OTT_Making a Difference_111823 by Shaw Media

Volunteers Take Center Stage at Ever wonder what it takes to put on a community theater production? It’s not all singing, dancing or acting! It takes a lot of volunteers working very hard behind the scenes on a wide variety of projects. Though your talents may not be of the on-stage variety, Stage 212 can give you a chance to express them anyway! Wardrobe - Every production requires something different in terms of costume design. While we have an extensive costume closet, many items need alterations or mending, and there are frequently shows where we need costumes created from scratch. Set Design/Construction/Decoration - Each production requires a new set, and we are always looking for new talent to help design, build and decorate another wonderful space for the actors to play in. Whether your skills are with pen and paper, hammer and nails, or paint and wallpaper, we have a place for you. Musicians - Stage 212 usually produces at least two musicals per year. We’re always looking for accompanists, along with musicians for pit band or orchestra. If you are a musician who would like to lend your talents, we would love to get you involved! Technical Assistance - Not interested in being in front of an audience? We’re always looking for good help in tech! These positions don’t require previous experience, but if you have a natural inclination, we’re happy to teach. Common technical positions required for most productions include:

lighting designer, sound designer, lighting operator, sound operator, stage manager and stagehands. Marketing - Are you a writer, graphic designer or photographer? You may be able to assist the marketing team in getting the word out about current and future productions. Lobby Help - Every performance has opportunities for ushers, house managers and concessions helpers to greet, seat and otherwise assist patrons in the lobby. General Maintenance - We have a year-round need for people with carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills to help upgrade and maintain our building. If you or anyone you know would like to lend a hand in any of these areas, please contact our Business Manager at 815.224.3025 or e-mail us at volunteers@ stage212.org

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Call Stage 212 at 815-224-3025 or visit www.stage212.org

STARVED ROCK COUNTRY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Connecting people who care with causes that matter Starved Rock Country Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to support the arts, education, health and human services, the environment and disaster relief. A 501(c)3, the Foundation is dedicated to improving quality of life for residents in and around LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties. It also makes it possible for area nonprofits and charitable organizations to broaden their reach across the region. Since its founding in 2015 by Chuck and Pamela Beckett of Ottawa, the Foundation has created 135 grants and scholarships, invested over $1.8 million in the community,

and recently established its 100th fund. It now has nearly $2.2 million in assets under management. The Foundation’s impact in the community continues to grow. It awarded over $41,000 in scholarships to 17 students last summer. SRCCF created The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund to support local artists and organizations and the Women Inspired Network, a giving circle of local women who make competitive grants to strengthen nonprofit organizations and causes. For information, visit srccf.org or call President Fran Brolley at (815) 252-2906.

Poco a Poco received $4,000 from SRCCF last summer for its annual Youth Music Camp in Streator. Poco a Poco’s mission is to instill a love for music in young musicians. (Photo by Sarah Brianne)

Inspiring philanthropy in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties since 2015 241 Marquette St., La Salle IL (815) 252-2906 • srccf.org

Lighted Way Children’s Developmental Center F

or more than 60 years, Lighted Way was located in a converted home at 941 6th St. in LaSalle. Over the decades, the needs of Lighted Way’s children outgrew that setting. Thanks to generous donations, big and small, Lighted Way now has a new home at 1445 Chartres St. in LaSalle. This new location will offer more space to expand programming to help focus on the training of independent life and functional skills and will allow Lighted Way to make many other improvements that will benefit the students. Approximately 600 to 700 people attended the ribbon cutting for the new school. “It was wonderful to be embraced in that way by the community,” Jessica Kreiser, Executive Director at Lighted Way, said. The move to the new building was made possible by two large donations they received. The LaSalle County Board approved Lighted Way’s application for a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it had available to disburse. Lighted Way was granted one million dollars from the ARPA funds – the largest amount awarded by the LaSalle County Board, according to Kreiser. “It was an incredible moment. It was very difficult to keep your emotions in check. I was like a little puddle of mush,” she said. “We had an alderman, Mike Kasap, who really went to bat for us.” Another huge donation resulted in a name for the new Lighted Way school. “We also had a $500,000 donation by the Schweickert Family Trust,” Kreiser said, adding that the new building has been

named the Schweickert Learning Center. Donations are crucial for the program’s ongoing operations because Lighted Way is not eligible for state or federal funding. They receive a state rate for the students who attend, but that doesn’t pay for everything. To cover the bills, they need to rely on donations that come in and fundraising events they have, Kreiser said. While large donations are greatly appreciated, Kreiser said the smaller donations Lighted Way receives are equally meaningful and are given by those who do what they can to show their support for the program. “We have many, many smaller donations that come in,” she said. “I feel like we have been so embraced by the community throughout this entire adventure. And I feel that this relationship will continue.”

All the donations, along with the continuous fundraising efforts Lighted Way has planned, will help them make the mortgage payments on the new building. “We literally will go month to month on those payments,” Kreiser said. “We will continue to be frugal while making sure our kids have what they need.” The staff and families of Lighted Way are grateful to the community for their support, Kreiser said. Lighted Way students will benefit from the extra space inside and outside the new building, including a newly constructed handicapped-accessible playground. “We’ve added a new classroom,” Kreiser said. “We take field trips to Baker Lake, and now Baker Lake will be in our backyard.”

It is the mission of Lighted Way to value each child as an individual, capable of personal growth and development in reaching his/ her highest potential cognitively, emotionally, physically, and socially. Lighted Way strives to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Quality of life is improved by empowering students to make choices, thereby giving them some control over their environment. Lighted Way strives to integrate students into their community and to help students form social relationships. All students are treated with dignity, regardless of their ability level.

1445 Chartres Street • LaSalle, Illinois • (815) 224.1345 • lway1.org

An invitation to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities this 2023 holiday season. Dear friends of Ottawa Friendship House, I hope this article finds you well. For nearly 57 years, Ottawa Friendship House has been a beacon of hope and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. It is with immense pride and gratitude that we share with you the remarkable journey of our organization and one of our cherished residents, Cory. Ottawa Friendship House has provided exceptional care and unwavering support to individuals with developmental disabilities. We’ve been a home for countless individuals, offering them the warmth and care of a family environment where they can develop their abilities and life skills. Whether it’s cooking, painting, hiking, gardening, or baking, we believe in nurturing their passions and interests. Our residents participate in a wide range of activities, from exercise and puzzles to community engagement and exciting field trips. Furthermore, we’ve been fortunate to witness over fifty individuals secure and maintain meaningful employment in Ottawa and surrounding communities, thanks to the dedication of our job coaches. At Ottawa Friendship House, we celebrate every accomplishment and event in our residents’ lives, be it a birthday, a new job, a holiday, or a personal achievement. We take pride in applauding each step of their journey throughout the year. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Cory, one of our beloved residents. Cory resides in one of our eight residential homes in Ottawa and Streator. His home, a beautiful six-bedroom house in Ottawa, is a wonderful example of our family-style forever homes, where he shares his life with seven other residents. Recently, Cory celebrated his remarkable tenth year of employment at the Ottawa Goodwill

Industries store, and he was honored at a significant event held in Rockford. His role at Goodwill involves greeting guests, organizing clothing, and maintaining department shelves. Cory is rightfully proud of his accomplishments and the beautiful room he’s decorated himself, with his TV perfectly positioned for his video games and sports. Cory’s impact extends beyond his workplace and home. He’s been an integral part of local football coaching, inspiring many young athletes over the years. In 2023, Cory’s dream came true when he was invited to be an announcer at a local high school football game. He still talks about his thrilling debut as an announcer, calling the play-by-play game live. Cory is a proud member of the Ottawa community, and he wants to share with everyone reading this article that he’s never been happier or more fulfilled in his life. Ottawa Friendship House is committed to supporting hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities in transforming their lives, focusing on their desires and dreams. However, funding from the State alone cannot meet the exceptional quality of care we provide around the clock. That’s why we rely on the generosity of wonderful individuals and businesses like you to bridge our funding gap and ensure Ottawa Friendship House remains a leader in the industry. If you’d like to make a difference and donate to our wonderful organization this holiday season, please simply take a picture of the QR code and donate online. Your contribution this year will go towards the renovation of several bathrooms, making them wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant, ensuring that

Pictured is Lacey our residential manager, Cory with his certificate of achievement and Allison our Director of employment and outreach services.

our residents continue to receive the Thank you for your generosity and highest level of care. warm wishes for a joyful holiday seaYour support means the world to son. us, and we are deeply grateful for your Sincerely, commitment to Ottawa Friendship House and the individuals we serve. Tony Barrett Executive Director Together, we can continue to make a Ottawa Friendship House positive impact on the lives of those 1718 N. 2525th Rd, Ottawa, IL with intellectual and developmental tonybarrett@ottawafrienship.com disabilities.

We all have so many things to be thankful for. Wishing you a very happy holiday as you gather with family and friends. May your home be filled with laughter and happiness Scan to donate 1718 N. 2525. Rd. Ottawa 815-434-0737 friendshiphouseillinois.org

Domestic Violence Does Not Have a “Look” By: Rhoda Ferrantino, a Safe Journeys Supportive Counselor

Our brains are experts at building pictures and connecting the dots. The experiences we have shape the way we view the world. The brain has millions of active file folders, and our mind forms images that align with our understanding of the world. For instance, when someone says, “birthday party”, you may think of cake, balloons, gifts, and friends. What pops into our mind when we hear a certain word gives clues to us about our beliefs, values, and experiences. What comes to mind when someone says “domestic violence victim”? What do you picture, and how does this individual appear? What is their gender? What is their race? Are they wealthy, middle class, or in poverty? Chances are, if you pictured only one specific person who you believe embodies what a domestic violence victim should look like, you are both correct and incorrect. The individual that came to your mind could experience domestic violence but so can the millions of other human variations possible that you did not picture right away. There are countless variations of what domestic violence looks like, and holding tightly to one image can be harmful to self and others. Individuals who have a firm image of what domestic violence should look like may discount and disbelieve people who do not fit this image. Someone may experience abuse themselves and then invalidate or downplay their struggles because they themselves do not fit the image they had of what domestic abuse should look like. There are a million variations of what domestic violence looks like. Domestic violence does not discriminate based on race, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, age, education level etc. Domestic violence does not have a “look.”

Safe Safe Journeys Journeys Listen. Listen. Believe. Believe. Connect. Connect.

24 Hour Crisis Hotline 1-800-892-3375 | 1-815-673-1555

Support Supportfor forSurvivors Survivorsof ofDomestic Domestic & & Sexual Sexual Violence Violence

We can help Safe Journeys offers a safe atmosphere where survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence can find support, resources, and strength. With outreach locations in Ottawa, Streator, IVCC, Pontiac, and Peru, our counselors and advocates help you explore your options and support your decisions.

Safety Emergency Shelter: we offer emergency shelter in a homelike set ting while you determine the best options for you and your family.

Court Advocacy: a court advocate can help you obtain an order of protection and provide information about the court system. The advocate can accompany and support you while making a police report or attending a court hearing. 24 Hour Hospital Response: An advocate can be called to the hospital to provide support while you seek medical treatment following a sexual assault or domestic violence.

Support Safe Journeys provides services regardless of age or gender identity.

Let The Healing Begin

24 Hour Crisis Line: an advocate is always available to listen to you and to connect you with support and help. Counseling: Counselors can help you sort out your feelings, develop new coping skills, and discuss your options as you begin to heal and rebuild your life. Prevention Education: Prevention Educators can provide educational information to community, religious, and employee groups and in the area schools.

Confidentiality The decision to talk about sexual assault or an abusive relationship is difficult. Protecting your privacy is important to us. Your services at Safe Journeys are confidential and free.

Funding provided in full or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Who is Starved Rock Regional Center, and what did they do with Easter Seals, LBC? Starved Rock Regional Center will be celebrating its 77th year in the Illinois Valley next year! 77 years of helping children with special needs reach their full potential. 77 years of providing therapy for families who would otherwise need to travel hours for services. 77 year of watching kids live, learn and play to their maximum potential. What started off in 1947 as the “LaSalle County Chapter for Crippled Children”, begun by Streator business leader Henry M. Light, eventually blossomed into “Easter Seals of LaSalle & Bureau Counties.” The center operated under Easter Seals out of its current location on Adams Street in Ottawa for several years and was a great asset to the community. The big downfall to operating under Easter Seals was the cost. For all money donated to the center from the community, a portion of it was required to be returned to Easter Seals instead of remaining local. So, in 2015 the decision was made to change the name to Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development (SRRC) and become our own entity. We are proud to be able to say that for the past eight years we have been able to keep 100% of all our fundraising proceeds in the area. Although our name has changed, our services have not. Although our logo is different, our mission is not. We continue to provide exceptional services and programs for children with and without special needs. An even bigger benefit is that we have been able to expand services to area families. Over the last several years we have added an Occupational Therapist and expanded the number of Speech Therapists on staff.

SRRC provides quality developmental, speech and occupational therapy services to children who have a developmental delay or are at risk for developmental delay. Screenings are provided free of charge in Ottawa and at locations throughout LaSalle & Bureau Counties. SRRC also has a structured toddler class in Ottawa for 2-year olds, a child care center in Ottawa for children with and without special needs from 6 weeks to kindergar-

ten and an Autism Resource Center on site in Ottawa. We depend on community support to continue being the largest provider of early intervention services in LaSalle & Bureau Counties. Without SRRC, families may be forced to travel great distances to get the services that they need. This would make it nearly impossible for both parents to work and would cause financial strain due to missed work and cost of travel. When you

donate to SRRC, you are helping local families get the therapy services they need close to home, and often right in their own homes. Consider donating today, or join us at our upcoming fundraiser, The Black and White Ball, held February 24th 2024 at The Auditorium Ballroom in LaSalle. Check us out at www.starvedrockcenter.org or follow us on Facebook for more information and to keep updated on what is happening at the center.

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United Way - Making A Difference

Chances are you know someone who has been helped by a United Way of Eastern LaSalle County program or partner agency without even knowing it. You may have an elderly aunt who no longer drives and has warm meals delivered to her home. Maybe your two-year old nephew receives a free monthly book from Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Maybe a grandchild talks about the fun they have reading to a dog in their classroom. You may have noticed a swarm of people in October at a disabled neighbor’s home making needed repairs to their home and trimming the bushes. Maybe you had a friend tell you about resources she discovered by calling 211. Each of these people is making use of just a few of the services in our area supported by the United Way of Eastern LaSalle County. For over 85 years United Way of Eastern LaSalle County has worked for the betterment of education, health, and financial stability of all community members—from newborns to seniors. Local children birth to five receive free books each month through our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Funded by your donations to United Way of Eastern LaSalle County, over 250 children each month benefit from this program. Reading to children at an early age promotes early brain development, increased language development and typically have better success in school and in life. e Over 4600 students in 10 local yschools experience the social, cogni-tive, and mental health benefits of a tspecially trained facility therapy dog. wAdditionally, the Ottawa Police Department has a therapy dog as part of the community outreach initiative.

The 11 pups are part of United Way of Eastern LaSalle Counties Paw Pals program. Started last year to address the growing mental health struggles in children, Paw Pals is making a daily impact for school students, staff and in our community. Not only do therapy dogs positively impact children’s emotional well-being, but the dogs also contribute to improved reading skills, improved social skills, and reduction of negative behavior. One of the longest running programs the United Way of Eastern LaSalle County provides is the annual Labor of Love. For the past 33 years, over 900 senior, disabled, low income and veteran homeowners have received free home repairs and remodeling to ensure the homeowners can remain in a warm, safe, and dry home. A recent Labor of Love homeowner shared “We were like you—we

volunteered our time and energy to gladly help. We never expected to be on the receiving end of Labor of Love, but as negative life changes began happening, finances, home maintenance and emotional health took dive. People in our situation feel a loss of these things over time. You gave us more than what paint, new doors, lights and all the other things you fix do. You gave us some pride back and sense of joy, comfort, and dignity.” These are just a few of the many services United Way of Eastern LaSalle County supports and provides. Privately funded through the generosity of our community members, all donations to United Way of Eastern LaSalle County stay local. Chances are your donation will help someone you know. For more information and to make a gift, call 815-434-4003 or email info@unitedwayelc.org.

EVERY DAY IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY. United Way of Eastern LaSalle County is here for every member of our community at every stage of life. Your support makes a difference right here at home. Live United. United Way of Eastern La Salle County

Scan here to support UW-ELC!

unitedwayelc.org