28 years strong - Center for Enriched Living has much to be thankful for this season!
The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) enters the giving season with much to be thankful for. Named as one of 20 nonprofits to support this holiday season in Chicago Magazine's November 2015 issue, the center is preparing to provide a traditional Thanksgiving feast for 200 people with developmental disabilities this month!
The Center for Enriched Living provides year-round social, recreational and educational programs for 468 youth and adults with developmental disabilities from across the Chicago area.
Thanksgiving typically means gathering around the table with family and friends reminiscing about what you are thankful for. However, many members don't have that traditional Thanksgiving experience of enjoying a turkey dinner with friends and family - many even spend the holiday season alone. So for 28 years, the Center for Enriched Living has stepped in to provide all the fixings!
Thanksgiving festivities will kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 14, and continue throughout the week, culminating with a friends and family feast on Monday, Nov. 23.
"During this season, many of us cite family and friends as the number one reason we are thankful," says Melissa Juarez-Ehlers, director of program services. "Because CEL is like an extended family for our members, we wanted to show our appreciation and continue this holiday feast - together. We know how much our members love this holiday and they always look forward to Thanksgiving dinner at CEL"
"When this Thanksgiving tradition began almost 30 years ago we were operating on a shoestring budget and didn't even have our own facility," says Harriet Levy, executive director. "Today, we are renovating our facility to incorporate Universal Design so we can serve even more people with developmental disabilities throughout the area. We have much to be thankful for and it starts with each member who enters our doors."
For more information on the Thanksgiving dinners or to learn more how you can volunteer for future events, contact Ashley May at (847) 315-9921.
The Center for Enriched Living enhances and enriches the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities - from youth through adulthood. It provides a space for our members to grow and learn new social, educational and independent living skills as well as have equal opportunities to fulfill their dreams and become vital participants within their communities. More information available at www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.