By jmeddy on 10/21/2010 11:59 PM

This past month, a group of seven CIF Participants and four staff members embarked on the first-ever CIF vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This vacation was the dream of Jill Futransky, a resident at the Sienna condominiums and long-time Participant with Center for Independent Futures. She worked for an entire year with her Life Skills Tutor, Julie Larson, to research, plan, and make her dream a reality for herself as well as the other eager travelers.

The journey began early on Sunday morning, September 19th, when the Disney travel group met at 6:45 AM at the Davis Street L station in downtown Evanston. Everyone made it to the train station on time and with luggage in tow, ready for the big adventure ahead. In typical CIF fashion, every step of the journey was a lesson in independence, beginning with the challenge to get to the airport on time for the flight to Orlando. Everyone in the group had a great attitude, a spirit of teamwork, and eager anticipation, which made the journey a success.

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By jmeddy on 10/21/2010 11:24 PM

On January 27, 1981, Attorney Brian Rubin's second of his three children, Mitchell, was born.  Mitch has Autism among other diagnosed special needs.  The birth of Mitch changed the lives of Brian and his wife, Linda.  For Brian, his professional life, as well as his personal life took a "fork in the road".   Since 1981, with Mitchell's birth, Brian's practice became dedicated to appropriate "Special Needs Future Planning" (SNFP) for his fellow Illinois parents and families of children and adults with special needs. 

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By jmeddy on 10/21/2010 11:09 PM

Attention, art lovers!  CIF looks forward to hosting a Holiday Art Sale at one of Evanston’s loveliest homes on Saturday, November 20 & Sunday, November 21 from 2-5 p.m. 

The event will feature beautifully hand-crafted beaded jewelry by Wendy Kopald, collage paintings by Tanya Sugarman, and holiday cards by Jen Sultz.  All pieces are made by local artists with exquisite gifts to share.  A portion of all proceeds will benefit Center for Independent Futures. 

Please stop by 300 Church Street in Evanston to browse and shop at this unique sale.  No coupon necessary – simply shop and support CIF!

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By jmeddy on 10/21/2010 10:17 PM

On the memorable morning of 10/10/10, 14 Team CIF runners completed all 26.2 miles of the Chicago Marathon.  Despite very warm temperatures, our runners achieved many personal goals and crossed the finish line with an average time of 4 hours and 46 minutes.  These runners were dedicated not only to their athletic training, but also to their fundraising efforts. Collectively, Team CIF has raised $15,545 to date for Center for Independent Futures!  Several CIF participants and staff enjoyed cheering on Team CIF, passing out snacks to runners, and grooving to music as part of Charity Block Party on Adams Street.

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By jmeddy on 10/21/2010 4:00 PM

Center for Independent Futures is pleased to introduce our friends and supporters to another of our excellent Resource Partners, Eric G. Matlin from Matlin & Associates, P.C., Attorneys and Counselors at Law. Eric Matlin is a graduate of DePaul University and The John Marshall Law School. He was admitted to practice law in 1978. Many individuals with disabilities and their families have benefited from Eric’s expertise in Estate Planning, Special Needs Trusts and Guardianship.

In his article on Special Needs Trusts, Eric presents information that everyone who has a loved one with disabilities should know. “If you are responsible for taking care of a family member who will never be able to take care of him/her self, planning your estate is critical. Even if you are not primarily responsible for the person, consider that a direct gift to a person with special needs, during your lifetime or upon your death, can wreak chaos in his/her life,” he cautions.
 

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