spring 2015
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ISSUE 3 Lucky Ones Win
Big at Poker 4 Little City and Aunt
Martha’s Partnership 5 Leaving a Legacy 6 Get Involved in PFG
Therapeutic Day School Doubles in Size to Accommodate 50 Students hrough transformational design and innovative programming, Little City’s ChildBridge Center for Education therapeutic day school provides a distinctive pathway to achieving success and greater independence by uniquely preparing students for lifelong inclusion, at home and in the community.
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Begun in 2013, the planned expansion of the East Wing of the therapeutic day school is now complete. Little City anticipates doubling its enrollment by the end of FY2017, and is increasing its capacity from 22 students to 50 students diagnosed with autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities. The therapeutic day school has doubled in size from 5,000 square feet to more than 10,000 square feet, adding four additional classrooms, a life
Made up of different colors, textures and threads, the individual elements of a tapestry are not impactful or dramatic, but when woven together, they create something extraordinary and purposeful. Like a tapestry, the lives and individual stories of those touched by the Little City mission create something moving and special.
(Above) Classrooms include a calming area for students to decompress from classroom activities. (Right) Music therapy and other cutting-edge therapies and services provide opportunities for engagement.
skills lab, vocational lab, library/media center, two therapy rooms and a sensory gym. The expanded wing also includes a teacher workroom, office and conference room for Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings. The expanded space will enable staff to provide a new, dynamic educational routine for Little City students. Students will be changing Innovative design, including classrooms every 45 minutes, quite curved walls, help to create a soothing environment. similar to the class schedule of a traditional middle school or high school. To reduce anxiety and drive academic learning, adaptive sensory-sensitive features include soothing LED lighting, calming colors and curvilinear walls. Little City has opened admissions for a limited number of additional students. Contact Tim Gavin, Intake & Admissions Coordinator today to schedule a personal tour at 847-221-7859 or at tgavin@littlecity.org.
E xecutive Director’s Corner “We are called to be strong companions and clear mirrors to one another, to seek those who reflect with compassion and a keen eye how we are doing, whether we seem centered or off course ... we need the nourishing company of others to create the circle needed for growth, freedom and healing.” – Wayne Muller
Dear Friends, At Little City, we are happy to be moving into the months of the year that include warmer weather, spring and growth. April is Autism Awareness month. Please join Little City and the global community as we “Light the City Blue.” You can show your support by replacing outdoor lightbulbs with blue lights. Learn more about autism and “Light the City Blue” at littlecity.org/autism. Thanks to the generosity of the Hockfield and Rose families, the Dorothy Rose Horticulture Center is getting a refresh and facelift. New insulated windows for the greenhouse, a gorgeous stainless sink, a high-tech thermostat and other amenities will enable staff at the Center for Employment and Business Opportunities to launch a sustainable horticulture program and farmers market. The program will be designed and led by Horticulture Manager, Dee Sams.
Little City University is proud to unveil its new smart classroom capabilities. Using Link and Infinitec software, LCU is now able to reach and instruct staff in all Little City locations: on campus, Schaumburg and Chicago offices. Funded by the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, the accessible smart classrooms assist staff in maintaining their training requirements and certifications. The ChildBridge Center for Education therapeutic day school is growing by leaps and bounds, and has doubled in size to serve an anticipated student census of 50. Applications for enrollment are now being accepted. Please contact Tim Gavin for a tour at 847-221-7859, or by email at tgavin@littlecity.org. Thank you for being “strong companions” on our path and “clear mirrors” to reflect our progress. Your feedback and support directly contribute to the growth of our programs, enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Yours in service,
Shawn E. Jeffers Executive Director
L i t t l e C i t y Spot l ig h t New Little City Board Director David Bishop Little City Board of Directors David brings a passion to further the mission of Little City in helping those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. As a Board Director, he will be a steward and an ambassador for Little City, helping to provide adequate resources to fulfill its mission. David Bishop is a Wealth Management Advisor with Fifth Third Private Bank. He has almost 30 years of extensive experience in trust, asset management and financial markets. Prior to joining Fifth Third, David spent the last 15 years in client development, relationship management and management roles for several commercial banks. He is married to Susan, and has two daughters, Jane and CeCe.
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He a rt of t h e C i t y Lucky Ones Win Big at Poker Tournament and Casino Night Congratulations to the winner of the Poker Tournament, Doug Dorn, who won a $10,000 seat at the World Series of Poker. This year, guests enjoyed the emcee talents of Lou Canellis, FOX 32’s Sports Anchor. A scrumptious all-night buffet was provided by Gibson’s Steakhouse. On behalf of the children and adults at Little City, we would like to thank everyone in attendance for making the Tournament a success and supporting our mission. Together, we are helping individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities realize their unique potential to live safely, learn continuously, explore creatively and work productively throughout their lifetime.
Grand Champion Winner, Doug Dorn, wins the $10,000 seat at the World Series of Poker.
ore than 115 poker players and 55 supporters helped raise $130,000 for Little City on March 6th at the Montgomery Club in Chicago. Now in its 3rd year, the Poker Tournament and Casino Night provides an exciting evening of chance for lucky participants. Proceeds from the event benefit children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A special thank you to all our sponsors for their generosity in helping make this event possible: Presenting Sponsor: Spex; Straight Sponsors: Aurora Investment Management, Rocco & Roxanne Martino, Scott & Maureen Chaikin Family Foundation, Kovitz Investment Group, Venture One Real Estate; Three-of-a-Kind Sponsors: Martin Family Foundation, Katten Muchen Rosenman, LLP, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd., Syd Jerome Men’s Wear, Inc., Select Rehabilitation, Wintrust Commercial Banking; Official Media Sponsor: SPLASH. Tina Schubert and Eleni Bousis played poker and supported Little City.
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Feast on exclusive delicacies from Chicago’s hottest restaurants, while networking with other young Chicago professionals for a great cause. This year, the event benefits the Little City Special Olympics Team.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
REGISTER TODAY AT LITTLECITY.ORG/FRENZY.
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Little City Chief Philanthropy Officer, Edward Hockfield, and Michael Caputo, Director of Marketing, Spex enjoy the evening.
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M a k i ng a Di ffer ence Little City and Aunt Martha’s: Partners in Healthcare Service Delivery Aunt Martha’s dentist, Dr. Ahmed El-Maghraby, has left to pursue other opportunities, and we wish him well on his future endeavors. In his place, we welcome Dr. Sheena Vaswani to Aunt Martha’s and Little City. Dr. Vaswani completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at New York University and comes to us with experience in special needs dentistry, including assisting patients with seizure disorders, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. Betsy Ducote continues to be the registered nurse available at the health care clinic during regular operating hours and has access to the clinic’s Medical Director for any patient issues. At Little City, Tina Marie Lowry was recently promoted to Director of Health and Wellness Services. She will serve as the liaison with Aunt Martha’s. As we work to continually raise the bar in health care for individuals with disabilities, we would like to hear from you in regards to your expectations. Your comments and concerns pertaining to the health care needs of your loved one are vitally important to our team. We encourage you to email Tina at tlowry@littlecity.org. John Konopelski is the new Nurse Practitioner at the Center for Health and Wellness.
ittle City is making ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opened in 2010, the Center for Health and Wellness is located on Little City's therapeutic, 56-acre Palatine campus. In partnership with Aunt Martha's, the clinic provides culturally competent medical care for people with disabilities, addressing their physical, dental, mental and behavioral needs, and improving health outcomes in each of those areas.
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We are excited to share some exciting news of staff changes and additions, as well as schedule modifications, so those receiving services will be able to receive the best medical care in addition to having greater accessibility to the clinic. To ensure the Center for Health and Wellness is well staffed to serve the needs of our residents, Aunt Martha’s has allocated NP, John Konopelski from another clinic. John is a nurse practitioner that is committed to excellence in patient care. He believes that “care is not only of the physical, but includes the mind, spirit, and dignity of every person.” John received his Doctorate of Nursing from Rush University.
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In partnership with Aunt Martha's, the Center for Health and Wellness provides culturally competent medical care for people with disabilities.
Helping Hands Little City extends its appreciation to the following groups and countless individuals, for their recent volunteer work with us: • Adult LifePath Valentine’s Day Volunteers • HealthFirst • Hoffman Estates ATP
• Kovitz Investment Group • Little City Junior Board • Poker Tournament & Casino Night Volunteers • St. John’s Lutheran-Algonquin
For detailed descriptions of these recent projects or to learn more about getting involved, visit www.littlecity.org/volunteer or contact (847) 221-7804.
The Donor’s Corner "I personally believe in the mission of Little City. I would consider it an honor to listen to your wishes and work closely with you to help you make your gift and leave your legacy." India Alexis Ehioba, MNA, CFRE, Senior Philanthropy Officer and Director of Planned Giving, is an experienced, highly-credentialed gift advisor. The Donor's Corner is a regular column providing helpful information on various gift options to Little City friends and supporters. You can contact India directly at 847.221.7809 or iehioba@littlecity.org with your questions and to discuss your personal interest in supporting Little City.
Leaving a Legacy of Friendship and Philanthropy
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t 21, Karl Konrad Jansson left his home in Sweden to fulfill his dream in America. As a young man, Karl had three simple goals:
1. Find a job 2. Learn to speak English 3. Americanize his name to Carl Conrad Johnson. A few months ago, we planned this story to feature one of Little City’s most loyal donors, who happened to be the oldest living man in the United States. In fact, he was just a few weeks shy of his 111th birthday. Unfortunately, on the morning we were scheduled to meet Mr. Johnson, he passed away. Saddened to miss the chance to meet this great man, I spoke to his many friends. Conrad Johnson lived an active life as a leader in business, the community and his church. He married his first wife, Walborg, in 1944; she passed away in 1988. He married Alice in 1990 and stayed by her side until her death in 2002.
We believe that Alice, through her charitable work with children, introduced Mr. Johnson to Little City. He was a faithful supporter for 25 years. Mr. Johnson’s friends, LaVerne and Kathleen Larson, shared that Mr. Johnson was an astute businessman, who achieved great success with his investments. He worked as a carpenter and remodeler of homes in the Rockford Conrad Johnson was the oldest living man in area. Mr. Johnson often worked with the United States and a long-time supporter of renters of his renovated homes to allow Little City. them to buy their home, with no down payment and very low interest rates. Many generations of families remain grateful to him for the opportunities he gave them to own a piece of the American Dream. His friends said, “Mr. Johnson had boundless generosity. He always made giving a priority, from his humble beginnings, and after he became a business success.” I regret that I never had a chance to meet Mr. Johnson, not just because he became a bit of a celebrity due to his age of 110, nor because he included Little City in his estate plans. My maiden name is also Johnson. Though we are not related, I regret not meeting the man who made charitable giving, healthy habits, and hard work the cornerstone of his life. Leaving a legacy isn’t about being rich, it’s about leaving your memories and your mark on the world in a way that best captures your spirit. Goodbye Mr. Johnson, and thank you for your friendship to Little City. You have and will continue to change lives for the better.
Community Partners Thank you to the following funders for their generous grants that support the work and mission of Little City: • Community Health Charities of Illinois • Marvin & Kay Lichtman Foundation • The RJN Foundation Conrad Johnson on his 110 th birthday.
The above referenced grants were awarded on or after January 2015.
• Rotary Club of Palatine • Village of Arlington Heights • Wells Fargo Foundation the
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News From Around the City Get Involved in PFG
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s a Little City parent or family member, you can play a significant and important role in providing a high quality of life for your loved one.
The Little City Parent, Family and Guardian (PFG) Group provides opportunities for you to network, fundraise, volunteer or simply raise awareness with other families who share a similar mission. Funds raised have supported Little City Special Olympics, summer camp, picnics for children and adults, and staff holiday gift cards. The PFG Group’s annual Ted Arndt Memorial Golf Outing will be on Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Highland Woods Golf Course. There will be many activities and games where golfers have chances
The Parent, Family and Guardian (PFG) Group beautified campus during the annual volunteer day in October 2014.
to win great prizes. If you are unable to golf, please join us for the dinner buffet and participate in a raffle. Entry fees are $150 per golfer and $600 for a foursome. The fee includes an 18 Hole Scramble with cart, lunch, dinner buffet and a free driving range before the shotgun start. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. and the shotgun start is at 1:30. Register now at littlecity.org/pfggolf. We invite you to attend one of our PFG meetings held several times a year to discuss how you can contribute your unique talents and resources to benefit your loved one at Little City. Please contact Phyllis Shipbaugh at (847) 221-7892 for more information. 2015 PFG Meeting Dates: Annual Spring Meeting
Janet Langton volunteers her gardening talents to brighten the Palatine campus.
Parent, Family, Guardian Meeting Parent, Family, Guardian Meeting Annual Fall Meeting PFG Volunteer Event
Sunday, April 19, 2015 Sunday, June 7, 2015 Sunday, August 9, 2015 Sunday, October 4, 2015 Sunday, October 11, 2015
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm 10:30 am - 1:00 pm 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
PFG Golf Outing .
Honoring the Spirit of Patrick Fergus
Friday, June 26, 2015 Highland Woods Golf Course Hoffman Estates, Illinois
During this golf outing, there will be many activities and games on have exclusive delicacies fromprizes. Chicago’s restaurants, while F R IAT: DAY, MAY 1 whereFeast golfers a chance to win great If youhottest are unable REGISTER NOW 6 :00-9 :0 0-9 :00 : 00 P.M. networking with other young Chicago professionals for a great cause. to golf, please join us for our dinner buffet and participate in our WWW.LITTLECITY.ORG/PFGGOLF raffle. There will be some great prizes given away. LOFT 644 CHICAGO, IL
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Parent/Family/Guardian Group Annual Ted Arndt Memorial Golf Outing
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ittle City aims to continually provide a distinguished quality of life for the people it serves, including offering a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, wellness initiatives, options to explore creativity and more. Some recent updates from around the “City” include:
Little City U Boasts Smart Classrooms
Gianaras Scholarship Awarded
Tony Barrett, Director of Training and Organizational Development presents Little City’s smart classroom capabilities to leadership and program staff during a training session held in March. Employees from all Little City locations: Palatine campus, Chicago and Schaumburg can now attend conferences and trainings from remote locations by using new software and equipment generously provided by the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund.
The Alec K. Gianaras Scholarship was awarded to Karrie Dean, ChildBridge Center for Education Administrator of the therapeutic day school. This award was designed to recognize former Little City Board President Alec Gianaras’ commitment to supporting advanced education, lifelong learning and developing future leaders. Karrie plans to use the Gianaras Scholarship to pursue a Director of Special Education Endorsement to allow her to expand her license.
Horticulture Center Gets a Refresh
Staff Wellness is a Priority
The Dorothy Rose Horticulture Center is getting a facelift during the early spring. Thanks to generous funding from the Rose and Hockfield families, the Center will boast new greenhouse windows, a high-tech thermostat and a gorgeous stainless steel sink, among other amenities. Warmer weather will bring opportunities for youth and adults to get involved in horticulture and the potential for a farmers market.
Volunteers from HealthFirst came to campus and the Schaumburg offices over the course of two days to give free 15-minute chair massages to Little City staff. More than 20 employees clamored for stress relief delivered by two talented massage therapists.
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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Palatine, IL Permit No. 2775
Little City 1760 West Algonquin Road Palatine, IL 60067 www.littlecity.org
C it y Gu ide : Up com i ng Events PFG Golf Outing
6TH Annual Food Frenzy
Friday, June 26, 2015 Highland Woods Golf Course Hoffman Estates, IL Friday, May 1, 2015 Loft 644 | Chicago, IL Feast on exclusive delicacies from Chicago’s hottest restaurants, while networking with other young Chicago professionals at Little City’s 6th Annual Food Frenzy, hosted by Little City’s Junior Board. Register at littlecity.org/frenzy.
A golf outing designed exclusively by Little City’s Parent, Family and Guardian Group. Enjoy a wonderful day of golf and exciting contests. For more information or to register, contact Phyllis Shipbaugh at 847-221-7892 or online at littlecity.org/pfggolf.
52ND Annual LCI Golf Classic Monday, August 3, 2015 Twin Orchard Country Club, Long Grove, IL
Enjoy 18 holes of golf at a premier golf course, followed by dinner, silent and live auctions. This year we honor David Althoff, Managing Director of Duff & Phelps. Register today at littlecity.org/lci.