By jmeddy on 2/22/2011 10:27 PM

Center for Independent Futures is partnering with Recycling Avenue for its Spring 2011 Small Electronics Recycling Drive!  Bring your Small Electronics to Center for Independent Futures during our regular office hours beginning March 1, 2011 and drop them in the Recycling Avenue Bin.

We can recycle your laptops, cell phones, house phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, camcorders and ink cartridges.  Sorry, we cannot accept keyboards, fax machines, computer towers, printers or anything else that is not listed above.

Recycling Avenue is a compan y formed to save our environment by recycling retired, small electronic items. The company was started by and is run by a group of individuals with disabilities wanting to make a difference in their world.   CIF is proud to support their efforts to keep the environment clean!

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By jmeddy on 2/22/2011 9:51 PM

Bad news!  The following severe cuts to disability services for children and adults for the current fiscal year were ordered by the State of Illinois Governor's Budget Office beginning as soon as possible:

• Most grant funded services will be eliminated in this fiscal year including respite, dental, training and epilepsy grants.
   
• Family Assistance Grants will be reduced by 50% in this fiscal year and eliminated in F2012.
   
• Home-Based Services for children and adults will see a 10% cut on the current cap immediately.
   
• At this time, the 6% cut to Medicaid rates is still scheduled for July 1, 2011.

Sen. Mattie Hunter, chair of the Senate Appropriations II Committee, has called a hearing on DHS cuts for the current fiscal year on Thursday, Feb. 24th at 10:00 a.m. in Room 16-503, Thompson Center.

We need to make our voices heard!  Tell your Governor and legislators that these cuts are unacceptable, and that we need a supplemental appropriation to fund these  important services.  Take time to make this important telephone call today!

Governor Quinn:  Springfield  217-782-0244; Chicago 312-814-2121

Illionis State Senators:  http://www.ilga.gov/senate/

Illinois State Representatives:  http://www.ilga.gov/house/

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By jmeddy on 2/21/2011 6:58 PM

Center for Independent Futures is gearing up for its 5th annual Spark event, which is just over one month away!  This year’s event will feature a delicious plated diner, exciting silent auction, overflowing open bar, and dancing with live music performed by Underwater People.

During the last few months, CIF and its Auxiliary Board have reach out to hundreds of potential sponsors and auction item donors with great success.  The event has already yielded several exciting auction items and nearly $10,000 from generous event sponsors, including:  AJ Feldman Financial, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., the Brinker Family, First Bank & Trust, Garveys' Office Products, John J. Cahill, Inc., the Kenney-Palmore Family, Laner Muchin, Make it Better, Steve Lobacz and United Healthcare.

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By jmeddy on 2/21/2011 5:55 PM

Do you have a dog, or do you know someone who does?  Then CIF has good news for you.  The renowned “Goldy’s Favorite Dog Biscuits” are back and better than ever!

Baked from scratch by CIF parent and volunteer Bonnie Dohogne, Goldy’s Dog Biscuits are sure to be a hit with your dog – or make a great gift for your friends and neighbors pets. A 10-ounce package of Goldy’s biscuits costs $10 ($9 tax deductible), and all proceeds go directly to Center for Independent Futures. 

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By jmeddy on 2/3/2011 1:50 PM

Center for Independent Futures’ staff and community members are now selling coupon books for Carson Pirie Scott’s annual Community Day, which will take place at all Carson Pirie Scott stores on February 26, 2011. Coupon books cost $5 each and all of the proceeds will go directly to CIF!

The book includes coupons for $10 off any purchase, 30% off an early bird special, and 10-20% off all items in the store. The coupon book can be used on February 26th at any Carson Pirie Scott store. Please take advantage of this opportunity to support CIF by purchasing coupon books for yourself and your friends to help us reach our goal of $1,000!

If you have any questions or would like to sell coupon books on CIF’s behalf, please contact Lauren Drake at 847.328.2044 or ldrake@independentfutures.com.

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