Evolving Care with Empathy Every Time, Everywhere: Annual Report FY 2023

evolving care with empathy every time, everywhere

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

At Envision Unlimited,

our mission is to provide quality services that promote choice, independence, and inclusion with empathy, every time, everywhere. Founded in Chicago in 1948, we have been tireless in our efforts on behalf of people with disabilities and their caregivers.

In Illinois 28 percent of adults have symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. More than a third of people reporting these symptoms have unmet needs for counseling and therapy services and cannot afford to seek care. Yet, despite the large population, the state’s social services fail to meet their basic human right to live in the community – at the cost of their health and well-being.

During the last 75 years, Envision Unlimited has been a fierce advocate for the human rights of people with disabilities from infants to 80-plus who have a broad range of communication, engagement and independent living skills. Today we support more than 4,000 members and their caregivers in the greater Chicago area and Central Illinois with empathy and compassion.

Evolving care is at our core. It means meeting and anticipating the needs of people with disabilities.

COVER: Envision Unlimited member Sulema joined a large crew of fellow members donning colorful costumes and spreading their wings at the 2023 Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade. Members created their butterfly ensemble through our arts program, which provides opportunities to integrate members into the art community and develop their artistic passions and skills.

Consider our impact:

• More than doubled in size during the last decade, growing our geographic footprint and foundation for innovative care and healthier futures

• $30,000,000-plus in cost savings to Illinois taxpayers created through our community living homes

• More than 80 community living options supporting independence of people with disabilities

• Empowering members to explore the world at their doorstep with community integration and inclusion at the heart of our Community Day Centers, Neighbors Program, Adaptive Cycling, group outings, and our participation in numerous community events

• Employment programs are rapidly expanding opportunities for more than 125 members with job readiness skills, seeking opportunities, working on the job

• Helping caregivers get relief with our family respite support available in 21 counties across Illinois

• Strengthening our culture with diversity, equity and inclusion strategies to embrace an evolving workforce for our 900-plus staff members

Yet, the need for care, change and inclusion remains urgent. Today, thousands of people wait in limbo to access the types of services they desperately need, services that Envision Unlimited provides.

Thank you for joining us on the frontlines offering evolving care for people with disabilities delivered with empathy, every time, everywhere. Your generosity helps us help people with disabilities live fulfilling lives in their communities. We are grateful for the last 75 years of service and support and look forward to you accompanying us on our journey as we continue to focus on the needs of today and prepare for needs of tomorrow.

Gratefully,

Mary Kay Krupka Board Chair

Mark McHugh President and CEO

Opening New Doors to Care for People with Disabilities

In Illinois, 28 percent of adults, or onefourth of the population have symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. But more than 32 percent of the adults reporting these symptoms have unmet needs for counseling and therapy services. One-third of these adults cannot afford to seek care.

As the mental health crisis grows, Envision Unlimited is opening more doors to care. Through our certified programs, we work on the frontlines to provide a full range of behavioral health services for people with serious and persistent mental illness including outpatient services, such as psychiatry, counseling, case management and community support, as well as residential support.

Since acquiring a Community Behavioral Health Clinic from another organization in

2018, the program has more than doubled in size to become one of the largest and most dynamic mental health service providers in the Chicago area.

This means Envision Unlimited is helping more people lead self-determined lives, become more independent, be more active and engaged in all aspects of their lives, and have better physical and behavioral health outcomes…all of which will result in a higher quality of life for our clients, their families, and our communities.

In 2022, we received funding to create a Trauma-Informed Center of Care (TICC) primarily for seniors and uninsured individuals who experienced trauma and require home-based mental health services. Our program uses a trauma-informed care model, where staff is trained to understand

The Center’s impact has been transformative.

the impact of trauma on the health and wellbeing of our members. We initially screen for trauma as part of members’ overall mental health assessment. And thanks to telehealth, case managers can meet members in a safe and confidential way beyond a traditional office visit – a testament to our ability to provide evolving care everywhere.

The Center’s impact has been transformative.

“One of my clients has a long trauma history that she’s never received true treatment for, and I taught her how to do acceptance and commitment therapy for her anxious thoughts,” said TICC therapist Clare Kimmis. “She was very excited to tell me she applied these strategies and that they have made a tremendous change for her.”

Envision Unlimited welcomes Alderman Matt Martin (47th Ward) to an open house at the Ravenswood Mental Health Center, the hub of our mental health programs.

Advocating for a DisabilityInclusive Community

At Envision Unlimited, we are advocates fighting for a better system, one that works for our members, our caring professional staff, and thousands of people on the State’s long waiting list of people who need our services. Throughout the year our members are engaged in activities throughout the community where they are champions of inclusion and helping break barriers.

Our peer mentor Yashica Collins is no stranger to the stereotypes that limit opportunities for people with disabilities to become productive members of the workforce and pursue their own career dreams. With her lived experience with mental illness, she helps our

Sharing his love of reading, our member Marcus has co-facilitated story time at the Humboldt Park Library for local children and caregivers.

Making sure our voices are heard, staff and members contacted Illinois senators to express support for better recognition of direct support professionals (DSPs) serving people with disabilities in residential and community day service settings.

members in their recovery. That is why she traveled to Springfield to meet with legislators one-onone to describe the internalized, experienced and anticipated stigmas that have significant impacts on their employment. At the Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) Advocacy Day, she handed out business cards, spread the good word about Envision Unlimited, and invited them to visit our Ravenswood Mental Health Center, the new hub of our mental health programs. “I want them to know who we are.”

Throughout the year our members are making productive contributions to the community. Members from our Rose Center helped develop an accessible, interactive installation about caring for grey and harbor seals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Evolving Career Brings Winning Results

Reyanna Johnson has been training and coaching Envision Unlimited athletes through dozens of Gold Medals in track and field, soccer, snow shoeing and volleyball. She’s shuttled them to the events and championships, wiped away tears after game losses, cheered from the sidelines and jumped for joy following wins. That’s in addition to her full-time post as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and training counselor at our Edwin and Florence Frick Center.

This team player spirit was recognized as she was named a “2023 DSP of the Year” by the disability advocacy organization, The Arc of Illinois.

“Reyanna has shown us all what teamwork looks like especially during times of transition,” said Kristen Noonan, Envision Unlimited day and employment services North Side administrator. “Maintaining a case load and bringing members into the community at every opportunity, Reyanna carries out our mission to support

individuals seeking greater independence in every way,” Noonan said.

After a former colleague left the program for another position, Johnson stepped up to the plate, with little knowledge of what the role would entail, and became the lead staff/ coach. This gave the aspiring athletes the opportunity to experience something new and outside of their comfort zone.

“I didn’t want to let them down,” Johnson said. “I just took a shot.”

With her support, Envision Unlimited athletes have brought home 19 gold medals in track and field events, nine gold medals in soccer and additional gold medals in snow shoeing and volleyball.

Johnson says being a DSP has always been a “dream.” She has been with Envision Unlimited for 14 years and says she enjoys every minute of her job. In fact, she credits our members with giving her motivation during some challenging family times.

“The joy they give me saved my life,” she said.

DSP of the Year Reyanna Johnson (in black) with members from our Edwin and Florence Frick Center.

Creating Independence Through Community Living

For decades, Envision Unlimited has provided award-winning community living options and support to individuals with disabilities so they can live their best lives and experience what it is like to be a valued member of a community.

Our long legacy of residential support for people with disabilities includes Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA), Intermittent CILA, Host Family, Short-term Stabilization care and supportive housing. All homes are supervised by staff who assist residents with cooking, cleaning, personal needs and home maintenance.

Our evolution this past year is significant:

• 110 new individuals with disabilities and 80 staff members became part of our Envision Unlimited family expanding our residential housing program in the southwest Chicago and suburbs.

• Through our partnership with

government programs that assist people with disabilities in accessing the least restrictive and most integrated settings possible, we relocated nearly 170 members into community-based settings in 2023. That marks the largest transition for any organization offering similar services in Illinois.

• More than 90 percent of our members in short-term stabilization housing successfully re-entered their communities after receiving specialized treatment.

And construction is underway on our innovative community living for seniors with disabilities. Our DreamHome, a stateof-the-art, ADA-compliant and accessible group home for seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be open next summer allowing them to age in place and live their best lives.

Envision Unlimited member

Deanna welcomes guests to her home, one of more than 80 locations across Chicagoland and Central Illinois.

Oh What a Night!

Bright Futures Ball Illuminates Our Future

Hundreds of Envision Unlimited long-time supporters and new friends shared a remarkable evening of inspiring stories, hope and the impact of our evolving care at our 2023 Bright Futures Ball where we raised nearly $350,000 towards programs and services that support our more than 4,000 members and families.

To see highlights, view our online photo gallery and video.

Pedaling the Way to a Brighter Future

Envision Unlimited members love pedaling through the world on our adaptive cycles. In addition to the physical benefits, it empowers them to be more mobile, independent and out in their communities. This year, we launched our Summer of Cycling, a series of monthly biking events to introduce the Chicago area to our innovative cycling program and create more opportunities for our members. And we’re proud to say it was an instant hit.

“Biking is important to me because I’m going into the community more,” Envision Unlimited member Anthony shared in a recent issue of our member-driven newsletter Unlimited Voices. And he achieved his goal to complete 30 miles in this year’s Bike the Drive, the final ride of the Summer of Cycling.

As members and volunteers biked thousands of miles this season, we attracted many new supporters and caught the attention of local bike clubs, community organizations and news outlets. We also raised important funds to support our programs that help our members lead their best lives.

Our members inspired hundreds of individuals of all abilities during our Summer of Cycling events. They gained greater exposure to their communities, made new friends and became more confident in their potential.

Intentional Acts of Kindness: Getting by with Some Help from our Friends

Our members, staff, board members and donors spent an afternoon packing meals for hungry children and their families, seniors and veterans in the Chicago area through the Feed6 Hunger Heroes event.

Westtown Center Kindness Team members give back to the community by organizing fundraisers for friends in need, collecting items for food drives, creating valentines and care kits for unhoused neighbors and more.

Members volunteer at La Casa Norte, a nonprofit organization supporting people facing homelessness or financial stress through stable housing, food and services. Members help with a variety of tasks, including unloading deliveries, stocking shelves for the affiliated food pantry and assisting families experiencing food insecurity with “choice shopping.”

Jenny Achuthan

Volunteer of the Year

When it comes to getting outside and enjoying a beautiful Chicago day, Envision Unlimited “Volunteer of the Year” Jenny Achuthan doesn’t need much coaxing. Especially when cycling and Envision Unlimited members are involved.

Achuthan has been a volunteer since 2017. Given her love of cycling, our Buddy Biking program seemed like a natural fit. Today, she’s one of about 15 volunteers who journey with our members on weekly summer bike rides along the 606 Trail.

“It becomes such a part of what I do,” Achuthan said. “You have friendships that you develop with the members. … I’m very grateful for that experience.”

Achuthan and our Buddy Biking volunteers underscore the many individuals who devote their time and talents to Envision Unlimited members.

Fellow dedicated volunteers from day spa Spavia came out to support our various

events while providing in-kind donations for wellness services. And employees from architectural firm SCB and design services firm Stantec helped to design and hang a new, colorful sign on the fence of our Westtown Center.

We’d like to extend many thanks to all of the Envision Unlimited volunteers who make our initiatives possible.

Jenny Achuthan receives the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award from President and CEO Mark McHugh. She was an active participant during our inaugural Summer of Cycling biking series and became our top fundraiser.

Mary Kay Krupka, Chair

Julie Dreixler, Vice Chair

Mark Jak, Vice Chair

Britanny Scott Nanry, Treasurer

Chrisonia Butler, Secretary

Dan Durbin, Immediate Past Chair

Jonathan Bilton

Becky Carroll

L. Justin Harris

Peter Ho

Mark Jackson

Lawrence Kipperman

board of directors executive team

Mark McHugh

President and CEO

Bishal Maskey

Chief Financial Officer

Betty Jackson

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Paul Selden

Chief Strategy Officer

Lauren Smith

Chief Human Resources Officer

Suzanne Ross

Chief External Affairs Officer

Niamh Kristufek

Ashvin Lad

John Lemker

Lori Marin

Heather Nornes

Dennis O’Malley

Dorothy O’Malley

Dan Proft

Sarah Rassey

Timothy Smith

Zernul Shackelford, Jr. Mohib Yousufani

Mark McHugh

President and CEO

Colleen Rosa

Senior Vice President, Intellectual and Developmental (IDD) Services

Jean Xoubi

Senior Vice President, Mental Health and Business Development

Freeda Warren

Senior Vice President, Philanthropy

Donna Ennis

Vice President, Community

Living, Home-Based and InHome Respite Services

ASSOCIATE BOARD

Katy Bagowski

Emma Balison

Cindy Luu

Sean McKeon

Sarah Morse

Colleen Raleigh

Simone Schwartz

Lars Skarford

Eric Smith

Catherine Wohner

Sylvia Wtorkowski

Susan Gardner

Vice President, Day and Employment Services

Martha Kenahan

Donor Engagement Executive

Kristen Salkas

Director of Innovation

Angela Isit

Director of Quality Assurance

Daniel Kennedy

Director of Property Management

Chrisonia Butler

Director of Board Affairs

unlimited generosity

Donors Supporting Evolving Care Every Time and Everywhere

$25,000 AND ABOVE

Anonymous

Julie and John Dreixler *

Fifth Third Chicagoland Foundation

Foundation for Human Development

Mary Kay Krupka *

PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Ed Uihlein Family Foundation

Wintrust Financial Corporation

$15,000 – $24,999

Anonymous

Beverly Bank & Trust

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

Brown Legacy Group Capital Advisors, LLC.

Becky Carroll and Jon Friend *

Congregation of St. Joseph

Dr. Scholl Foundation

Great Computer Solutions, Inc.

JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation

Niamh and Christopher Kristufek *

John F. Lemker *

Zernul Shackelford *

$10,000 – $24,999

American Eagle

Aileen S. Andrew Foundation

BMO Harris Bank N.A.

Jymme and Steve Chaouki *

Chicago Mercantile Exchange

Coleman Foundation

Casey Cowell *

Dan and Nancy Durbin *

Ecolab Foundation

Falcon X

The Giving Block

Robert and Teresa Lewandowski Charitable Fund *

The Ozinga Foundation, Inc.

Signature Bank

Brian and Patty Timpone *

$5,000 – $9,999

Alliant Credit Union Foundation

Jon and Kristen Bilton *

Stuart and Bette Bilton *

Tom and Melanie Canale *

Chicago Temple Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Chicago

Bill and Carol Elliott *

Elliot Jay Favus *

Franczek P.C.

Ron and Diana Gorski *

Peter and Lois Ho *

Stewart Jacobson *

Brittany and John Nanry *

Marty and Mike Kenahan *

Dan and Jorie Maring *

Heather and Randy Nornes *

Northwestern Mutual Foundation Matching Gifts Program

Dorothy and Michael J. O’Malley *

Perfection & Grace

Dan Proft *

Carolyn and Robert Redd *

Paul Rink *

Colleen and Rafael Rosa *

RSM

Bill and Lorrie Schneider *

Staub Anderson LLC

Christopher Watts *

Nick Wright *

$2,500 – $4,999

Sally Acker and John Curran *

Bansley, Brescia & Co., P.C.

Barr Charitable Trust *

Brother Rice High School

Capitol Construction Solutions, Inc.

Evanston Bicycle Club

Justin and Michelle Harris *

Sarah and Mark Hanson *

Illinois Arts Council Agency

Larry Kipperman *

Les Dames D’escoffier Chicago Chapter

Jeff Lindbloom *

Amy Mazzolin *

Mark and Leesa McHugh *

Jonni Miklos *

Philip Schwartz *

Sally Scott *

Paul Selden and Karen Singer *

Tim and Judy Smith *

Wolniak Family Fund *

$1,000 – $2,499

The Ability Experience

Adreani Foundation

Amber Mechanical Contractors Inc.

Eric Anderson

John Atkinson

Avison Young

Terrence Bannon

Maureen Barney

Brad and Bonnie Bates

Jeff Boesen

Lisa Centone

Sami Chaouki

Jean Colonomos

Dennis and Deborah Conway

Christine Darragh

Christ and Christopher Eb

*Members of our Envisionaries Society – these dedicated supporters contribute $2,500 or more in a calendar year to ensure we realize our mission and vision for people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities.

William and Zvia Feigenbaum

Graham Holdings

Lactation Network

Graymont Medical

Lee A Harris, Jr.

Henry Bros. Co.

Home State Bancorp, Inc.

The Horton Group

Betty Jackson

Mark Jak and Jack Halm

Jim Jareczek

Barbara Johnson

Helen Kay

The James and Judith Kranjc Family Charitable Fund

Chip Krueger

Bradley Lee

Waltraud Legat

Gil Lemar

William Loesch

Laurence Lurio and Colleen Donohoe

Marc Realty

Bishal Maskey

Mike McCracken

Julie McGill

Joanne McSweeney

Ed Mullen

Candace Nowicki

Dennis and Jennifer O’Malley

John and Veronica O’Malley

Mark O’Malley

Betty O’Toole

Richard Porter

Regal Business Machines Inc.

Sarah and Lou Rassey

Craig Roehl

Nalini and Ravi Saligram

David Scalzo

Joel Schaffer

Jayshree Shah

James Sherman

Karen and Bob Strizak Giving Fund

LaMarr Taylor

Visor Consulting

Shawn Wears

Winning Systems Inc.

$500 – $999

AbbVie

American Endowment Foundation

Anonymous

Patricia Arnold

Barr Management, LTD

Janice and John Besser

Mary Borysewicz

Liz Buchanan

Bert Cattoni

Leo Cattoni

Rahul Chaudhary

Ronald and Tamara Chin

Chicago Community Trust

Matthew Coghlan

JR Daves

Thomas Desplinter

Donna Ennis

Mandy Freeman

Richard Goldsmith

Tony and Rita Gupta

Paul Groshko

Angela and Christopher Isit

Mark Ishaug

Milan and Zina Jak

Mark and Karen Jackson

Joe Jefferson

Peter Joyce

Matthew Kenahan

Monica Kepes

Connie Knapp

Don and Gail Kraska

Kristine Laverty

Luckett & Company, LLC

Keirstin McCambridge

Michael McDonnell

Miller-Lusignan Family Trust

Kristiana Moynihan

Kristina Norton

Matthew Pulley

John Rago

Nancy Roach

Kristen Salkas

Eileen Shannon

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Strada Real Estate Services, Inc.

Patrick Strieck

Jean Sussman and Ed Lyons

Kim Tomich

Kristin Wolf and Karl Stark

Jean Xoubi

William Zastawny

Gary Zmrhal

IN KIND DONATIONS

The Ability Experience

Active Transportation Alliance

Angie Goreta - 105F Yoga & Meditation

Norman B. Barr Camp

Janet Wolniak Bender

Bright’s Concession Stand

Nancy, Bridget and Blase Brown

Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange

Tom and Melanie Canale

Classic Kids Photography

Darque Syde of D’Lyte Productions Inc.

Dan and Nancy Durbin

EAA 461

Kelly Egan

Feed6

Firehouse Restaurant

Flip & Tumble

Friendship Chinese Restaurant

Erika Gilchrist

Graymont Medical

Paul Groshko

Haven Home Staging

Tisa Henderson

Walter Hoeppner

Kim & Carlos Hot Dogs

Liberty Plumbing

Magellan Development Group

Major Taylor Trailkeepers Bike Club

Northstar #1 Masonic Lodge

Olympia Fields Country Club

REI Co-op

Rotary One

Dan Rutherford

James and Linda Shuetz

Isabella Sorensen

Spavia

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

The Weaving Mill

Susan Turner

Vienna Beef

Visor Consulting

4,200

Members and caregivers served over the last year with empathy and compassion

98%

Annual satisfaction rate with our intellectual and developmental disabilities programs and mental health services

170

People with disabilities and mental health challenges transitioned from state institutions to homes in the last year avoiding homelessness

15,304

Hours of Respite Services for families reducing caregiver burnout and allowing our clients with disabilities to remain at home without the need for crisis services or institutionalization

83

Homes across Chicagoland and Central Illinois where hundreds of our members safely reside integrated into their communities

12,700

Hours of behavior analytic services helping adults with intellectual and development disabilities reduce challenging and injurious behaviors and improve communication so they can live their best lives in community settings

900+

Staff serving our members with empathy every time and everywhere

24

Issues of our member produced newsletter Unlimited Voices published for an audience of nearly 600

5,000+

Miles pedaled by members and volunteers building independence and confidence on our fleet of adaptive cycles over paths, trails, streets and tracks around Chicagoland

455

Average number of community outings and activities enjoyed each week by hundreds of members helping them become more integrated into the neighborhoods where they live and work

Financial Highlights

Our financial result is reflective of tremendous growth over the past year with our community living programs as a major catalyst. During this period, we increased our client population adding 108 members in 19 homes, In addition, we achieved healthy revenue growth from our mental health programs with our Comprehensive Community Transition Program virtually doubling the number of persons served. Total net assets increased by $1.252 million thanks to these programs’ growth combined with prudent management of expenses and funds being invested in new homes to continue to serve more individuals in a community setting. Thus, our financial position continues to be solid.

As with most non-profit institutions that rely on government funding, there is some level of uncertainty. Upcoming challenges include the need for capital to expand services to those who do not have access and the need to invest in growing and developing the agency’s infrastructure of processes and systems. To meet such challenges, we continue to explore ways to preserve and increase governmental funding while also seeking to increase support from our donors.

Brittany Nanry Board Treasurer

program expenses

consolidated balance sheet (as of 6/30/23 unaudited)

6/30/23

ASSETS

Total

Total Assets

Total

Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with intellectual, development and psychiatric disabilities with a mission that promotes choice, independence and inclusion. Since our founding in 1948, we have built a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Our innovative services include community living options; novel day programs; employment, respite and mental health services; and foster care for children with disabilities. Today, we support 4,200+ members and their caregivers in becoming part of the community, transitioning to safe homes, and accessing support services so they can live their lives to their greatest potential.

For more information visit www.envisionunlimited.org