Landmark Community of Caring 2015

FROM the HEART 6 great stories

Community of

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD

Brookfield Zoo

Inspiring animal conservation PAGE 6

Cantata Adult Life Services Living independently PAGE 9

BEDS Plus

Providing stability to the homeless PAGE 10

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October 28, 2015

Community of Caring

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Celebrating Community For decades, we have provided living opportunities on our campus.

But you might be surprised to learn that 75% of our services are actually delivered in the community!

Services and support we offer include: • Home and Community Based Services — Lifelong Learning — Handyman Services — Fitness Programs — Cantata at Home — Transportation — Technology Education & Support • Campus Living • Hospital Advocacy and Care Management • Rehabilitation Services Call us today at 708-485-1155 to learn more about our home and community-based services!

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Community of Caring

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Caring in tumultuous times

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hen we began planning our first Community of Caring section for The Landmark several months ago, we were at the start of the fiscal crisis here in Illinois. We recognized that the political impasse gripping Springfield could have an impact on some of the vital social service agencies we planned to feature here.

But we could not have imagined that the funding malfeasance being committed by our political leaders would continue until late October, that agencies would be teetering with cash reserves spent down and pink slips being issued.

That’s the politically pathetic backdrop to this first edition of Community of Caring.

The goal here is to tell the stories of local people whose lives are being saved, stabilized, refocused by the intense good work of social service groups based in the Landmark communities.

In good times we take for granted that our social service safety net is intact, that our neighbors, our children, our parents will have access to those services when,

inevitably, one or many services are needed. But in perilous times such as these there is no room for assumptions. Some agencies may not survive this invented crisis – yes, Illinois is in financial distress; no, social services do not need to be victimized by that distress.

We’ve published Community of Caring for years in our newspapers in Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest. Now we bring it to Landmark.

What often hits home is how frequently a reader will see a person they know, a family they know who is benefitting from a service. We are writing about real people in real need.

At some moment we will each need help. We hope these agencies will survive our political folly and be there to provide that help.

DAN HALEY

Dan Haley

Publisher

Staff

Contributing Writer Deb Quantock McCarey Staff Photographer William Camargo Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT and Digital Developer Mike Risher Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Mark Moroney, Debbie Becker

October 28, 2015 Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Display Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Joe Chomiczewski Communications & Marketing Project Manager Alicia Plomin Classified Advertising Sales Maureen O’Boyle Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Shanez Butler Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs Editor and Publisher Dan Haley VP/Director of Operations Andrew Johnston

About our contributor Deb Quantock McCarey is an Illinois Press Association (IPA) awardwinning freelance writer who has worked with Wednesday Journal Inc. since 1995, writing features and special sections for all its publications. An avid urban gardener and growing naturalist, she is also a local “green” advocate and community volunteer. As a WJ gardening blogger, Deb is also the host of Deb’s Big Backyard, which runs on oakpark.com and airs on Oak Park public cable, Channel 6.

ON THE COVER: Rey Neris has particiapted in the SEASPAR EAGLES program, which serves adults with special needs, for the past two years. For his story and more about SEASPAR, see page 8.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEASPAR

If you want to help This year we feature the following agencies and groups: Community Support Services People care Brookfield Zoo SEASPAR Cantata Adult Life Services BEDS Plus

learn more...@RBLANDMARK.COM about these amazing organizations...

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October 28, 2015

Community of Caring | PeopleCare

RBLANDMARK.COM

Making sure the elderly get the care they need

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

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t 73 years young, Helen Jablonski founded PeopleCare, Inc. as an outreach of St. Paul Church in Riverside.

The service-minded senior continued as its executive director until last year, when at age 97 she died and passed the title and legacy to her son, Bruce Jablonski.

“My mother, Helen, started PeopleCare 25 years ago. Actually, she twisted my arm, after I had semiretired, to join her and help with this effort,” Jablonski said. “So now, what we do is try and provide older adults with access to service providers by providing transportation for them. We also try to provide social opportunities for older adults who cannot get out of their homes, and do not drive anymore.

So, that is the basic premise of what we do.”

All those good deeds, Jablonski said, are done through collaborative partnerships with other nonprofit entities, including Aging Care Connections and InterFaith CommunityPartners, the groups who mix, match and share to service older adults in their area.

That’s how Genny Hanna, 68, of Lagrange Park, popped up on PeopleCare, Inc’s. radar. Since then, the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers have become a second family for the homebound senior.

“I have had seizures since I was 11 months old, and I did not know when they were coming on,” Hanna said, explaining that for her a seizure could mean she would be unresponsive, staring straight forward. “But, I just had brain surgery done over a year and one half ago, and not one seizure since. But,

PeopleCare Address: 60 Akenside Road Riverside 60546

COURTESY OF PEOPLECARE

“My husband, and the majority of his family have passed away in the past six years. The staff at PeopleCare call and check up on me from time to time. They have been very helpful, and I am thankful for that.”

Genny Hanna

before the surgery, it had gotten to the point where I had started falling, and I was cutting my head.”

At her tipping point with the incapacitating disease, Hanna says a volunteer with PeopleCare pulled up in a car to, “take me to the doctor, the hospital. They have even stayed with me during the appointments and that,” Hanna said.

Annually, Jablonski says that “the number of rides we do a year would blow your mind. Last year we had 3,800 services. That includes people calling for information, the rides, visits and things like that. We probably have 50 clients who we serve on a regular basis.”

These are the little acts of kindness that brighten the day of a per-

son who is homebound, and without family to support their emotional and transportation needs, says Judy Mantel, a part-time staffer who coordinates transportation for clients, and has volunteered her time for eight years now.

“The grocery trips we take with them are very important because A, they do need groceries, and B, I notice that a lot of times the seniors will go on these trips and only buy three or four items. The social part of it is phenomenal because they get to become friends with the volunteer driver, a person they may otherwise not have met,” Mantel said Likewise, Hanna says she is building back community with

Phone: 708-442-1223 Website: www.peoplecareinc.org Leadership contact name: Bruce Jablonski, executive director Statement of purpose: Using primarily volunteers PeopleCare will assist and support the homebound elderly by providing socialization, emotional support and access to service providers where no one is denied services.

How long have you been in existence? Since 1990.

Ways volunteers can help: Driving frail elderly to and from appointments, or meeting with clients in their home or retirement facility as needed so they may talk and reminisce.

Useful donations other than money: Just volunteers! Even driving or visiting our elderly clients once or twice a month will make a difference. Find out more www. peoplecareinc.org/get-involved.

people who care about her.

“Those of us who are sick, or have no way of doing a few things for ourselves, we need help,” Hanna said. “My husband, and the majority of his family have passed away in the past six years. The staff at PeopleCare call and check up on me from time to time. They have been very helpful, and I am thankful for that.”

Community of Caring | Community Support Services

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Where art starts for all

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October 28, 2015

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Community Support Services Address: 9021 Ogden Ave., Brookfield 60513

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

t about half past noon on Mondays, Jason Stuvee, a 33-year-old adult with Down Syndrome, rings the doorbell at CSS (Community Support Services) Academy, 3732 Grand Boulevard, in Brookfield.

Routinely, Stuvee is the first student of the day to sign in for his weekly all abilities art class, says Cassandra Colucy, the community art program manager. Simultaneously, and on cue, she says she begins gathering the materials, while Stuvee settles into the blue chair facing the door getting into his art groove.

“I like red, green, orange, yellow, black, and that’s it,” he says, with prompts from Colucy, a CSS staff member who is also a licensed art therapist. “I use crayons. I paint.

I made a ball [piñata]. I like to work with clay,” he says. “I like doing art. It makes me happy.”

Hanging on the wall on display with other WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer paintings is his collaborative art masterpiece, “The USS Enterprise,” he says. It is PICTURE PERFECT: Jason Stuvee paints during an art class at the Community Support named after his favorite space-themed tele- Services in Brookfield on Sept. 14. Jason has become a great artist, who also collaborates vision show. with other classmates of all ages.

It is a recurring theme in his art, as are “kitty cats,” he slowly “That project mental disabilities, but welcomes in their says. took a lot of pa- families, caregivers and residents in the Over the last two tience, because community who are interested in learning years or so, Stuvee says Jason had to hold something new in an inclusive communityhe has also crafted a the blow dryer based space. Led by CSS staffers, classes pinch pot he plans to and wait for the range from art, cooking and money manageuse as a candy dish, crayon to melt, ment, to Zumba fitness for all, she said, addcompleted the glazing then move the ing that scholarships are available. of a colorful ceramic Cassandra Colucy canvas around “During the money management class cat bowl and “right now the melted here, I stayed in and helped Jason, beJason is working on an wax. And, Jason cause he needed my assistance.

But art journal,” says his with the art, he told me to go away,” teacher. “He has created his own book. It is was able to do that,” said Colucy.

Launched in August 2013 by Community joked Bob Stuvee, 65, and Jason’s dad. “He about his pet cat,” she says.

“Meow,” Jason purred, in response to Support Services, the CSS Academy is, “a enjoys coming here, and for me, that is the progressive learning environment for peo- biggest thing.” what his journal was all about.

Meanwhile, Jason is comfortably in his His art teacher says that it was the melt- ple of all abilities,” says CSS Academy Diing crayons project that demonstrated how rector Necole Mills. It is also where classes, element.

“When he started, it was very hard to get “Jason is finding his own passion in art, and workshops and special field trips are offered then finding meaning in that. to people with intellectual and/or develop- him to say his name, or even communicate

Phone: 708-354-4547 Website: www.cssservices.org Leadership contact name: Diane Farina White, president/CEO Statement of purpose: Creating circles of support for people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and their families.

How long have you been in existence?

Since 1981.

Ways volunteers can help: Serve on committees, help during events, office help. http://www.cssservices.org/get-involved To volunteer, call: Michelle Jimenez, Vice President of Marketing and Development, 708-354-4547 ext. 115 Useful donations other than money: Non-perishable Thanksgiving-related food items, holiday gifts donated through the Santa Anonymous Program, sheets and towels for group homes.

“Right now, he is dancing in his chair, next to Amy. He loves to make the other artists in the room laugh, because he has really come out of his shell.”

with us,” Colucy said. “Now, sometimes in class, he will openly and freely begin to sing [the theme song from Happy Days]. So, he is using art to express himself, too, and in how he interacts with his peers. Right now, he is dancing in his chair, next to Amy. He loves to make the other artists in the room laugh, because he has really come out of his shell.”

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Community of Caring | Brookfield Zoo

October 28, 2015

DREAM JOB: Zookeeper Raquel Ardisana feeds the Brookfield Zoo giraffes on Sept. 25. The Ardisana sisters took advantage of children’s programming at the Brookfield Zoo for many years.

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

Languages Currently Offered Polish Spanish Japanese French Arabic Chinese Italian German Hindi Sign Language

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By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

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rom Racquel, who, as a zookeeper spends five days a week going hoof-to-antlers with Reticulated Giraffes, to her younger sister, Ryanne, a zookeeper at the Dallas Zoo, and their older sister, Rhiannon, a small animal veterinarian, all three Ardisana sisters, say they credit their dream careers, in part, to the hands-on experiences they had in the Youth Volunteer Corps at Chicago Zoological Society of Brookfield Zoo during high school.

“Music and Me” for 6 month old babies to 4 year olds and their caregivers. $12 for a trial class Parent and Tot, Preschool, and Kindergarden in Spanish programs Call us about our Placement Visits!

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Community of Caring | Brookfield Zoo

October 28, 2015

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Brookfield Zoo Address: 8400 31st St. Brookfield 60513 Phone: 708-688-8000 Website: www.CZS.org Leadership contact name: Dr. Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo Statement of purpose: The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.

How long have you been in existence?

Brookfield Zoo opened to the public in 1934.

The Chicago Zoological Society was chartered in in 1921.

Ways volunteers can help: Volunteers engage guests in conservation education by interpreting animals, natural history, and conservation messages in exhibits throughout our entire zoo. These informative and informal conversations inspire our guests to celebrate animals and nature.

To volunteer: Although recruitment has ended for the 2015 season, please visit our website at www.czs.org/volunteer for more information and to submit an application on–line.

Useful donations other than money: The zoo has a new non-cash donation program at www.CZS.org/Donate

Open to teens entering grades 9-12 in high school, the Ardisanas spent a year in an exhibit volunteering their time as a public education interpreter. The last two years of the enrichment program is spent behind the scenes with a mentor as a volunteer zookeeper-in-training, said Racquel, now 27.

With them growing up about one mile from the zoo, and through all that, Racquel says she got hooked on what she now refers to as “her gentle giants.”

“There are only about 80,000 giraffe,” she said. “It’s kind of like a silent crisis. They’re

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

CLOSE ENCOUNTER: Zookeeper Raquel Ardisana gets up close and personal with giraffes at Brookfield Zoo in September. not officially listed as endangered yet, but their numbers are steadily declining.”

By the specs, male giraffes can weigh up to 4,260 pounds and stretch to over 17 feet tall, whereas “our geriatric female, Mithra, is 25 years old, and she is almost 14 feet,” said Racquel who began an internship at Brookfield Zoo in 2010, and last summer became a staff zookeeper.

Now on her watch are the painted dogs, daughter is 9 year old Arnieta), she will pregiraffes, wolves, dwarf mongoose and klip- tend not to be listening, and turn her head springers. away,” Racquel explained. “And then, if we “It’s very hard for the average person to get turn our head away, she will look at us, and if on a plane and fly to Africa to see a giraffe or we catch her looking at us, she will swing her a painted dog, but they head away, as if ‘I wasn’t can come here and fall looking at you.’” in love with the animals.

Two-year-old giraffe Hopefully in the future calf, Potoka, just wants more people will put to play. money toward conserva“He will walk right tion to save giraffes in up, sniff us, and be the wild,” Racquel said. right next to us, beHer daily routine is cause for him, we are diverse. It can include just part of the herd. It hoof trims for the older is a little intimidating females, and feeding because when he was a diet of leaves to the born he was only six herd. About 60 perfeet tall,” she laughs. cent of her day is spent “Now, he is 10 feet tall.”

Raquel Ardisana cleaning up after the For the animal-loving

“It’s very hard for the average person to get on a plane and fly to Africa to see a giraffe or a painted dog, but they can come here and fall in love with the animals. Hopefully in the future more people will put money toward conservation to save giraffes in the wild.”

animals.

And, each of the giraffes has its own distinctive personality.

During winter, Jasiri, a 10-year-old female, only walks through the hallway in one direction, and out one door.

“It is just a giraffe thing,” Racquel says, adding that when the zookeepers are “talking about Franny (24-year old mom whose

Ardisana sisters, being involved with the enrichment programming of Brookfield Zoo, has laid the foundation for their future and has been a pivotal part of their past.

“My mom remembers that when I was four years old I said I was going to work here when I grew up. The zoo has always been part of my life,” Racquel said.

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Community of Caring | SEASPAR

October 28, 2015

RBLANDMARK.COM

Meet the mighty EAGLES

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SEASPAR Address: 4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove 60515

BY DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

bout three times a week, Rey Neris, 23, a deaf man with special needs, catches a cab to Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave. Once landed, Neris flies down the stairs to the lower-level location of SEASPAR (South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation).

There, he happily perches with his EAGLES (Enhancing Adult Growth through Lifestyle, Education and Service) pals.

Neris joined in the community-based therapeutic recreation program for adults with special needs two years ago, when he aged out of Riverside-Brookfield High School’s transition program.

Most days, Neris says he jokes around with friends in the nontraditional classroom, prior to embarking on daily field trip treks into the community to explore it or enCOURTESY OF SEASPAR gage in organized volunteerism.

“Sometimes, I like EAGLES,” he quips CREATIVE SIDE: Sarah Cavanaugh (right) works on an arts-and-crafts project during the through Joelle Szyszka, a staffer who has EAGLES program recently in Brookfield. learned sign language.

Through her hands and voice, Neris addSarah Cavanaugh, 27, of LaGrange Park, With the aim of serving adults with speed, “I like to talk with friends, and go to the is a young cial needs, age 21 to 35, EAGLES took off in woman who is living with an park to walk and play basketball.”

Other times, he says, he goes on group intellectual disability, and among her EA- Darien in 2008, spread its wings into Brookfield in 2011, and created a third EAGLES GLES fan base, a burgeoning rap star. shopping trips to Target, site in Lisle in 2014.

“I have been going does 5K fun runs, and in “We go to Brookfield Zoo, to baseball through really tough September the group did times. I have been giv- games, theater, movies, grocery shopping its annual staff-led overing him so many chanc- trips to purchase items for lunch, and somenight camping trip. times to Paisans for its pizza buffet, because es. Oh, I have a lot of “When Rey first startthey do give us a good deal” said Krawiec, friends who care for me. ed, someone from the But, my friends are bug- adding she is always on the lookout for more high school’s transition ging me so much. I need ways her 12 “guys can give back through volprogram came in and my space sometimes,” unteering with the park district, small busihelped him get intewas a new rap she re- nesses and other organizations,” she said. grated into what we are For Cavanaugh, being in EAGLES is allowcently performed as doing here,” said Dawn she navigated the emo- ing her to embrace her ability to be creative.

Krawiec, SEASPARS’ Sarah Cavanaugh “When I am at home, I like to sit on my tions of having an exprogram manager at the butt and watch TV,” said Cavanaugh, who boyfriend.

“I have headBrookfield EAGLES site. phones, so I listen to rap is also a part-time worker at Mariano’s in “Since then, a bunch of our staff have learned sign language, so music on the bus, in the hair salon, when Westchester. “My mom said that you need to we can chit chat with Rey, which has added I am on a plane. When I am here, I say to go outside and get busy. So, now I am busy another layer to our program, and has been myself, OK I am at EAGLES, and we’re go- at EAGLES. EAGLES is awesome, it’s rockin’ out. Go SEASPAR EAGLES!” ing to rap today.” pretty neat.”

“I have headphones, so I listen to rap music on the bus, in the hair salon, when I am on a plane. When I am here, I say to myself, OK I am at EAGLES, and we’re going to rap today.”

Phone: 630-960-7600 Website: SEASPAR.org Leadership contact name: Susan Friend, executive director Statement of purpose: SEASPAR provides dynamic recreation programs and quality services for people with disabilities residing in its twelve community service areas: the park districts of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Westmont, and Woodridge, and the villages of Brookfield, Indian Head Park, and Western Springs.

How long have you been in existence?

2016 will be SEASPAR’s 40th anniversary.

Ways volunteers can help: Volunteers are needed to assist with providing programs and services for SEASPAR’s participants. These programs include arts and crafts, sports, cultural arts, fitness, social clubs, overnight trips, and Special Olympics. Volunteers are also needed for SEASPAR’s summer day camps and mini-camps that are held during other seasons, as well as special events that are held throughout the year.

Experience working with people with disabilities is recommended but not required.

To volunteer, call: Individuals who are at least 15 years of age and are interested in volunteering with SEASPAR should complete a volunteer application on SEASPAR.org, or contact Shannon Tovey, Support Staff Manager, at 630-960-7600 or stovey@seaspar.org.

Useful donations other than money: Non-monetary donations are considered on an individual basis depending on program needs.

In-kind donations for fundraising events are also welcome. For more information on sponsorship and donation opportunities, please contact Lisa Rasin, Fund Development Coordinator, at 630.960.7600 or lrasin@seaspar.org.

Oak-Leyden serves more than 600 adults and children each year, from Oak Park, River Forest, Berwyn and Cicero Townships and their surrounding communities.

Our children’s services include Early Intervention up to age three, therapy services for children ages three to five, and Music Together® for newborns through five-year-olds. Our adult services include day and residential programs, vocational services, supported employment services, group homes, and independent living assistance. Contact us for a tour or more information.

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Community of Caring | Cantata Adult Life Services

October 28, 2015

Choosing independence

Cantata Adult Life Services Address: 8700 West 31st St. Brookfield 60513

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

L

ast December is when Bob Ericson, a 72-year-old from LaGrange Park, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He started having mobility problems, and his wife, Marilyn, 70, began looking at their life through a different lens.

“Bob is not that far along with his Parkinson’s, so he can still do a lot of things. But there are other things we still need help with,” she said. “Cantata usually sends out little newsletters, and my first instance of their help was when I came here for instructions on how to use my iPhone, and my iPad. What happened is that high school age kids would come in here after school and help us with all the ins and outs of that stuff.”

When the seniors purchased a new computer, Cantata, was her first call.

“We hired their computer person to come to our house to set up our computer because the switch to Windows 10 on my PC really blew my mind,” Marilyn said. “At this point, I am still able to care for Bob, so we still live in our home. But we do use a lot of their outreach services [including respite care at Cantata] while I was gone for five days.”

Five years ago, Violet Ratkovich, 90, of Brookfield says her husband fell seriously ill, and if he had lived another year, the couple would have marked their 67th wedding anniversary. Since then she has chosen to stay in her tri-level home, with lifestyle assists from Cantata because ”it is all too early and too soon for me,” said the widow. “And, everything is OK so far,” she said, adding that the

Phone: 708-485-1155 Website: www.cantata.org Leadership contact name: Nancy Vlasak, customer advocate Statement of purpose: Cantata orchestrates innovative solutions, services, and connections for adults and their families as they seek to achieve their best lives.

How long have you been in existence? 95 Years Ways volunteers can help: We take into account your interests, strengths and needs in assigning any of a wide range of support including but not limited to: Office support, event assistance, marketing assistance, person-to-person contact, recreational activities, or teaching life enrichment classes To volunteer, call: George Columbus 708-387-8366 Useful donations other than money: Time and Talent

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

SITTING PRETTY: (from left) Harold Verdak, Marilyn and Bob Ericson and Violet Ratqovich pose for a portait outside Cantata Adult Life Services on Sept. 25 in Brookfield. socialization she gets from being “part of the Breakfast Club, where every other month we get together with other seniors and have a nice breakfast together,” is helping her navigate this stage of her life.

“If it were not for Cantata, I do not think I would still be living in my house. I use their fitness program because I have had one hip replaced, and the other one is kind of gone.”

Having access to fix-it pros such as Karen Malinowski of Cantata’s Handy Mender service has been helpful to Ratkovich as the handy woman says “I do anything from carpentry, painting and light

“My apartment is where I can go and read my magazines and books.

I am relaxing and enjoying my lack of responsibility.”

Harold Verdak plumbing and electrical to replacing toilets, installing grab bars, and cleaning dryer vents.”

Having used the handy man service over 50 times, Ratkovich said

having it has been a godsend for her, and recently “they cleaned my gutters,” she said.

“As people age, everyone is at a different stage in their lives, with different needs,” says Nancy Vlasak, customer advocate at Cantata Adult Life services. “But again, being able to have that realization that you are in a time of your life where you need a little bit of extra help is a very good thing.”

Still, Harold Verdak, 93, of Riverside, says he is celebrating his liberation from being a homeowner, now having lived for the last two years in a one bedroom apartment in the nonprofit’s senior liv-

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“I did not want to shovel snow anymore. I didn’t want to worry about a flooded basement, a leaky attic. I don’t have those worries now,” he said, “My apartment is where I can go and read my magazines and books. I am relaxing and enjoying my lack of responsibility.”

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Community of Caring | BEDS Plus

October 28, 2015

Happy to be home

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

W

hen Rad moved to Brookfield, he says he had a steady job as a janitor, and his life was good.

When he was laid off he became homeless and began living in a Beds Plus Care shelter. The shelters are operated nightly between Oct. 1 and May 15, in a series of churches in LaGrange, Countryside, Brookfield and Western Springs.

Off season, he lived on the streets of LaGrange.

“I was struggling to pay bills,” he said in an interview provided by Beds Plus Care. “It was hard, you know, especially with me having Type 2 Diabetes, and not getting the proper care, you know. It is scary being outside. It really is, especially during the winter when you just want to keep warm, and it is not safe being outside,” he said. “It is a terrible feeling.”

At the shelter he fell into a safety net of emergency services, and his short and long-term outlook started to stabilize.

PHOTO PROVIDED “Rad is a man who had been sleeping in the shelter for several years, who has now been FINDING STABILITY: Rad, who was homeless with health issues, is now on a path to a healthier transitioned into a long-term housing program lifestyle and stable housing with the help of BEDS Plus Care.

(Housing First) geared to individuals who have low, “He put me on a list, and is the man or woman on the corner holding a or no income, and other seasked me questions, and sign. But, it is a broader and more complex rious health issues,” said the next thing I know I got social problem that involves economic circumTina Rounds, executive a phone call, and I got to stances, health circumstances, mental health director of Beds Plus Care, meet with a case worker issues, family conflict and financial crisis. It is in a recent phone interand he got me an apart- more than just somebody you might immediateview. “Our hope is that a ment in Calumet City,” ly think of when you say the word homeless. It’s person such as him would Rad said. “They are a a lot of people, and it is in every family,” Rounds become independent some great staff.” says. “Rad is someone who struggles with homeday, but unlike transitional Beds Plus Care, Rounds lessness, is disconnected to his family, has mulhousing, permanent supsaid, also provides a lot of tiple health problems and needs some support portive housing is on a cliprevention programs, and with his day-to-day life skills. We are happy that ent’s timeline, as opposed increasingly more sup- we were able to get him help.” to a program’s timeline. portive housing programs, Meanwhile, since August 25, Rad’s life is imTina Rounds So, it can be permanent, as homelessness is a spec- proving. and last a lifetime, or it trum, and to address the “I sleep good. I feel better. My diabetes is getcan be short-term, and the issue it requires a collabo- ting better because I am managing it better and person can then graduate from the program and rating community of caring that encompasses taking the medications,” he said. “Being able to become independent.” schools, police departments, hospitals, nonprof- sleep in a nice, warm place that is safe and seThe first open door arrived when he met lead its and other entities, she said. cure…if it wasn’t for [the staff at Beds Plus], I caseworker Bruce Malak.

“People’s mindset is that a homeless person would probably still be on the streets.”

“People’s mindset is that a homeless person is the man or woman on the corner holding a sign. But, it is a broader and more complex social problem that involves economic circumstances, health circumstances, mental health issues, family conflict and financial crisis.”

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BEDS Plus Address: PO Box 2035 LaGrange 60525 Phone: 708-354-0858 Website: www.beds-plus.org Leadership contact name: Tina Rounds, executive director Statement of purpose: BEDS Plus Care is a non-profit agency that helps homeless individuals obtain stable, affordable housing and provides a continuum of professional support services including emergency overnight shelter.

How long have you been in existence? 27 years Ways volunteers can help: Working in teams, Site Volunteers staff our shelters throughout the night and serve meals at dinner and breakfast. During the week, volunteer Cook Teams prepare and deliver delicious meals together. Working from home, Laundry Volunteers help by washing sheets and blankets at home. We also have administrative and fundraising roles to fill.

To volunteer, call: Devin Quinn 708-354-0858 or quinn@beds-plus. org Useful donations other than money: Donations needed: Sugar, decaffeinated coffee and powdered lemonade. Shelters also need gently-used twin sheets, pillow cases, pillows and twin-size blankets.

Clients continually need socks, underwear, t-shirts, shoes, winter gloves and hats. Ventra cards and gift cards to local department stores, fast-food restaurants and gas stations are also a welcome treat.

Friday, December 4th • 3-9pm Saturday, December 5th • 9am-3pm

2015

HOLIDAY ITEMS, PET ITEMS, GIFT BASKETS, BAKERY, JEWELRY, MUSIC & MORE! All your generosity goes right back to support the daily activities of our shelter.

Call 708-848-8155 for more information!

LEARN MORE AT ANIMALCARELEAGUE.ORG

6930 W. Roosevelt Rd., Oak Park Space provided by Community Bank of Oak Park/River Forest

Community of Caring

LET US BE YOUR BANK OF

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CHOICE not chance CHOICE not chance LET US BE YOUR BANK OF

There are some things in life you can control, and where you bank is one of them.

As the president of Forest Park National Bank, I encourage you to consider banking with us. We’re There are some things in life you can control, and where strong, stable and committed to the community – all you bank is one of them. good reasons to make a switch from your current bank.

As the president of Forest Park National Bank, Plus, you’ll feel confident with us as your resource for: I encourage you to consider banking with us. We’re strong, stable and committed to the community – all Friendly & reliable customer service good reasons to make a switch from your current bank.

Personal & business lending products Online banking Plus, you’ll feel confident with us as your resource for: Mobile banking e-Statements Friendly & reliable customer service Passbook savings Personal & business lending products And, much more!

Online banking Mobile banking We place high value on our customers and look e-Statements forward to savings serving you, too. So, get choosy and Passbook

BANK WITH And, much more!US.

We place high value on our customers and look forward to serving you, too. So, get choosy and

BANK WITH US.

Dan Watts, President

Dan Watts, President

7348 West Madison Street 7331 West Roosevelt Road 708 222-2800 | forestparkbank.com MEMBER FDIC

7348 West Madison Street 7331 West Roosevelt Road 708 222-2800 | forestparkbank.com

October 28, 2015

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Community of Caring

October 28, 2015

The Oak Park Developmental Disabilities Consortium, under the auspices of the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in reaching their dreams and aspirations.

As parents to their son Jason, who has autism and is now 28 years old, Debra Vines and her husband James Harlan understand the joy, but also the pain and frustration with having a child with special needs.

Jason was diagnosed with autism at 18 months of age. He presented a range of behavioral issues, speech limitations, and other functional challenges. Debra stopped working so she could concentrate full-time on giving Jason the support he needed. When Jason was 8, the family moved to the near western suburbs so he could attend a public school with a stronger special education program. Through multiple therapeutic interventions at school and consistent support at home, Jason made major strides in overcoming the obstacles associated with his disability.

Once Jason reached adulthood his parents enrolled him in the UCP Seguin CLIMB day services program, and he is doing awesome. His self-help skills are impeccable. Jason’s speech, socialization and behavior have improved tremendously.

Over the several decades other parents have sought ways to enable their children with autism to experience all that life has to offer. Reflecting on their own journey with Jason, Debra and her husband James created The Answer Inc in 2007 to help other families and caregivers make better lives possible for persons with autism.

The Answer Inc is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation, and advocacy for families impacted by Autism/Developmental Differences. In addition to providing essential resources and services for parents and caregivers, the agency strives to contribute to the continued growth, educational, policy making, community awareness and recreational inclusion for children and relatives specifically impacted by Autism/Developmental Differences.

Contact us.

The Answer Inc 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 708.296.5651 • theanswerincnfp@gmail.com theanswerinc.org • facebook.com/theanswerinc

George (not his real name) has an Intellectual/ Developmental Disability (I/DD), as well as experiences auditory hallucinations. He lives in a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) home and has much family support. Over the past several years, George had been to the emergency room multiple times due to his behavior becoming unmanageable. Most of these visits resulted in a short term intervention at the ER and George returning home without any support for his changes in behavior. Then George came to Riveredge Hospital where he was treated on the unit specifically for those with I/DD and a mental illness. Understanding that not all individuals are able to communicate in traditional verbal ways, the treatment team used expressive therapies, time and compassion to better understand how George was feeling and, thus, how to help him. Within a few days, the changes in George were obvious.

Rather than isolating in his room, he was joining the others in the milieu. The team learned the triggers to his behavior to help prevent negative episodes. Within 10 days, George returned to his CILA home where they remarked that he was doing better than ever. Through time, experienced staff and compassion, Riveredge was able to give George dignity and peace of mind.

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Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township

The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township (CMHB) is a branch of Oak Park Township. The CMHB is comprised of nine residents appointed by the Township Supervisor with the approval of the Township Trustees. One CMHB member is a Township Trustee.

The purpose of the Community Mental Health Board is to assist in planning, developing, coordinating, evaluating, and funding mental health services in Oak Park. This includes services for persons with mental illness, alcohol or other drug dependence or developmental disabilities. The Township’s Community Mental Health Fund provides over $1 million in financial support for programs and services to 12-20 agencies per year in Oak Park.

DD CONSORTIUM AGENCY LIST Aspire aspirechicago.com

Community Support Services cssservices.org

Oak-Leyden Developmental Services oak-leyden.org

Oak Park Senior Services oakparktownship.org/departments/seniors

Opportunity Knocks opportunityknocksnow.org

PACTT Learning Center pactt.org

Riveredge Hospital

Riveredge Hospital is a free standing, trauma informed care, behavioral health provider in Forest Park offering the full continuum of care. Riveredge serves Children, Adolescents and Adults including designated units for adults with and Intellectual/Development Disabilities and adults with Substance Abuse issues. In addition to inpatient services, Riveredge offers Partial Hospital, Intensive Outpatient and Traditional Outpatient services.

riveredgehospital.com

Contact us.

The Answer, Inc.

Riveredge Hospital 8311 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 708-209-4181 - Assessment & Referral riveredgehospital.com facebook.com/riveredgehospital linkedin.com/company/riveredge-hospital

Seguin RCA seguinrca.org

Suburban Access, Inc. subacc.org

theanswerinc.org

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago ucpseguin.org

West Suburban Special Recreation wssra.net

You can show your support for our Consortium members and the great work they do by visiting their websites – learn more, donate, volunteer, and follow them on social media. We appreciate your support!