of Innovation

At Envision Unlimited we are dedicated to serving the needs of people with disabilities with empathy and dignity, right where they are. Through innovation and our commitment to unique and caring approaches, we are working to create change not just in the system, but in the lives of the people we serve. With more than 90% of those we serve existing at or below the poverty line, our members, their families and a waiting population of those in need remain vulnerable, often marginalized and living in under-served communities. Their voices and challenges have been historically ignored. Ultimately, our goal is to help change the trajectory of their futures. We are evolving in ways big and small to make changes aimed at correcting these social justice inequities. Consider how we are planning for our elderly members to age in place, instead of being moved into nursing homes. Our new Dream Home is a groundbreaking effort to create an Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant home in Chicago to shape a new reality for those with disabilities to live fully during their senior years.

In the past year, we have helped more than 70 individuals avoid homelessness, successfully transitioning people with disabilities from state institutions into homes and into the community. Through our Neighbors Program we are helping members thrive and normalize in the communities they live. And, in our mental health program we witness change every day with former clients who are well into their recovery journey and now serve as peer mentors. They are making the difference in the lives of others and modeling what Envision Unlimited can be for all.

Your generous support is what makes it possible to break through and disrupt the inequities that have been barriers for people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities. Thank you! We hope that you will continue to follow and support us on this journey and be part of the important advances and breakthroughs to come.

With thanks,

Mary Kay Krupka Board Chair

This past year has been an exciting and consequential time in our efforts to empower people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities to grow toward independence, experience greater inclusion and live their best lives possible. With breakthroughs in treatment for children with autism, a remarkable step forward in our employment programs, expansion of our mental health services, and new initiatives that grow our service footprint, there have been significant accomplishments over the last year.

A legacy of innovation is at our core. The entire Envision Unlimited family have shown exemplary courage and the bravery to stop settling for what is, and to create what can be for the members, families, and caregivers we serve. Grounded in our tradition of evolving care with empathy every time and everywhere, we are removing barriers and improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Every day we demonstrate and celebrate unlimited potential, expertise, impact and generosity. We are making strides towards the deinstitutionalization of people with disabilities and helping thousands of people become part of the community. Our commitment to strengthen the mental health safety net system ensures we continue to expand the range of services available throughout the community, regardless of ability to pay. We tirelessly advocate for our members and thousands of people with disabilities and their caregivers through engagement in myriad industry coalitions, and ongoing connection with local, state and federal government representatives. And our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program is underway across the organization to develop a culture that promotes greater collaboration.

It is gratifying to witness and share stories of the work we do driven by our team of uniquely educated experts dedicated to helping people from age 2 – 80+ and their caregivers push forward, tap into their unique spirit and lead fulfilling, self-determined lives. This annual report features many of these breakthroughs.

Our success to extend our mission has always been a team effort – a collective success resulting from the hard work and generosity of so many people, including you. We simply cannot do it alone. With a waiting list of more than 30,000 people with disabilities in Illinois who require the kind of support we provide at Envision Unlimited, the need for our evolving care is great and continues to grow. Thank you for all you do.

Gratefully,

Mark McHugh President and CEO

Championing Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Unlimited Expertise