2021 annual report
Reimagining Independence
Adventures and Expeditions
Front Cover: Envision member Noemi enjoys the imaginative Van Gogh Immersive Experience, one of the 2021 Adventures and Expeditions shared by our members.
Board of Directors
Dan Durbin, Chair
Julie Dreixler, Vice-Chair
Mark Jak, Vice-Chair
Brittany Scott Nanry, Treasurer
Chrisonia Butler, Secretary
Heather Nornes, Immediate Past Chair
Jon S. Bilton
Kate Caldwell, PhD
Becky Carroll
Ryan C. Green
L Justin Harris
Mark Jackson
Fernard (Robert) Kenniel
Lawrence Kipperman
Niamh Kristufek
Mary K Krupka
Ashvin Lad
John F. Lemker
Lori Marin
Ed Mullen
Dennis O’Malley
Dorothy O’Malley
Dan Proft
Sarah C. Rassey
Zernul Shackelford, Jr.
Brian Snell
Mohib Yousufani
Mark McHugh
President and CEO
Associate Board
Katherine Bagnowski
Keirstin McCambridge
Sarah Morse
Alyssa Poniatowski
Colleen Raleigh
Simone Schwartz
Lars Skarford
Sylvia Wtorkowski
Kenzie Hunt, Staff Liaison
Executive Team
Mark McHugh
President and CEO
Bishal Maskey
Chief Financial Officer
Betty Jackson
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Marty Kenahan
Chief Development Officer
Paul Selden
Chief Strategy Officer
Colleen Rosa
Senior Vice President, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Services
Jean Xoubi
Senior Vice President, Mental Health and Business Development
Donna Ennis
Vice President, Community Living, Home-Based and In-Home Respite Services
Susan Gardner
Vice President, Day and Employment Services
Daniel Kennedy
Director of Property Management
Robert Kowalski
Director of Human Resources
Angela Isit
Director of Quality Assurance
Chrisonia Butler
Director of Board Affairs
We Thank Our Heroes
Donna Ennis
Henrietta Okonta
Anthony Bennett
Erika Wright
Gabriela Karteir
Jason Whitmer
Jimmy Sanchez
Monika Neuland-Thomas
David Pufundt
Dasheka Moore
Yolanda Battle, RN
Dan Kennedy
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Welcome
#EnvisionProud. We frequently use this hashtag in reaction to Envision Unlimited’s accomplishments during the pandemic. We are immensely proud that the Board of Directors’ plans and investments, leveraged by an adept and passionate management team and a committed and caring staff, has led to our resilient emergence from a shocking global pandemic and lockdown.
We could not have predicted such an extreme event. We also did not realize that our standard preparedness level and commitment to protect and support the Envision members and staff in our community homes, day centers, and mental health programs would inspire us to be resilient through the worst weeks of the pandemic.
Our management and staff could have spent the remaining months of FY 2021 just maintaining our high level of service. Instead, they actively searched for new challenges to conquer. And they reimagined new ways to serve. Thanks to their passion, we now deliver more flexible, accessible, innovative, and responsive programs for individuals with disabilities than we have in our 73-year history.
We have learned that we can keep the pandemic on our radar without allowing it to change our trajectory. For example, Envision is now delivering training and therapy to children in their familiar home surroundings or conveniently online. We also have implemented the Illinois Department of Human Services’ multidisciplinary Acute Community Treatment/Community Support Team approach that enables individuals with acute mental illness to receive the services they need without isolating them from their communities. We even help them find and maintain employment.
Are we #EnvisionProud? Yes! We are excited that reimagining Envision is giving more people with disabilities the chance to reimagine their lives.
It would not have been possible without your support. On behalf of the Board, I extend our heartfelt thanks.
Warmest regards, Chairman of the Board
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Board Chair Dan Durbin joins Envision Media Club members and staff during our month-long InMotion for Envision fitness challenge.
Who doesn’t remember their first time riding a two-wheel bike? You probably were nervous—and the handlebars were wobbly. After all, you had never done this, so someone held onto the rear of the bike to keep you steady while you persevered.
Before you knew it, you were coasting down the sidewalk. You turned around to brag about how well you were doing—and no one was there! You had been pedaling in a straight line without training wheels, and you were picking up speed.
For Envision Unlimited, this past year was much the same experience. We had never encountered anything as alarming as a pandemic or its accompanying lockdowns. Yet, there we were, making all the necessary adjustments not only to power through several phases of it, but to reimagine a new normal on
our terms. We designed new programs that made inclusion a more tangible experience for our members, as you’ll see in this report. Some of them were in conjunction with community partners who were eager to engage more deeply with our programs and members.
While we do not invite adversity, we found a silver lining that made us stronger and more resourceful. It brought us together for the common good. And, as we have learned during the past year, it can inspire us to reimagine an even greater Envision Unlimited tomorrow than we created today.
Thank you for joining us on this thrilling ride!
Gratefully,
President and CEO
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Envision members Jenny O and Phoebe exercise with President and CEO Mark McHugh during our reimagined fitness fundraiser, InMotion for Envision.
Reimagining
Community Day Services,
Around the world, many struggled to adjust to the realities of a global pandemic. But in the Envision Unlimited universe, we saw an opportunity to reimagine, reinvent, and reshape our community day services offerings. The changes we created are not only dramatic; they are engaging and popular. Our new Adventures, Expeditions, and Neighbors programs give our members more choices, more independence, and enables them to be integrated into the community more organically than ever before.
This “new normal” in our Community Day Services reinforces our mission, sharpens our vision, and our staff and members love it!
• Members attend social or cultural outings in addition to those initiated by their day programs.
• Outings can occur in the evenings or during weekends anywhere in the city.
• Outings are planned by members and enable them to meet with friends, like others their age.
• They choose a meeting place—and arrive and depart independently rather than as a group.
• Members visit each other’s communities and discover what makes them unique.
• The program also encourages members to explore their own communities, meet small business owners and workers.
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Adventures Unlimited
Expedition Model Neighbors Program
MORE Choices
MORE Independence
MORE Inclusion
Autism Therapy, and Mental Health
In 2021, we expanded our autism treatment services to children between the ages of 2-17. We began delivering these vital services directly in their homes through our accredited ABA Therapy telehealth program.
We also elevated our mental health services to another level by adding telepsych (online) services and new programs for those with serious mental illness. The Acute Community Treatment (ACT) and the Community Support Team (CST) hybrid model gives clients access to mental health services close to their homes and surrounds them with 24/7-level support to manage their illness. Many are able to not only avoid hospitalization but also successfully hold jobs.
• Leverages Envision’s 70+ years experience to improve the outcomes for the growing number of children diagnosed with autism.
• Children safely receive therapy in familiar surroundings.
• Treatment and support are offered near clients’ homes.
• A multi-disciplinary team provides psycho-therapy, substance abuse treatment, psychiatry and help with housing and employment.
• Aims to decease the number of crisis episodes and help clients manage their illness, reduce symptoms and avoid hospitalization.
• Also employs a multidisciplinary team approach.
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In-Home and Online ACT Program Mental Health Stronger Support CST Program Mental Health More Resilience
ABA Therapy for Children
Inclusion
Mental Health Client Lands a Dream Job and a Home
As a teen, Danny dreamed of being an auto mechanic. He pursued that dream at Truman College and even landed a job in the field. He quickly discovered that he really didn’t enjoy it. After experiencing symptoms of mental illness, he wanted a job that could help him manage his health needs. His employer shifted him to a janitorial role.
That worked. “It was easier and more flexible,” he said. Then Danny spotted a position online that really excited him: a janitorial role at Wrigley Field. He has worked at Wrigley for one year with the aid of Envision’s Community Support Team. He also has moved out of a group home into his own apartment.
“The goal is two-fold: resilience and recovery,” explained Jean Xoubi, Senior Vice President of Mental Health and Business Development. “Once resilient, individuals should be better able to get on and stay on the road to recovery, including holding a job and becoming self-sufficient.”
Host Family Program Delivers Warm Welcome
Within a span of four months, the two most important people in Terrill’s life were gone. His brother died in January 2021. In April, complications from Covid claimed his mother. At 51, Terrill suddenly needed a home. Envision’s Host Family Program places adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in compatible homes. But the pandemic made it difficult to make those vital in-person connections.
The shift to virtual meetings, allowed Maggie and Jerome Harris to visit with Terrill online. The couple had fostered four teens and had previously hosted an Envision member. When Host Family Coordinator Latonia Everett told them about Terrill, they were eager to host again.
That first meeting was followed by weekend visits, and the two men quickly bonded over sports.
In late August, Terrill moved into the Harrises’ Southwest Side home. In September, he took time off from work and joined his host family for a nine-day vacation in Las Vegas, where the Harrises have property.
“Terrill is such a warm person. He just touched my heart. We just fell in love with him. I tell everybody he’s my son,” said Maggie Harris, who also has a grown daughter. “He likes helping around the house. He’s perfect in every way.”
By all accounts, this pairing was a match made in heaven—an outcome the Envision Host Family program strives to achieve. They exceeded their placement goals for 2021, despite the pandemic challenges. And they anticipate another successful year—no matter what challenges arise.
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Reimagining
http://1cau.se/aEN
Fundraising
Board Director Mark Jackson, son Cole Jackson, Director Ed Mullen, and Envision member Walter G. helped kick off the 2021 InMotion for Envision fitness challenge. The monthlong event was created by 2020 Donor of the Year Tim Smith when the pandemic canceled our Bike the Drive fundraiser.
ABC 7’s Tanja Babich graciously welcomed us into her home where she hosted our first virtual gala. And world-renowned violinist Patricia Treacy chatted with us before her solo performance. Scan the QR code to see why our reimagined gala received such rave reviews.
With the help of staff, volunteers, and community partners, members produced a highly successful virtual fashion show. Scan below to enjoy “Fashion Outside the Box.”
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Reimagining
2021
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Envision Unlimited’s balance sheet continued to improve this past year, providing the flexibility necessary to enhance programs and services which achieve our overall mission and purpose. Through determination and perseverance, we were able to achieve this despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During fiscal year 2021, net assets totaled $10,609,561—an increase of $220,265 notwithstanding reduction in program fees because of the pandemic. This increase was largely driven by government support through CARES Act funding and “Reinvention” payments.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) services continued its strong performance along with Community Living Services and Mental Health Services while Day Program Service revenues suffered due to pandemic-driven low member attendance.
While we begin fiscal year 2022 with similar pandemic-related challenges, we are hopeful that our programs will get back on track for growth and enhanced services as COVID-19 infections diminish and we return to normalcy.
Brittany Nanry, Board Treasurer
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PROGRAM EXPENSES Foster Care Services $1,613,835 Mental Health Services $7,548,018 Community Day Services $7,931,763 Community Living Services $23,133,629 Other Program Services $464,807
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Summary of Revenues/Expenses
(Deficit)
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NET SURPLUS
$300,000 $150,000 2020 2021 TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE $0 $25,000,000 $50,000,000
For the 12 months ending 6/30/2021 In whole dollars 2021 2020 YTD FY Ending 6/30/2021 6/30/2020 Actual Actual Revenues: Operational Revenue 40,439,500 35,626,582 Program fees and other revenues 3,068,257 3,284,312 Contributions 1,315,924 2,373,238 Total Support and Revenue 44,823,681 41,284,132 Expenses: 7,931,763 9,032,463 23,133,629 22,501,821 1,613,835 1,415,750 7,548,018 4,039,197 Community Day Services Community Living Services Foster Care Services Mental Health Services Other Program Services 464,807 452,132 Total Program Expenses 40,692,052 37,441,363 Management and General 3,289,494 3,121,619 Fundraising & Development 621,873 656,324 Total Expenses 44,603,419 41,219,306 Net Surplus (Deficit) 220,263 64,827 FY2021 FY2020 (Unaudited) Assets Cash & Cash Equivalents 15,840,924 6,815,325 Other Current Assets 2,433,543 3,624,884 Total Current Assets 18,274,467 10,440,209 Fixed Assets, net 7,359,077 7,533,038 Other Assets 113,735 107,735 Total Assets $25,747,279 $18,080,982 Liabilities and Net Assets Total Current Liabilities 7,853,007 6,406,867 Total Long-Term Liabilities 7,284,711 1,284,819 Total Liabilities 15,137,718 7,691,686 Total Net Assets 10,609,561 10,389,296 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $25,747,279 $18,080,982 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $30,000,000 $15,000,000 $0 $0
Reimagining with a little help from 266 Friends
Our heartfelt thanks to our 2021 volunteers—individuals and groups who were so generous with their time, attention, and compassion. You breathed life into our dreams. We deeply appreciate you.
200+ Lovely Individuals
The Ability Experience
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Sheree Bynum
CILA Holiday Party Hosts
Congregation of St. Joseph
Erika Gilchrist
Envision Unlimited Board of Directors
Envision Unlimited Associate Board
Feed6
Graymont Medical
KPMG
Chris & Christopher Eb, Liberty Plumbing
Pi Kappa Phi
REI
Stantec
Team Envision for Bike the Drive
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Erika Gilchrist
Christ Eb
Graymont Medical
2021 Volunteer of the Year Boosted Members’ Self Esteem
“I’m
beautiful. I’m beautiful. I’ve got it going on!”
The words echoed throughout Frick Center as Envision members embraced the spirit of the lyrical mantra. They were all aglow, almost dancing, after spending a few hours with former model Sheree Bynum, who was prepping them for their upcoming fashion show.
Sheree met Envision the same way so many people do: through a chance encounter with Chief Development Officer Marty Kenahan. When Sheree mentioned that she had been a model, Marty cataloged that information and kept in touch.
Fast forward two years. After discovering that Envision members wanted to stage a fashion show, Marty instantly reached out to Sheree. Just as quickly, Sheree volunteered to coach them on walking the runway.
In no time, she said, members’ enthusiasm inspired her. “They have so much energy and life, and great big smiles! And their willingness to be sassy on the runway. I didn’t have to teach them anything. They taught me!”
To reward that sass, Sheree bought and presented each model with a trophy at the dress rehearsal. Each member’s name was engraved on the trophy, along with the mantra Sheree taught them to repeat to themselves as they strutted the runway.
This memorable member-inspired and member-led fundraiser was made even more joyful because of the effervescent woman who not only believed in the members, but reminded them that they are beautiful.
Members Reimagined and Reconnected
After months of being separated from their friends, Envision members at Westtown Center were inspired to imagine how they could stay connected if they couldn’t be together. Their solution was to publish an electronic newsletter for, by and about Envision members: stories about their activities, home lives, favorite books, movies, TV shows, and even recipes.
With the encouragement and support of Westtown Center Director Hannah Lowe and journalist Ruth Lopez, their dream was realized. The initial issues were created as a Word document and emailed. On April 8, they launched their first eight-page volume online. Since then, members from other centers have contributed stories and they have published nearly 30 bi-weekly issues. The collaboration has broadened members’ circle of friends, improved their writing skills, and given them a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
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Sheree (l) coaches Miss Lillie (r)
Reimagination Impacts Satisfaction Rates
Member satisfaction has always been important to us. In previous years, we were only able to sample our program participants for their feedback. This year, we were able to leverage our electronic database and conduct satisfaction surveys with every member in every program. Here are the results:
“I am so excited and proud of the dedication and vigor members put into developing Unlimited Voices,” Hannah reflected. “They’ve taken ownership of this publication and look forward to working on it each week.”
“I like putting my articles into the magazine so someone can read them all because they might like them. It’s an honor for me to write it,” said member Charles A.
“I read the newsletter and I write for it. I’m very excited to see it. It’s so crazy to see me and my friends!”
Jamie P. exclaimed.
Did you miss an issue?
Visit the Unlimited Voices online archive.
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Member journalists collaborate on an issue in the Unlimited Voices “newsroom” at Envision’s Westtown Day Center.
Donors Challenged Us to Reimagine in A BIG Way
Parents Karen and Jon Cashen were concerned. The pandemic had closed their daughter Phoebe’s community day center. Without activities, adventure, and social interaction, what would she and the other members at the Center do? After all, who knew how long the pandemic lockdown would last? And what impact would it have on the well-being of Envision members?
Working with Envision President and CEO Mark McHugh and Vice President of Day and Employment Services Susan Gardner, the brainstorming began.
“We considered a variety of activities that members could engage in away from the centers,” Susan Gardner recalled. One option: As part of its inclusion activities, Envision has always encouraged members to spend more time in the community and exploring the city. Because of the expense, it wasn’t a formal program. Now, it would be.
Donor funding also strengthened Envision’s Art Studio and Van J. Voorhees Horticulture Program activities. There had been a media club, but now they had funding to produce virtual programming for members who were shut in. And they distributed iPads to members who had no technology to access that programming.
There are exercise and sign language classes. Board member Lori Marin hosts an “Arm Chair Adventure” show in which she shares photos from some of her trips to adventurous places. To socialize and meet new friends, there is even a program where members from all the centers can chat with each other over coffee.
And from fashionista Phoebe’s love for blinging purses and gently worn denim jackets was born the idea for the members to produce a runway show with a “Phoebe’s Fashions” segment.
“I think back about how this past year could have been very limiting and really depressing,” Karen Cashen reflected. “But in fact, it has not been. It has been a new way of looking at skills and talents and interests and enthusiasm. And it’s turned out to be just fine, and so I think moving forward, things will be even better!”
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Phoebe teaches roommate Barbara how to decorates a jacket.
Donors Made it Possible to Reimagine
$25,000 and Above
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Karen and Jon M. Cashen Foundation for Human Development
Illlinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
Mary Kay Krupka
Teresa and Robert Lewandowski
Mission Sustainability Initiative at Forefront
PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc.
$10,000-$24,999
Aileen S. Andrew Foundation
Anonymous
Kristen and Jon Bilton
BMO Harris Bank
Jymme and Steve Chaouki
The Coleman Foundation
Congregation of St. Joseph
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Julie and John Dreixler
Nancy and Daniel Durbin
Great Computer Solutions, Inc
MUFG Union Bank
Darque Syde of D’Lyte Productions
Judy and Tim Smith
TransUnion, LLC
$5,000-$9,999
Becky Carroll and Jon Friend
Chicago Temple Fund
Christopher Cartwright
Elliot J. Favus
Illinois Arts Council Agency
Jack Halm and Mark Jak
Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Larry Kipperman
John Lemker
Mark and Leesa McHugh
Mutual of America
Brittany and John Nanry
REI Co-op
RSM US LLC
Lorrie and William Schneider
Staub Anderson LLC
$2,500-$4,999
Patricia L. Arnold
Carol Barnes
Barr Charitable Trust
Beverly Bank & Trust
Paul Behrman
Kate Caldwell
Janet Caldwell
Thomas and Melanie Canale
Ecolab
Rita and Tony Gupta
Illinois Select Risk, LLC
Betty J. Jackson
Jewel Osco Foundation
Marty and Mike Kenahan
Niamh and Christopher Kristufek
James Moyna
Dennis O’Malley
Dorothy and Michael O’Malley
Michael A. Pizzuto
Leanne and Salvatore Oliveri
Sarah and Lou Rassey
Carolyn and Robert Redd
Paul Selden and Karen Singer
Signature Bank
UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago
$1,000-$2,499
Maureen Kennedy Barney
Deborah and Dennis Conway
Doubletake Promotional Marketing
Christ and Christopher Eb
Donna Ennis
Zvia and William Feigenbaum
Meg and Karl Frey
Mary and Michael Green
Ryan Green
Haven Home Staging and Redesign
Mark Jackson
Zina and Milan Jak
Barbara Johnson
Connie Knapp
Halina and Robert Kowalski
Judith and James Kranjc
Kim Kraska
Gail and Don Kraska
Mark Lewandowski
Jason Laky and Isabel Londono
Cindy Lusignan and Nancy Miller
Kristin and Roderick MacRAE
Lori and Lee Marin
Jackie and Tim Martin
Julie McGill
Ed Mullen
Heather and Randy Nornes
Paulist Fathers Old St. Mary’s Church
Marc Realty
Paul Rink
Colleen and Rafael Rosa
Nalini and Ravi Saligram
Marcia Sauzek
Jennifer and Brian Snell
Charlene and Carl Sterzel
Christa and Rox Voorhees
Whole Foods
$500-$999
The Adreani Foundation
Katie and Gerald Bagnowski
Emily Barr and Scott Kane
Bonnie and Brad Bates
Bess Charitable Fund
Cheryl Broadhurst
Jean Butzen
Chicago Community Trust
Jenna Countryman and Craig Roehl
Elizabeth and Rimmer Covington
Lisa and Joe Curci
Colleen Donohoe
Mary and Bradley Lee Fitzpatrick
Susan Gardner
Anastasia and John George
Pam and Richard Goldsmith
William Hackney
Sophia Hamilton
Michelle and Justin Harris
Theodore Krakowski
Philip and Kathleen Lannon
Jorie and Dan Maring
MM Impact Alpha Fund
Kristiana Moynihan
Kristina B. Norton
Rosemarie and Rosito Penera
Melissa and Mark Pignotti
Howard Schnitzer
John Schumacher
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Karen Pierce and Carey Weiss
Karl Stark and Kristin Wolf
Karen and Bob Strizak Giving Fund
Pat Verhoestra
Jean Xoubi
Pattie Zinski
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In-Kind Donations
Atrium Landscaping
Tanja Babich
Mike Broscio
Sheree Bynum
Chicago Creative Re-use Exchange (CCRX)
Classic Kids Chicago
Congregation of St. Joseph
Daou Vineyards
Darque Syde of D’Lyte Productions
Feed6
Firehouse Restaurant
Friendship Chinese Restaurant
Gigi’s Closette
Erika Gilchrist
GiveNKind
Graymont Medical
JLK Architects
Jacob Kofi
Liberty Plumbing
McKinley Park Target Store HR Team
Northwestern Mutual
Old St. Patrick’s Church
On the Route Bikes
Peterson Picture
Paul Pleister
Philip Schwartz Group
RPR Wine
Simple Kindness
Spavia
Stantec
The Weaving Mill
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Atrium Landscaping helped residents of our Whipple CILA create a butterfly garden. This is one of the many projects members are involved with through the Van J. Voorhees Horticulture Program.
Thank You, EnVisionaries
Envision relies on a group of dedicated supporters we fondly call EnVisionaries to contribute $2,500 or more in a calendar year to support our mission and help us realize our vision for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness. This year, their donations helped us reimagine an Envision that is even more responsive to unforeseen circumstances that impact those in our care.
Patricia L. Arnold
Bianca Barr
Kevin Bastuga
Paul Behrman
Kristen and Jon Bilton
Andy Bizub
Kate Caldwell
Melanie and Thomas Canale
Becky Carroll and Jon Friend
Karen and Jon M. Cashen
Jymme and Steve Chaouki
Dianne and Doug Cook
Julie and John Dreixler
Nancy and Daniel Durbin
Bill Elliot
Elliot J. Favus
Diane and Ron Gorski
Tony Gupta
Jack Halm and Mark Jak
Betty J. Jackson
Mark Jackson
Marty and Mike Kenahan
Larry Kipperman
Mary Kay Krupka
John Lemker
Teresa & Robert Lewandowski
Leesa and Mark McHugh
James Moyna
Brittany and John Nanry
Dorothy & Michael O’Malley
Tim Ozinga
Michael A. Pizzuto
Richard Porter
Sarah and Lou Rassey
Carolyn and Robert Redd
Michael Romano
David Scalzo
Lorrie and William Schneider
Paul Selden and Karen Singer
Judy and Tim Smith
Tom Sodeika
Gary Tepas
Patty and Brian Timpone
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EnVisionaries (left to right) John and Julie Dreixler with Sarah and Lou Rassey at a Board gathering.
Thank you for helping us reimagine! 8 South Michigan Avenue Suite 1700 Chicago, Illinois 60603-3353
