CFI News
Press Releases
Spring 2013
Calling all SuperHeroes!
Save the Date for our Annual Fundraiser this September 27th at Seven Bridges Golf Course and Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge, Illinois. Learn more.
Contact us to attend the event, make a donation, or become a sponsor.
Winter 2013
Center for Independence held their Annual Benefit "Reach for the Stars" on Friday, March 1, 2013 at Concorde Banquets. The evening also included diner, music and dancing, live and silent auctions. View the invitation.
Fall 2012
The Center for Independence is proud to partner with United Way and shares in their 125th Anniversary Celebration! Download a special pull out section (10/18/12) in the Chicago Tribune featuring the United Way that also includes CFI.
Summer 2012
As a leader in the field, the Center is committed to community outreach to make Conductive Education programming available beyond our service area. The Center is currently collaborating with Governors State University in University Park, IL to provide a similar program to inner city schools where children of low income, or minorities with physical disabilities are underserved.
Through a grant from the Coleman Foundation, the Center serves as the Lab School/Training Site for Physical and Occupational Therapists enrolled in Governors State University’s Certification Program in the Principles of Conductive Education.
To learn more about this program, visit www.govst.edu/cecert
News Updates
April 2013 — Center Success Stories!
The Center is delighted to share just a few success stories on recent Center graduates!
Kelly Langosch is a freshman at Illinois State University. When asked how CE helped her transition to college and dorm life, Kelly responded “Conductive Education really helps me deal with physical obstacles like opening doors or getting around campus. I understand how to problem solve to make things accessible. CE really helped teach me how to adapt the environment to my ability – I’m even taking a ZUMBA dance class at ISU and I can do it from my wheelchair!”
Colleen Musselman is a freshman at College of DuPage and hopes to be an Adaptive Sports Coordinator. Colleen says the top 3 things Conductive Education taught her is “Independence, Confidence and more Confidence! I’m so grateful for what I learned physically, but I also learned how to problem solve too. CE introduced me to other kids with cerebral palsy that really understand me – that gave me a lot of confidence!”
Congratulations and our best wishes for their continued success in college. We look forward to welcoming back both Colleen and Kelly as classroom assistants this summer – they make fantastic role models for all of the CFI kids!
September 28 2012 – Annual Fundraiser
Our annual golf outing and dinner dance on September 28th was a wonderful success! A big THANK YOU to all who attended to support our programs for children with physical disabilities! Watch our fundraiser video and participate in our 2013 Fundraiser. Subscribe to our email newsletter to be notified of the details.
April 22 2012 – Workshop for Moms
CFI held a one day conference informing mothers about research and empowering them to use innovative strategies to improve their own health, wellness, and network of support.
A HUGE thank you to National Van Lines, Inc. for so generously sponsoring the Healthy Mom, Healthy Family Workshop! They Move Memories!
December 2011 – Two CFI Girls Dance in the Ballet
Two CFI children performed in the Joffery Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” this past December. Check out the Chicago Tribune’s story on our “Stars”! Read the inspiring story.
September 2011 – The Center and United Way partner to improve education outcomes!
As part of United Way’s investment in education, the Center was recognized as a leader in preparing children with physical disabilities for kindergarten in the Chicagoland community and was awarded a grant from United Way. “At United Way we believe a quality education is the foundation of a lifelong learning, good health and economic success. Without an education, we know that people are far more likely to experience economic stress and poor health outcomes” said Wendy DuBoe, Chief Operating Office, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.
The Center is pleased to partner with United Way in helping at–risk children with physical disabilities be successful in Kindergarten, increasing their odds that they will remain in a mainstream school setting, transition on to post secondary school and ultimately, employment! If you do not teach independence – you teach dependence. We are part of the @unitedwaychicago movement!
