By jmeddy on 4/11/2012 12:55 PM

April Hall is no stranger to the importance of having people in one's life to support and help out when needed. As a loving mother to her 7-year-old daughter Amy and a part-time home care assistant to the elderly, April understands how meaningful having support can be. For April, Center for Independent Futures helps her to achieve her own hopes and dreams, so she can support her daughter in doing the same.

A year ago, April approached her CIF tutors for help in finding a new apartment. Like any mother, April wants to give Amy the best life possible. She was tired of living in a place with unresponsive landlords and wanted Amy to attend a school with teachers that were able to give her the guidance and extra support she deserves. “We need a comfortable home in a safe neighborhood with a good school where Amy can learn and make friends,” April stated.

 

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By jmeddy on 4/6/2012 11:13 AM

On Saturday, April 21, 20012, the Central Street Business Association and the Central Street Neighbors Association are proud to sponsor their Spring Community Day on Central Street in Evanston! Make your regular purchases at merchants located on Central Street – and maybe a little something extra for you or someone special – and a percentage of your purchase will go to Center for Independent Futures.

Bring your Community Day Flyer into a participating business, make sure you check off the box next to CIF’s name and we will receive a portion of your purchase. Donations to CIF will range from 5-20% on your purchases depending upon the merchant. Flyers are also available at participating businesses…just as for one!

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By jmeddy on 4/2/2012 8:25 PM

During the month of March, the CIF Volunteer Club gathered twice to complete two community service projects. The first activity took place at the CIF Community Room, where 15 CIF participants and 6 older adults gathered to learn about homelessness in Evanston. The group decorated 90 cardstock placemats which will be donated to the Hemenway Church “Soup at Six” program as well as 6 spring themed centerpieces to donate to Connections for the Homeless in Evanston.

For the second activity, 5 CIF participants visited the Mather Pavilion on Foster Street in Evanston to decorate and package 100 bags filled with cat and dog food and treats to donate to a local animal shelter. CIF and the FIIVE Program are grateful to PetCo for donating the materials for this project.

The Volunteer Club looks forward to weighing and packaging Goldy’s favorite dog biscuits on April 23rd. The packages of Goldy’s Biscuits will be sold at CIF’s annual Spark event for $10.00, and all proceeds will benefit Center for Independent Futures.

Be sure to check out our Photo Gallery for some of the great moments captured at these events!

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By jmeddy on 4/2/2012 7:36 PM

Adrian Drower and Josh Weiner recently completed their training as Healthy Lifestyle Coaches (HLCs). Now they’ve begun presenting a 12-week HealthMessages Program designed by staff at the University of Illinois at Chicago to their peers. “Adrian and Josh are a great team,” said Center for Independent Futures’ staff member, Jeff Morthorst, one of CIF’s HealthMessages Program implementation mentors. “It’s wonderful to see the enthusiastic responses they elicit from their audience.”

CIF partner Whole Foods Evanston South has provided an intimate setting for the 30-45 minute HealthMessages sessions. During the first few sessions, the HLCs administered a survey aimed at discerning the participant's level of health knowledge and introduced the concept of “health as wealth.” Silicone wristbands supporting this message were distributed to attendees who were encouraged to share the HealthMessage and bracelet reminder with family and friends. In addition, attendees were prompted to take charge of their health and to set goals for themselves which will be reviewed at the next session. While the topics presented and discussed are serious, the sessions are lighthearted and laughter is both frequent and hearty.

Check out photos from our first few sessions...

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