Are you a runner looking to make a difference in your community? Do you have a passion for philanthropy and want to find a way to combine your love of running with giving back? Look no further! Join #TeamCIF!
We are seeking enthusiastic runners to join our team for the Bank of 
America Chicago Marathon and to raise money for Center for Independent Futures. The Chicago Marathon is a world-class race that attracts runners from all over the world. It is a chance not only to challenge yourself and push your limits but also to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
By joining TeamCIF, you will have the opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon and fundraise to support individuals with disabilities live full lives and realize their hopes and dreams. We want you to feel connected and motivated to make a difference, and we will be there to cheer you on!
As a member of TeamCIF, you will receive support and guidance on how to
fundraise and reach your fundraising goals. CIF does not require runners to guarantee their fundraising in advance, but we ask you to have a passion for our mission. We encourage all runners to have a fundraising goal of $1250 and to make a good faith attempt to raise that amount. Some raise more, others less, and last year we beat our goal!
So why wait? Sign up to join #TeamCIF for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon today and make a difference while doing what you love!
Questions? Email center@independentfutures.org. Ready to register? Click here.
That’s why it is so important to contact the elected officials who represent you! Sometimes our representatives need us to explain why something is troubling us, and sometimes we need to tell them why we support certain issues. 
For local Chicagoland folks, WBEZ wants to know what you care about. They’re asking listeners to share, “What do you want your Illinois elected officials to be talking about this election season?”
Other places to look for support in advocating for your needs include state chapters of national organizations like the 
This blog was written by our community partner Michael Walther of Oak Wealth Advisors. As experts in special needs planning, the people at Oak Wealth Advisors can provide your family with the support you need to put your future in order.
When most young adults finish school, they will make decisions about where they want to live, with whom they want to live, and what career they want to pursue. When the individual has special needs, the decisions are more complicated and usually require significant input from parents and others. Typically, the development of life skills and the focus on a future lifestyle are also developed during high school years. Many times, individuals with special needs age out of the school system without their independent life skills fully developed and some of their lifestyle questions unanswered.
There are two primary obstacles to successful special needs planning. Time and money. You have to accept that you cannot do everything or buy everything you would like for your loved one. However, successful planning will help you achieve more of your planning goals by making more effective use of your time and helping you stretch your dollars. In addition, the planning will supplement what the family can provide with as many government resources as possible. Effective special needs planning results in greater peace of mind for all family members.
When you ride with Center for Independent Futures’ Dream Team, you’ll be part of a team of individuals with and without disabilities, including participants, staff, board members, and friends. Our team members participate in this incredible event and raise funds for our programs and services in honor of their ride. Center for Independent Futures makes it easy to participate by supporting riders to sign up for the event, helping with fundraising, and taking care of transportation logistics on the day of the event.
We 
On Tuesday, November 27th, countries around the world celebrated #GivingTuesday. In Illinois, we also participate in #ILGive, an 
As if raising more than $24,000 in one day wasn’t exciting enough, we were also offered a matching grant opportunity. For every donation of $175 or more, we received an additional $175 thanks to the Coleman Foundation. As a result, Center for Independent Futures will receive an additional $10,000! 
