Join Center for Independent Futures for a cool treat at Cold Stone Creamery on Thursday, August 5th from 5 – 9 pm. All CIF supporters are invited to the Evanston store, located at 1611 Sherman Avenue, to enjoy a delicious ice cream creation. And, you can indulge guilt-free because up to 25% of the profits will be donated to CIF at the end of the night.

At Center for Independent Futures, we're ready for hot days and hot dogs. Luckily for us, a few CIF staff members and participants had a chance to run off to a cottage in Michigan, graciously donated by a CIF supporter, for our first ever Graduate Life Tools Camp summer sleep-over experience! With a crew of four counselors, five campers and an accessible van packed to the gills, we made our way to the beach getaway of South Haven, Michigan.

Attorney L. Mark Russell ("Mark") grew up with an older brother, Jon, who is dual diagnosed with both an intellectual disability and a bipolar disorder. Sharing Jon's struggles and triumphs has defined Mr. Russell’s career and his life.

With a brother on the Autism spectrum, Michael Walther understands the issues of financial planning for families with special needs members first hand.  Mike is an experienced advisor and the founder of Oak Wealth Advisors, an organization whose mission is to provide peace of mind by delivering successful financial experiences.