Accessible public transportation can be a cornerstone of a full life.
We encourage our community to have their voices heard on the issue of accessible public transit in northern Chicago and Evanston. 
Please consider joining CTA staff to learn about a planning study for the future of the Red and Purple Lines and provide input about how the transit experience could be improved.
Attend a virtual community meeting about the RPM Next Phases Study on March 14 (Chicago project area) or March 16 (Purple Line Evanston Branch) to hear from the project team about the CTA’s vision for a more accessible, reliable, and modern Red and Purple Line. Similar information will be shared at both meetings. You are also invited to take a survey to share your input, whether you can attend a meeting or not.
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 | 6-7 pm
Chicago Project Area Click here to register for the Zoom meeting
Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 6-7 pm
Purple Line Evanston Branch Click here to register for the Zoom meeting
Take the Survey Survey Link
CTA is undertaking the next phase of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) program to rebuild and modernize the 100-year-old northern portion of the Red and Purple Lines from Belmont to Linden.
Phase One of the RPM program is currently under construction (in the area just north of Belmont station and approximately between Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations).
The RPM Next Phases Planning Study initiates the planning work necessary to complete the improvements along the remaining areas within the 9.6-mile corridor, including the entirety of the 3-mile Purple Line Evanston Branch.
Once completed, the RPM program would fully replace infrastructure and stations that are significantly beyond their useful life and would allow CTA to increase train capacity, add accessibility, and improve the customer experience for generations to come. The RPM Next Phases Planning Study is the first step of the planning process that will set goals and objectives, engage the public, identify potential projects, and evaluate alternatives and
phasing.
The RPM Next Phases Planning Study focuses on three segments of the north Red Line and the Purple Line Evanston Branch:
Addison to Sheridan
Thorndale to Howard
Evanston Branch (Howard to Linden)
This year, Brews & Bites will be held at Evanston’s newest brewery – Double Clutch Brewing Company, 2121 Ashland Avenue, Evanston. Double Clutch is more than just a brewery. It has on display an extensive collection of rare and vintage classic cars. This large, relaxed venue will give us the chance to taste all kinds of beers, eat a delicious summer dinner, play Brews & Bites bingo, and much more! 
Have you heard about how much fun our Evanston events are from your friends? Do you want to experience an event that illustrates what it means to fully include people with disabilities? Join us at 
We view SPARK as an opportunity to celebrate our whole community, including Independent Futures’ participants, families, employees, donors, and community partners. That means there will be dancing, dinner, and a lot of chances for fun! 
Let all your friends know you’re busy on Saturday, November 7th now, and get your tickets online today
For the past twelve years, Cynthia Witherspoon has been working with the Full Life Model, developing tools and resources. She is an expert in our online application for life skills development, 
My Full Life Director Chrissy Dale also escaped to California during Chicagoland’s intense cold. Chrissy presented at the Tools For the Journey conference, hosted by Club 21. Using our Skills Inventory as a Road Map to Independence, Chrissy demonstrated how families can support the growth and development of their child. 
We are proud to offer these workshops and classes to the Evanston and North Shore communities. To the Woman’s Club of Evanston, we want to offer our thanks for making these events possible. 
A road trip offers a chance to experience new places, broaden horizons, and have fun. For Center for Independent Futures participant Adam Wiser, a road trip seemed like a great opportunity to bond with buddies. So last year, Adam and two of his friends went to Pittsburgh, singing along to Billy Joel and enjoying the “thrill of the open road.”
Adam’s parents, Tom and Gloria, encourage him to follow his dreams. “We want our son to grow as an individual, expand relationships, and have the support he needs to become who he is meant to be…his best self,” shares Tom. With Center for Independent Futures support, Adam is part of a genuine community and has a full life with authentic connections. “If anything comes up, serious or not, someone is there to support him through it,” says Tom. “For parents living away from their kids, that’s a lifesaver.”
