The Center for Enriched Living Receives $100,000 from Chicago Bears

At the final home game of their season, the Chicago Bears honored the Center for Enriched Living (CEL) with $100,000 as part of the $1 Million Chicago Bears Community All-Pros Grant celebrating their 100th season. Throughout the season, the Chicago Bears supported 10 area non-profits. CEL was the final non-profit selected by fan votes and was recognized on Sunday, December 22 at the Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs.

Attending the game on behalf of CEL were CEO, Harriet Levy; Director of Programs, Melissa Juarez-Ehlers; Board President, Dan Ripes; and long-time CEL member and Bears fan, Jeff Swartz. Melissa and Jeff were honorary co-captains at the game and were on field pre-game and during the coin toss! As they were returning to their seats, Jeff shared, "I am so happy!"

The $100,000 grant will go towards CEL's employment program which helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find community-based jobs that match their interests and skills. "This grant will go far in allowing us to help our members achieve their dreams of working in the community," CEO Harriet Levy said. "Being included in the workplace and valued as a peer and co-worker brings even greater meaning to a demographic that has been excluded for too long."

CEL, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, provides programs that focus on social, recreational, employment and educational opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving them the chance to be fully included in the community, achieve personal fulfillment and enjoy a good quality of life. Last year, the organization served 488 people from throughout the Chicago-area.

To learn more, visit www.CenterforEnrichedLiving.org.

About the Center for Enriched Living

For more than 50 years, the Center for Enriched Living has provided life-changing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities - from youth through adulthood. CEL's programs provide social, recreational, employment and educational opportunities for our members in our renovated Universally Designed building in Riverwoods as well as throughout the community. CEL has been accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and designated as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator for 5 consecutive years - a standard only achieved by 19% of the charities evaluated in America. More information available at www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.