Anixter's Impact Report 2022

To our Friends and Followers,

This past year was like few others. We pushed ourselves to move beyond the pandemic, continued to push social equity to the forefront of decisions, and remained unified in our drive to deliver a hopeful vision for the future. Our strategic plan is our North Star guiding top quality services and accelerating groundbreaking initiatives. I feel profound gratitude for our Anixter team members who work tirelessly to drive innovation in all we do. And I am especially grateful for you, who make our life-changing work possible. Your support has built the foundation that leads to all our successes.

In the past year, Anixter’s successes have been nothing short of extraordinary. We forged strategic partnerships to create the After 22 Project, the first of its kind in Chicago, which paves the way for students with developmental disabilities to attend college. We expanded our mental health services to include Deaf counseling and linkage services for youth involved with the justice system. We celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hear the Cheers, a program that provides hearing aids and audiology services to children whose families couldn’t otherwise afford them. Each of our services personifies the Anixter philosophy: that all people deserve access to what they need, whether it’s communication, mental health support, a safe place to live, or meaningful employment. Together, we’re breaking barriers.

The theme of this year’s Impact Report is full circle. When people have the right resources and tools to succeed, they come full circle. The full circle extends far beyond one individual’s journey; it speaks to the interconnectedness of us all. Our friends, families, and communities all intertwine in a full circle. And when we work together, we create the full circle. You’ll see this come to life in stories like Ric’s, who previously received Anixter’s services but is now on the other side of his recovery. He currently works at Anixter’s Recovery Hub as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist. The work we do never ceases to amaze me.

I hope the following pages inspire and energize you, just as your unwavering support inspires me every day. Our progress depends entirely on your faith in our vision and your generosity of spirit and resource, both of which you gift us with wholeheartedly. Thank you. Warmly, Jon Linas

FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR JON LINAS

FULL CIRCLE

LYDIA’S STORY

HEAR THE CHEERS – 10 YEARS LATER!

We are celebrating a very special anniversary at the Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) this year: the 10th anniversary of Hear The Cheers!

We caught up with Lynette, the first ever Hear The Cheers (HTC) recipient, and her mom, Lydia, to learn how HTC has impacted their family.

Lydia beams as she describes Lynette, now 16 years old. Lynette always has a smile on her face and fiercely advocates for herself and others. When Lynette was a toddler, Lydia described her as a “wild child.” Lydia never knew her daughter had hearing loss until she failed a hearing screening for preschool.

In disbelief, Lydia took Lynette to CHS’s audiology clinic for a second opinion. Again, tests confirmed that Lynette had hearing loss. “I felt so lost, confused, and angry. How did I not notice?” Lydia says.

To make matters more challenging, Lydia’s insurance wouldn’t cover the specialized hearing aids Lynette needed. It would take years for Lydia’s family to save enough money for the expensive hearing aids. Lydia was incredibly frustrated, but she persisted, searching for resources that could help her daughter sooner rather than later.

Finally, through a parentto-parent support group, Lydia learned about a new program: Hear The Cheers.

Lynette and Lydia remember the moment they got the call that they were the first Hear The Cheers recipients. “Lynette was in soccer, and I started crying and she did too.”

It was a moment of pure joy.

After years of roadblocks, Hear The Cheers was the green light. Lynette could finally receive the hearing aids she needed!

“I remember when Lynette first got her molds in different swirl colors. She was so proud of them,” Lydia shares. “If she hadn’t received the hearing aids when she did, her response might not have been the same. She would have missed out a lot educationwise, around family, and different sounds.”

Today, Lynette is thriving — she’s a gifted writer. And the family has come full circle: Lydia gives back by supporting families whose children have hearing loss, connecting them with resources like Hear the Cheers! We’re honored to be part of this family’s journey.

FULL CIRCLE

CAN HANDLE IT.”

Marilyn, like any other student at Daley College, enjoys hanging out with her friends on campus and attending classes in preparation for becoming an art teacher. However, there is much more to Marilyn’s story. Although Marilyn always wanted to go to college, she wasn’t sure this would be an option for her. Marilyn has an intellectual disability; but she didn’t let that stop her from reaching her goals.

The After 22 Project at Anixter Center, in partnership with Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities and City Colleges of Chicago, paved the way for Marilyn to attend college. After 22 is a revolutionary project — the first of its kind in Chicago — that empowers students with intellectual disabilities to pursue educational and career opportunities.

As part of After 22’s first students Marilyn can turn her dreams of being an art teacher into a reality.

Not only does Marilyn attend classes at Daley, but she’s also advancing her career. The After 22 team told Marilyn about an internship opportunity at Northeastern University where she would work with children. Marilyn, who previously wasn’t sure college was an option for her, could now possibly intern at a university. Talk about full circle!

Marilyn’s mentor through After 22, Laura, helped Marilyn prepare for the internship interview. “I was nervous about interviewing. Ms. Laura helped me prepare, so I would be less nervous and be the best I could be.” And Marilyn certainly was the best she could be. She got the internship!

When Marilyn learned she got the internship at Northeastern, she was “happy, excited, and filled with energy.” Marilyn’s mom waited in the parking lot during the interview, and when Marilyn came out and shared the good news, her mom began crying. It was an incredible milestone in Marilyn’s journey. “This internship gives me a sense of purpose. Last summer I was so bored, and this summer I was busy and earning money.” She was thrilled to pursue an opportunity where she could help children and speak Spanish. Marilyn also used the money from her internship to buy a new computer!

Marilyn will continue her internship at Northeastern as she continues taking classes at Daley. Sometimes Marilyn’s friends and family worry that balancing work and school may be too much (since it can be tough for anyone!), but Marilyn isn’t worried. She even wants to mentor new students coming to Daley. As she looks towards the future, Marilyn is excited to continue growing and learning, saying “Anything is possible!”

“I

One of the best gifts we can have in life is confidence. Every person deserves to feel confident, and we’re on the front lines making this happen. We create the full circle.

FULL CIRCLE

OUR REPORT

RIC’S STORY

“THE JOURNEY NEvER ENDS.”

This is true for all of us, but it especially rings true for people who are in recovery.

Meet Ric, a film buff, music fan, and hockey enthusiast. Ric is also a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) at Anixter Center. However, Ric’s journey with Anixter started over two years ago, long before he became a team member.

Ric first learned about the Recovery Hub while he was navigating his own recovery. When he and his girlfriend first started coming to the Recovery Hub, Ric was blown away. “It was more hands-on than anything I’ve experienced. The staff helps you but it’s at your speed. You are in charge of your own destiny. That’s what sets Anixter apart.”

The Recovery Hub offered Ric a place of refuge in a chaotic world, as it does for many others. Nestled in Rogers Park, the Recovery Hub is a place of community for people with mental illness. Ric connected with a lot of people during his time at the Recovery Hub: playing pool, listening to music, or just talking about life. They would start conversations and naturally formed their own group therapies. “It was spur of the moment and very organic.”

Because the Recovery Hub gave so much to Ric, he wanted to give back. “I knew what I wanted to do and what I had to do, and how I could carry it out in a way that helps others.” Ric began encouraging people to take care of themselves. He even taught other Recovery Hub members how to use the computers!

The team at Anixter saw how much Ric had to offer. They offered him the first available internship — and eventually a full-time position. Ric’s journey had come full circle.

Now, Ric empowers people to take charge of their destiny. Through counseling, accountability, and all the therapeutic activities the Recovery Hub has to offer, Ric is living his passion by helping others.

Ric smiles when talking about his job as a CRSS. “What motivates me is the fact that you’re helping somebody and they’re moving along and progressing.” We are so grateful for the incredible people who do great work at Anixter. Sometimes, we find them directly in the communities we serve — which is the icing on the cake!

YOUR IMPACT

OUR IMPACT — B y The Numbers

Audiology patients: 1,409