March is Developmental Disabilities Month: The Center for Enriched Living Invites Our Community to Participate
RIVERWOODS, ILL. - MARCH 4, 2022 - The month of March is a time to recognize the inherent dignity and promise of people with disabilities. The Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods consistently develops programs and opportunities for the community to recognize and include people with disabilities as human beings with hopes and fears not unlike theirs.
"With two years of pandemic-related isolation, many of us experienced for the first time what it's like to not have connections, to not have community," said Harriet Levy, CEO of CEL. "Some of our members have been battling that for decades, and CEL was founded on the principle of inclusion, of fun made accessible to everyone."
In addition to social programs, CEL has developed an Employment Program, where CEL staff work 1-on-1 with members to hone their skills for a particular job. While there are several men and women in the program looking for work, those jobs can be hard to find, even in the current climate where "everyone is hiring."
"Our members are talented, dedicated employees, and sometimes they just need a chance," said Levy. "We always challenge business owners to give us a call and talk about how there might actually be an opportunity to hire someone part-time. Our job coaches are there every step of the way to ensure the right fit, so the process doesn't need to be so daunting."
The state of Illinois ranks almost dead last (48th) in the nation for support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and schools can only support those under the age of 22. The need is great for places like CEL to fill the role of advocacy and opportunity. The REACH Adult Day Program at CEL is offered on weekdays, and was able to continue throughout the pandemic, offering a vital lifeline for those involved.
As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is CELebrated throughout March, CEL is highlighting its members and asking the community to recognize and understand the positive, vital role that people with disabilities have in the world.
People like Patricia Tucker, who worked with CEL to find a job 4 years ago and stepped up into a new role as the worker shortage affected her employer.
"I love my job, and I was very proud to receive the 'Customer Compliment' Award in January," Tucker said. "I feel good being able to pay my bills, my mortgage, and to live independently with my husband and our cat. Everyone should get to live their dreams like I do."
However, for every success story like Patricia, dozens of other people with disabilities long to life a similarly independent job. Many are searching for jobs, lacking connection and struggling with isolation. The people who are connected are lucky and worked hard to get there.
For 54 years, CEL staff have been supporting the dreams of its members, whether that was making friends, finding a job, sharing a special talent, or having a place to learn new skills. Inclusion in the community has always been a key component of programs and an invigorating part of life that is never taken for granted.
"We know that people with disabilities are capable of so much, and the world needs to know that too," said Levy. "Hopefully Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is the time when everyone finally gets it. We are thankful to the donors who support the work of CEL and its importance to members."
CEL provides in-person and virtual social programs to keep members connected, offers a community-based adult day program, helps people with disabilities find jobs in the community and provides businesses with tools and guidance to hire those talented people. CEL is CQL Accredited and a Guidestar Platinum nonprofit. The majority of programs take place at the Riverwoods facility, which serves hundreds of individuals from more than 50 Chicagoland communities.
Throughout the entire month of March, all one-time donations to CEL will be matched thanks to a generous grant from Vaughn and Jennifer Moore. Donations can be made on their website, www.centerforenrichedliving.org.
For more information, or to schedule a media interview in support of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, please contact Angela Pasyk, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications, at angela@centerforenrichedliving.org or 847.315.9926.
CEL has made customizable DDAM resources available on its website (www.centerforenrichedliving.org/ddam):
• Sample company email in support of DDAM
• Social graphics in recognition of DDAM
• CEL Member spotlight stories
• More information about CEL programs
• Employment team information for inquiries on hiring people with disabilities
• Donation form