By jmeddy on 12/21/2011 5:42 PM

One of Center for Independent Futures participants, Alyssa Ruzzin, has accomplished many great things over the last year.

"Lost Child?" A Movie Star in the Making

Alyssa’s brother, Greg Ruzzin, filmmaker and professor at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television in California, produced and directed a movie titled "Lost Child?" about his reconnection with his little sister after growing apart and living in different states. Alyssa’s story about surviving and thriving with Epilepsy and developmental disabilities is the movie’s main focus.

CIF hosted a movie premier night in the summer of 2011, and Alyssa received rave reviews from viewers, fellow participants and CIF staff. Since the movie debut, Alyssa regularly attends movie premiers around the country and participates in question and answer sessions with film students and fans alike.

Learn more about the film at http://lostchildmovie.com.

Public Speaking: Telling her Story

While working with her CIF Independent Living Skills Tutor, Alyssa identified a goal of expanding on the success of her movie. She had long dreamed of sharing her story with other individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with special needs in an effort to promote a message that no one is alone in their struggles and anything is possible, regardless of disability.

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By jmeddy on 12/21/2011 4:38 PM

Center for Independent Future’s (CIF) hottest new activity, Ladies Night, started in the summer of 2011 when participant Lauren Gersch had the itch to plan and facilitate her own activity. As part of the process, Lauren and her tutor worked together to identify the steps she needed to take to plan and run an activity.

The first thing Lauren needed to do was to pick an activity. She decided on a “Girls Night In” complete with a potluck style dinner and a manicure station. Once she decided on an activity, Lauren picked a day and e-mailed the request to CIF’s Activities Director, Jeff Morthorst. Then she had to request the day off work in order to make sure she could prepare for and attend the event. On the day of the event, Lauren and her tutor, Tara Wickey, arrived early to set up. Lauren was there and ready to greet the ladies as they walked in. Because the event was a huge success, the giggly group of ladies decided they wanted to make Ladies Night a reoccurring event every month! Lauren facilitated the discussion about what activity to do next.

Check out our photos...

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By jmeddy on 12/5/2011 10:38 AM

The next Ask a Lawyer session is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, 2011 a the Evanston Public Library Main Branch from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy’s Ask a Lawyer program offers brief legal services to low-income, Evanston residents, who cannot afford legal advice, a chance to discuss their legal issues with volunteer attorneys. The Ask a Lawyer program provides opportunities for community members to discuss with volunteer attorneys certain legal matters, including educational law, consumer law, criminal law, family law, guardianship, housing law, immigration/asylum, and traffic issues.

Register online at www.askalawyerevanston.org or at 847-492-1410.

Download this flyer for more information.
 

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By jmeddy on 12/2/2011 5:14 PM

In response to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s request for documentary film project proposals, Glader Filmworks, an award-winning, full service production company, worked pro bono to develop a trailer film showcasing F.I.I.V.E. Chicago (Fostering Intergenerational Inclusive Volunteer Engagement).

The five minute trailer film, titled “Willing and Able: The New Volunteers” highlights Center for Independent Futures (CIF) participants volunteering in the community with an older adult mentor, giving a sense of the inclusive, intergenerational project that will unfold over the next year. If awarded the grant (which may range from $50,000-$200,000), the MacArthur foundation will fund the creation of a full-length documentary film showing the activities and community impact of F.I.I.V.E. Chicago.

Take a moment now to watch the short film - it is sure to encourage and inspire people of all ages and abilities!

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By jmeddy on 12/2/2011 2:50 PM

Center for Independent Futures (CIF) is embarking on an exciting collaborative project called F.I.I.V.E. Chicago (Fostering Intergenerational Inclusive Volunteer Engagement). CIF was invited to partner on this project with Mather Lifeways, Clearbrook, Barbara Olson Center for Hope, Misercordia, Park Lawn, and Seguin Services. The project is funded through a 1-year grant from the Coleman Foundation.

Through F.I.I.V.E Chicago, 25 CIF participants and Evanston Township High School Transition House students (ages 14-30) will be paired with an older adult mentor (ages 55+) to engage in monthly community service projects together. Project components include the development of a training curriculum for older adults to mentor and lead young people with disabilities, the development of a volunteer training for young people with disabilities, and the development and implementation of volunteer projects with partner organizations in metropolitan Chicago communities.

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By jmeddy on 12/2/2011 2:38 PM

The Evanston Art Center presents "Shop Your Cause" Night on Wednesday, December 7th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  You are invited to enjoy wine, cheese and the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts at EAC's Winter Expo.

The event combines the convenience of browsing for holiday gifts for family and friends with the fun of spending a night at the Evanston Art Center...and a percentage of your purchase will go to Center for Independent Futures!

The EAC’s galleries are located in the Harley Clarke House, a historic three-story Tudor mansion overlooking Lake Michigan. But most importantly, when you mention Center for Independent Futures during checkout, 20% of your purchases that evening will go TO US!

We hope to see you at the Evanston Art Center's Winter Expo on December 7th...support the Arts and CIF!

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By jmeddy on 12/2/2011 2:31 PM

Center for Independent Futures will host a Holiday Gift Sale at one of Evanston’s loveliest homes on Sunday, December 4th from 1 to 4 p.m.

The event will feature beautifully hand-crafted jewelry by Wendy Kopald, botanical note cards and greeting cards by award-winning artist Mary Ann Grumman and customized cards by Jen Sultz. All pieces are handmade by these local artists and will make exquisite gifts to share or for yourself! 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. Begin the festive season by socializing with old friends, and making some new ones, while spreading some cheer to support the programs and community of CIF.

No coupon necessary – simply shop and share!
 

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