Aspire Chicago

July is Disability Pride Month! 🎉 It's a time to celebrate the incredible achievements, resilience, and diversity of the disability community. 🌟 Let's honor the progress made, acknowledge the challenges still faced, and amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities. Here at Aspire, this month serves as a powerful reminder of our mission to empower people with developmental disabilities, strengthen families, and build embracing communities. Join us in spreading awareness, supporting inclusive practices, and advocating for a world where everyone can thrive. 💪💙 #PoweredbyPossible #DisabilityPrideMonth #CelebrateDifferences #InclusionMatters Source: The Arc of Illinois Serena Alaily, MBA

Last week, Aspire’s Donor Engagement Officer, Donna Bogosh, and Consultant, Grainne Mahoney, attended the Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce and Community Development's Annual Legislator Breakfast! 🏛️ Donna and Grainne had the opportunity to meet with government officials to discuss key legislative issues like support for business and economic development, as well as funding opportunities to support people with disabilities. A sincere thank you to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch for meeting with us and discussing these crucial topics! With Aspire Community Homes and Academies in their districts, their continued support for these measures means the world to us. They truly are champions of our mission and supporting people with disabilities in our local community. 💙 #PoweredbyPossible #DisabilityInclusion Serena Alaily, MBA

The Career Academy Alliance program had its first day this week! We are so excited to welcome this new group as they embark on their journey towards competitive employment. Shoutout to Aspire Chicago for the welcome gifts on their first day!

Empowering People Through 🍕 Inspiration alert at MOD Pizza in #Chicago. During a recent visit to MOD Pizza , I saw a dedicated member of Aspire Chicago mentoring an employee with disabilities, providing them invaluable work experience and support. I hadn't realized that MOD employs 300+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). "It’s an important initiative for us because 81% of adults with IDD do not have a paid job in the community." Aspire Chicago is an incredible organization committed to creating inclusive communities by empowering individuals with disabilities through education, employment, and support services. Seeing their mission in action, and in partnership with MOD Pizza, was a heartwarming reminder of the positive impact that businesses and organizations can have on people's lives. At Packed with Purpose we are passionate about celebrating initiatives like these use business as a force for good. Kudos to MOD Pizza and Aspire for creating opportunities for all individuals to feel the satisfaction of being part of a professional team, and feel pride in partnering with others to deliver excellent products and services to their customers. Proud to call Aspire's workforce development sister agency, Aspire CoffeeWorks, one of our Impact Partners, where we source their award winning coffee in our gifts! Katie Welge Filippini Beth Scott Serena Alaily, MBA https://lnkd.in/ghDFXxmW #Empowerment #SocialImpact #Inclusion #PurposeDriven #SupportLocal

Feeling the volunteer love! 💖 This past Tuesday, we welcomed CenterPoint Properties to our Shannon Center for a morning full of volunteering fun! 🖌️🎨 They generously painted our office spaces and front entrance with vibrant colors reflecting our recent rebranding. We couldn’t be happier with the results! A huge thank you to CenterPoint Properties for spending your morning with us. We’re already looking forward to future events together! 🌟 #PoweredbyPossible #VolunteerAppreciation #AspireCommunity Serena Alaily, MBA

Netflix is funding a yearlong fellowship for writers and filmmakers with disabilities to help launch their work in the entertainment industry. Each awardee will receive $55,000 to make their short with an experienced crew and support themselves as part of the Visionary Fellowship. In addition, the program will provide access to health insurance, marketing support and money for travel and access needs. This is the largest investment of any studio to try to include perspectives from people with disabilities. Netflix will fund the effort through its Fund for Creative Equity, the program will be run by the Inevitable Foundation, a nonprofit that invests in writers and filmmakers with disabilities. Not a huge amount of $ or time, but a great start, I hope it will lead to many more opportunities for artists in these communities. Diversity and inclusivity benefits everyone! https://lnkd.in/eM8ej4yv

Celebrating a Day of Care! 🌟 Last week, we had an amazing time at Wesco Anixter’s second annual Day of Caring! Wesco employees spent the day learning about local nonprofits, volunteering, and contributing to local causes. Wesco volunteers built gardening kits, wrote notes of cheer for those living in our Community Homes, and shared all about our fantastic programs here at Aspire. 🪴✉️ Huge thanks to Wesco Anixter for including Aspire in this day dedicated to giving back to the community! Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait for more events together! 💙 #PoweredbyPossible #WescoDayofCaring #AspireCommunity Serena Alaily, MBA

🎳 Who doesn’t love a day of bowling? 🎳 A big thank you to Northwestern Medicine for spending Saturday morning with us bowling! 🫶 The energy and enthusiasm made the day incredibly enjoyable for everyone involved and we are still celebrating all of the strikes! 🎉 We are so grateful for your support and for making such a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Your kindness and dedication help create a more inclusive and connected community. 💙 We can’t wait to do this again soon! 🌟👏 #PoweredbyPossible #VolunteerAppreciation #AspireCommunity Serena Alaily, MBA

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and honoring the resilience, culture, and contributions of Black communities. It reminds us of the ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and equality. Here at Aspire, we are committed to fostering inclusivity and standing in solidarity in the fight against intolerance. Join us in commemorating this important day by learning more about its history, supporting Black-owned businesses, and advocating for social change. ❤️💚💛 #Juneteenth #PoweredbyPossible #Inclusion Serena Alaily, MBA

The countdown has officially begun! 1 week until we welcome the students to our new Career Academy Alliance program. Parents Alliance Employment Project and Aspire Chicago partnership aims to further support competitive employment for people with disabilities. They are all badged and ready to begin!