CFI News
Press Releases
FALL 2011
Our annual golf outing and dinner dance on September 30th was our most successful ever! Thanks to you, we raised over $160,000, all of which will be used to support our programs for children with physical disabilities! Watch our fundraiser video and read more about event.
WINTER 2011
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
National Conductive Education Day is February 23rd!
Help us recognize and honor children in their journey towards independence by learning more about Conductive Education! Visit our resource page.
April 22 – Workshop for Moms
This 1-day conference aims to inform mothers about research and empower them to use innovative strategies to improve their own health, wellness, and network of support. Space is limited register now! Learn more.
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.
October 2011 – The Special Kids Foundation awards CFI a grant
The Special Kids Foundation recently awarded the Center a $20,000 grant to be used to support the salary of one of our full–time physical therapists. The generosity of people and foundations like the Special Kids Foundation allow us to provide intensive motor training programs to children regardless of income of insurance limitations. Thank you for helping us teach children independence! Read more about the Special Kids Foundation.
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!
May 2011 — CFI Board Member & Parent, Shirley Sains, named Working Mother of the Year by Northern Trust
Shirley Sains has been with Northern Trust for 25 years and is a Senior Vice President and Manager of IT Service Management (ITSM). Shirley children, Savana (10) and Tanner (6) were both enrolled in Northern Trust’s on–site Child Development Center. While Savana was in the Center, she was diagnosed with multiple disabilities. The Center, Northern Trust and Shirley worked together to accommodate Savana’s disabilities, which allowed Shirley to continue to keep working while being able to monitor Savana’s health and well–being during the day. Shirley credits Northern Trust’s alternative work schedule options as key to managing complex family situations. In her case, this means school consultations and medical appointments that require her attendance during the work day, necessitating flexibility in her work schedule. Additionally, managing the requirements of parenting a complex needs child pushes Shirley to network extensively. Shirley receives and contributes support through her leadership in expanding the Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Displays (PODD) communication system in the Midwest and through her extensive work within the school system on behalf of non–verbal, non–ambulatory children.
