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

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