By jmeddy on 10/21/2011 10:43 AM

Center for Independent Futures is excited to announce that the Story Pirates event on September 24-25 was a great success!  Over 380 guests attended four matinee shows at Evanston SPACE, and laughed their way through creative and hilarious performances put on by the Story Pirates.  Thirteen of the acts performed were based on stories written by young authors of all abilities from the Chicagoland area.  The authors were recognized for their creative efforts and interviewed about the story-writing process at the conclusion of each performance.

With the generous support and contributions of more than 20 sponsors and community members, CIF brought in needed funds to support programs and services that promote independence for individuals with disabilities.

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By jmeddy on 10/19/2011 1:47 PM

CIF is gearing up for the 8th Annual Something’s Cooking event, its original fundraiser which still makes mouths water and taste buds tingle. The event will be held on Sunday, November 6th from 3-6 p.m. at Prairie Moon (1502 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL).

This year’s event will feature some of the area's finest chefs, restaurants and shops including:

Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Corner Chef,  Koi, Firehouse Grill, That Little Mexican Cafe, Lulu’s, The Celtic Knot, Tom Zipprich, and Prairie Moon.

In addition to tasting plates from each of these chefs, guests will enjoy delicious desserts, a bountiful bar and a culinary-themed silent auction that will tempt every food lover. Be sure to bring the whole family for this festive fall event!

Tickets are available for online purchase on for $50. All proceeds of the event will benefit Center for Independent Futures. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jan Walch at 847.328.2044.

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By jmeddy on 10/18/2011 9:28 PM

On the beautiful autumn morning of October 9th, six Team CIF runners completed all 26.2 miles of the 34th Annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon.  Despite very warm temperatures, our runners achieved many personal goals and crossed the finish line with an impressive average time of exactly 4 hours...WOW!

These runners were dedicated not only to their athletic training, but also to their fundraising efforts. Collectively, Team CIF 2011 has raised over $8,000 to date for Center for Independent Futures!  Several CIF participants and staff enjoyed cheering on Team CIF, passing out snacks to runners, and grooving to music as part of Charity Block Party on Adams Street.

Make a donation to Team CIF before October 31!

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By jmeddy on 10/18/2011 2:40 PM

The 2011 Linkages Resource Fair for Adults with Disabilities and their Families will be held on Tuesday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to Noon in Heller Auditorium at the Bernard Horwich JCC Building, 3003 West Touhy Avenue, Chicago, IL.

This year's fair features two guest speakers, as well as opportunties for private consultations and personal assistance from area service providers and attorneys specializing in disability-related issues.  Center for Independent Futures will be represented at the fair.

Download this flyer for more details.  To register for the event, or to request special accomodations, contact Linkages Coordinator, Rosann Corcoran, at 773.508.1694.

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