, working very closely together with Mariana to assure that the services that are provided by Linkages will continue and grow.
Groundbreaking at JCFS The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) have broken ground on a new building in West Rogers Park, next to the Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center. The Cooper Center, made possible by a gift from the Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation, will accommodate the JCFS’ growing programs for children and adults with special needs. The campus will be named by the Jules and Gwen Knapp Family Foundation, in memory of Esther Knapp. The Cooper Center will house the JCFS’ Virginia Frank Child Development Center, Encompass and Integrated Pediatric Interventions. In addition, there are plans for expanded services for people with special needs, including residential supports, support groups, socialization opportunities, respite care and the JUF Legal Advocacy Center.
Policy, Advocacy and You Success in Community Living
Linkages Support Group July 7 and 21 August 4 and 18 September 1 (Closed on Sept. 15) 11am—12:15pm 3003 W. Touhy
Thank you to all the speakers, attendees, and volunteers who braved the winter weather and participated in this conference in February. This 3rd annual policy program, held in recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness Month, highlighted community success stories from older adults and people with disabilities and the importance of advocacy in supporting this success. The panelists who participated told very moving, powerful and important stories of successful community living in the midst of major policy changes. Brian Grossman from UIC’s Department of Disability and Human Development was the panel moderator. Phyllis Mitzen from Health & Medicine Policy Research Group and Tom Wilson from Access Living spoke to the group about policy trends affecting older adults and adults with disabilities and introduced strategies for successful advocacy in a time of change. The need to use these advocacy strategies is especially important right now with recent cuts to the state budget that are directly impacting community support services. Today is the time to send a message to the Governor and our legislators about the importance of community services. There are several ways to make a statement about the importance of maintaining and expanding community services for older adults and people with disabilities. Visit the Linkages website at http://cje.net/linkages/policyadvocacy-you to find copies of the February program presentations and additional advocacy resources and information. There are suggestions on how to take action on this webpage and also links to important advocacy organizations. Or go directly to Access Living’s Advocacy Action Alerts Page and click the “Take Action Now” link to send an immediate message to Illinois legislators about this important issue. https://www.accessliving.org/actionalerts . Another option is to call the Governor’s office in Springfield at 217.782.0244 or in Chicago at 312.814.2121 to express your concerns about any cuts to these services.
Summer 2015
Fair Housing Laws Join us on July 16, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. to noon when Gail Schecther of Open Communities in Winnetka will provide information on fair housing laws, equal opportunity issues and what to do if faced with housing discrimination. Disability should not interfere with your housing choice and she will explain what is meant by “reasonable modifications.” In addition, she will explain "accessibility" and "visitability" and the importance of these housing concepts to seniors and people with disabilities. Call 773.508.1106 to register or request special accommodations.
Pooled Trusts and Estate Planning On August 13 from 10:30am to noon, Scott Nixon, Executive Director of Life’s Plan Inc., will talk about estate planning topics that are important for the families of adults with disabilities. This discussion will include the Able Act and its impact on estate planning, an explanation of Pooled Trusts for People with Disabilities and some very basic information on Special Needs Trust Administration. Call 773.508.1106 to register or request special accommodations.
Social Events Mark your calendar for our next social event which will be held on the evening of Tuesday, September 1. Join us for an evening of food, karaoke, and fun for the entire family. The April 28th social event hosted by Linkages, Yad B’Yad, and Encompass was attended by 110 people and included a photo booth that was quite entertaining and brought out a flair for drama in even the most quiet participants.
Using Accessible Public Transportation On May 7th Kristen Salkas, RTA Mobility Management Outreach Specialist, presented information on transportation accessibility and benefits. She provided an overview of accessible features on CTA, Pace and Metra buses and trains and stations; schedules, trip planning, maps and online resources; as well as how to apply for RTA’s ride-free permit program. If you missed the presentation, but would like to sign up for Travel Training, contact the RTA Travel Training Program at 312.913.3120 or email traveltraining@rtachicago.org
July 16 Fair Housing Laws for Seniors and People with Disabilities August 13 The Able Act, Pooled Trusts and Trust Administration
What is Linkages? Linkages is a program created by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to identify and address the issues, needs, concerns and challenges faced by seniors who have adult children with disabilities. The program helps families to explore resource options and provides information about advocacy and future planning. Participating organizations include CJE SeniorLife, The ARK, Center for Independent Futures, Encompass, Jewish Child & Family Services, Jewish Vocational Service, Keshet, and the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities at the University of Illinois at Chicago. For more information about Linkages or the content of this newsletter, contact Linkages Coordinator, Mariana Sanchez at 773.508.1106 or Mariana.Sanchez@CJE.net.
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